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Lindsay and Joey | Pearl Street Grill Wedding

Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Barry and I drove to Buffalo, New York to photograph the *stunning* wedding of Lindsay and Joey. Besides the press this city has been given for the piles of snow they receive each winter, I didn’t really have a picture in my head of what this city was like.  Now that we’ve been there, we absolutely adore it and would photograph there again in a heartbeat!  In addition to the Naval Park and the immense ships available to tour, there are also trendy restaurants sprinkled throughout the city and on the water- it is a dream to take in!  I’m sure there are many other sights that we didn’t even know about during our stay… I guess that gives us a reason to visit again!

To say that Lindsay and Joey are the sweetest couple and part of one of the most kind-hearted and generous families is an understatement. From the second we arrived at the rehearsal on Friday, through Sunday after the wedding, Lindsay, Joey, and both of their families had welcomed us to the festivities with open arms.  There were always smiles on their faces during our conversations, and comments like “sit down and enjoy the food!” to ensure that we were well cared for during our trip and on the job.

Last year, right before Lindsay moved to the West Coast to be with Joey, she and I met to discuss some of her wedding day details. We talked about her wedding venues, her GORGEOUS wedding dress, and about her and Joey.  I remember her saying “make sure that you get some funny pictures with Joey, because he has a kid-at-heart personality.”  Which I learned is spot on- Joey constantly had us chuckling at some of the comments and gestures he’d make throughout the wedding weekend.  But even more obvious was the sheer enamor that Joey has for Lindsay.  And the pure joy Lindsay has when she is around Joey.  I specifically made a comment about this to Barry as their wedding night was wrapping up… I was browsing through their pictures, just looking at the expressions these two had between each other- the laughs, the happy tears, and the embraces.  These emotions extended to their families and friends, also.  If given the chance, I would photograph this wedding all over again to re-live these special moments (and more that I don’t even mention!): when Lindsay’s father surprises her and sings her the “I Loved Her First” country song, when Lindsay’s mother admires Lindsay in her dress and cups her face in her hands and gives her a kiss, when Joey’s sister sees him for the first time in his wedding attire, the way Joey holds Lindsay during their first dance, the expression Joey has when his mother gives him a kiss on the cheek.  This wedding was such a pleasure to photograph and be a part of!

Take a look to see what I mean…

Kleinfeld Hudson's Bay Wedding Dress, mermaid style
At the Lofts on Pearl in Buffalo, New York

Bride's Delight

Mother Helps Bride with Dress

Bride Getting Into Dress

A Laugh with the Bride

Bridesmaids Fluffing Bride's Dress

Bride Putting on Jewelry

Bridesmaids Adoring the Bride

Two Bridesmaids Help the Bride

Brides Reveal to her Father

The Lofts on Pearl, Buffalo New York

The Lofts on Pearl Buffalo, New York

The Lofts on Pearl, Buffalo New York

The Portrait of a Bride

The Portrait of a Bride

At the Lofts on Pearl in Buffalo, New York.  Kleinfeld Hudson's Bay Wedding Dress

At the Lofts on Pearl in Buffalo, New York.  Kleinfeld Hudson's Bary Wedding Dress.

The Lofts on Pearl, Buffalo New York, Wedding

The Lofts on Pearl, Buffalo, New York, Kleinfeld Hudson's Bay Wedding Dress

Champagne and black sparkling bridesmaids gowns.  Kleinfeld Hudson's Bay Wedding Dress.

Champagne and black sparkling bridesmaids gowns. Kleinfeld Hudson's Bay Wedding Dress.

Canalside Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo, New York

Groom Getting Ready

Buffalo New York, Canalside Courtyard Marriott

Groom Holding Naval Sword

Canalside Courtyard by Marriott, Buffalo New York

Canalside Courtyard Marriott, Buffalo New York, Wedding Photographer

Groom and Groomsmen on Bridge

Buffalo Naval Park

Groomsmen's Fun Socks

Karpeles Library Museum, Buffalo New York, Wedding Photographer, Ceremony

Naval Attire

Naval Attire

Groom's Sister Sees Groom

Karpeles Library Museum

Karpeles Library Museum, Buffalo, New York

Guitarist Sings Processional

Buffalo, New York, Karpeles Library Museum

Wedding ceremony at Karpeles Library Museum in Buffalo New York

A wedding processional at the Karpeles Library Museum in Buffalo, New York

Bride Sees Groom

Wedding Ceremony

A wedding ceremony at the Karpeles Library Museum in Buffalo, New York

A wedding ceremony at the Karpeles Library Museum in Buffalo, New York

A wedding ceremony at the Karpeles Library Museum in Buffalo, New York

A wedding ceremony at the Karpeles Library Museum in Buffalo, New York

A wedding ceremony at the Karpeles Library Museum in Buffalo, New York

Bridal Party at Buffalo Naval Park

Bridal Party at Buffalo Naval Park

Bride and Groom at Buffalo Naval Park

Bride and Groom on Ship

Bride and Groom on Ship

Bride and Groom on a Naval Ship

Bride and Groom on Naval Ship

Bride and Groom on Naval Ship

Bride and Groom Kiss on Naval Ship

wedding photography, buffalo, new york, Naval Park, ship

Bride and Groom on a Naval Ship

Bride and Groom on a Naval Ship

Bride and Groom on a Naval Ship

The Pearl Street Grill and Brewery Wedding | Lavender Leigh Photography

Father of Bride

Bride Cries During Toast

Groom's Reaction to Toasts

The Pearl Street Grill and Brewery Wedding | Lavender Leigh Photography-147

Wedding Toasts

The Pearl Grill and Brewery Wedding Reception | Lavender Leigh Photography

Cutting the Cake

First Dance

First Dance

First Dance

Father of Bride Serenades Bride

Bride Becomes Emotional

Emotional Guests

Mother Son Dance

Groom Break Dances

Groomsman Carries Groom

Bride and Mother of Bride Dance Together

Bridesmaids Dancing

Guests Dancing

Guests Dance

Buffalo New York

Party of Nine

Wedding Reception Decor

Buffalo New York, wedding reception

Wedding Cake

Groom's Cake

Wine Barrel Guest Book

Bride's Bouquet

Wedding Bands

Bride and Groom End of Night Shot

Bride and Groom End of Night Shot

Cake: Cold Stone Creamery & Romano’s Italian Bakery
Ceremony Musician: Jamie Wright
Ceremony Venue: Karpeles Mauscript Library Museum- Porter Hall
Entertainment: Party of Nine
Florist: Maureen’s Buffalo Wholesale Flower Market
Limousine: Status Limousine
Makeup Artist: Khaley Danielle
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Reception Venue: Pearl Street Grill and Brewery

Jamie and Brian | Longwood Community Center Wedding Celebration

Jamie and Brian are a beautiful couple that had an intimate wedding ceremony last year on the beach, and threw an amazing celebratory party this year, in honor of it!  Barry and I flew to Florida to capture this lovely couple’s celebration, which was held at the Longwood Community Center.  This venue is a beautifully restored house with a ton of charm, a gorgeous garden patio, and a wrap-around porch.  Truly a gem of a spot!

Jamie and Brian had the most cheerful and fun décor; sunflowers were wrapped in royal blue ribbon and sprinkled around the venue, corn hole was played on the wrap-around porch, and there was even a cookie table, Pittsburgh wedding style!

One of my favorite parts of Jamie and Brian’s night was the surprise love song that Brian wrote *and* sang for Jamie!  Brian is an aspiring country music artist, and it was so sweet to hear him serenade his love.  When Jamie heard the song, her face changed from surprised, to a smile, to tearful. What a sweet moment for such a special couple.

Take a look to see what I mean…

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Lavender Leigh Photography

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

A wedding celebration held at the Longwood Community Building in Florida

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center WeddingLongwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Longwood Community Center Wedding

Kim and Nick | Shannopin Country Club Wedding

Happy summer, friends!  From June into the beginning of July, we were incredibly busy, photographing two weddings in Pittsburgh, a wedding celebration in Florida, and a wedding in New York!  It is time for me to catch up on blogging some of the fabulous days we’ve been a part of.

One of the gorgeous Pittsburgh weddings was the marriage of Kim and Nick at Shannopin Country Club.  It was a blue-sky, bright, and sunny day.  The type of day that was so clear, you could see for miles if standing at the top of a hill.  That is exactly where the wedding ceremony took place for Kim and Nick, right outside of the Country Club, on top of a hill that has the most beautiful view into Pittsburgh.  You could see the city skyscraper tops while watching Kim and Nick say their I Dos!

Maybe it was Kim’s champagne wedding gown with a lace overlay that had me enamored from the start.  Or, maybe it was the blush, gold, and sparkle detail that created such a soft and glamorous palette!  We couldn’t take a bad picture, especially with such a radiant wedding couple and fun bridal party.

There were numerous fun and memorable moments throughout their day, and it came down to two without a tiebreaker as my favorites.  Just minutes before the ceremony, I hop into the ladies’ locker room and hear dance music playing.  I round the corner, and catch Kim and her bridesmaids dancing like no one was watching.  There were hands up in the air and booties shaking, and I couldn’t help but dance along as I snapped a few pictures.

Then, as the ceremony began, and the bridesmaids were walking down the aisle, I hear a voice behind me complimenting each bridesmaid as she reached the end of the aisle.  “You look lovely, Hilary!” Then “Catie, how pretty that dress is!”  I silently laugh (this is a first time I’ve ever heard commentary as I photograph the processional) and turn to see Nick smiling from ear to ear as he speaks to each bridesmaid.  Then his lovely strawberry-blond haired bride walks through the patio doors of the Country Club and down the aisle, and Nick’s excitement and anticipation were endearingly obvious because he became dead silent.  Just a *HUGE* smile across his face (and we have the picture to prove it!)

Take a look to see what I mean…

summer wedding, ceremony, white chairs, sunny day, altar, whispy canopy

lace overlay, ivory, champagne wedding dress, rhinestone belt

wooden hanger, personalized, etsy

sparkling, gold, sandals, bride's shoes, wedding

Gold earrings, bracelet with diamonds, tennis bracelet

lace overlay wedding gown, getting ready, wedding day, bride, mother, sister

Bride getting ready, sister, wedding day

sister, bride, getting ready, putting on wedding dress

wedding party, getting ready, before ceremony, wedding day, blush bridesmaid dresses

blush bridesmaid dresses, getting ready, wedding day, prep

Blueberry champagne, personalized wine glasses

blush bridesmaid dresses, summer day, wedding

Blush bridesmaid dresses, white and pink bouquets

champagne wedding dress, summer day, golf course, lace overlay, lace veil

Bridal Beginnings Wedding Gown, Lace Overlay, Champagne colored dress

lace wedding dress, bride, lace veil

lace wedding dress, bride, back of dress, champagne colored ribbon

Bride, mother of bride, father of bride, family, moments

black tux, gold pocket square, groom, father, getting ready, wedding day

groom, father, before ceremony, country club

Country Club, Shannopin, summer, golf course, groom, getting ready

sunglasses, groom, groomsmen, Country Club, wedding day

groom, shaking hands, groomsman, laughing, country club, Shannopin

groomsmen, gold pocket square, Shannopin Country Club, Pittsburgh, wedding day

summer wedding, gold pocket square, tux, groom, wedding day

wedding day, pre-marriage, getting ready, golf course, summer, Shannopin Country Club

blush bridesmaid dresses, fun moment, dancing, before wedding ceremony

Shannopin Country Club, summer wedding, Pittsburgh, ceremony

Shannopin Country Club, Lavender Leigh Photography, summer, wedding, ceremony

Shannopin Country Club, wedding, summer, ceremony

outdoor ceremony, golf course, city backdrop, sunny day, Lavender Leigh Photography

ceremony, wedding, summer, Lavender Leigh Photography, golf course

Shannopin Country Club wedding, ceremony, summer, Lavender Leigh Photography

outdoor wedding ceremony, Shannopin Country Club, Lavender Leigh Photography, summer

Shannopin Country Club, ceremony, wedding, summer, Lavender Leigh Photography, Pittsburgh, city backdrop

Shannopin Country Club, wedding, summer, Lavender Leigh Photography

Shannopin Country Club, Pittsburgh, wedding, Lavender Leigh Photography, June
Shannopin Country Club, summer, wedding, Lavender Leigh Photography

Shannopin Country Club, summer, wedding, golf course, Lavender Leigh Photography

Shannopin Country Club, summer wedding, Lavender Leigh Photography, golf course

Shannopin Country Club, wedding, Lavender Leigh Photography, golf course, summer, June

Shannopin Country Club, Lavender Leigh Photography, wedding, creative pictures, golf course, summer, June

Shannopin Country Club, Pittsburgh, Lavender Leigh Photography, summer, wedding, creative pictures, golf course

Shannopin Country Club, Lavender Leigh Photography, wedding, summer, Pittsburgh

Shannopin Country Club, wedding, Lavender Leigh Photography, Pittsburgh, summer, reception

Shannopin Country Club, wedding, reception, Lavender Leigh Photography, summer, Pittsburgh

Shannopin Country Club Wedding, reception, Lavender Leigh Photography, reception, toasts

wedding, reception, Shannopin Country Club, Pittsburgh, Lavender Leigh Photography, summer

Shannopin Country Club, bride, wedding, reception, Pittsburgh, Lavender Leigh Photography

Shannopin Country Club, wedding, reception, Pittsburgh, summer, Lavender Leigh Photography

Shannopin Country Club, Wedding Reception, Dancing, mother of bride, sister of bride

Shannopin Country Club, wedding reception, dancing, guests, Lavender Leigh Photography, summer

Shannopin Country Club, wedding, reception, dance floor, Lavender Leigh Photography, Pittsburgh

Shannopin Country Club, Bride, dance floor, wedding, summer, Pittsburgh, Lavender Leigh Photography

rose gold, wedding cake, tables

wedding reception, Pittsburgh, Shannopin Country Club, summer, wedding, Lavender Leigh Photograpphy

rose gold, reception, wedding, champagne flutes

engagement ring, wedding ring, rose gold, gold, diamond

Shannopin Country Club, golf course, Lavender Leigh Photography, wedding

Shannopin Country Club, bride, groom, golf course, summer, wedding, reception, night

Shannopin Country Club, Pittsburgh, wedding, Lavender Leigh Photography, golf course, summer, romantic, wedding, reception
Cake: Cake it Easy
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Shannopin Country Club
Ceremony Musicians: Three Rivers String Quartet
DJ: Modern Era/ DJ Thomas P. Walter
Floral: West View Floral
Hair: Shari at Tease Salon
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Videographer: Kesneck Wedding Videography

Sultry Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography involves so much more than a camera and good lighting- it requires a thorough understanding of angles, posing, varied lighting techniques, and at the forefront, the skill for the photographer to make their client feel comfortable and to trust them, so they are able to open up and express themselves. Put this altogether = AMAZING BOUDOIR PICTURES!

This lovely lady’s boudoir photos turned out stunning because she trusted me and completely put herself out there. She captured the realm of emotions from sultry all the way to flirty, and absolutely rocked her photos!  She is truly a beautiful person on the inside and outside, and I feel so lucky that she gave me the opportunity to take her boudoir photos.

As with all of my boudoir blog posts, permission has been granted by the client to feature these images.

A special thanks to Auria Salon and Veiled Complexions for the amazing hair and makeup artistry!

Lavender Leigh Photography, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio, Pens Jersey, sports, Penguins

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio, Pens Jersey, sports, Penguins

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio, Pens Jersey, sports, Penguins

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Lavender Leigh Photography, Pennsylvania, boudoir, wedding, engagement, pictures, photos, intimate sessions, little black book, premier, lingerie, in home studio

Jessie and Chris | Lenape Heights Golf Resort Wedding

“I had this same feeling the first time I tried on this wedding dress” Jessie says, as she clasps her hands together, smiles, and allows the tears of excitement to trickle down her cheek.  Jessie’s mother, sister, niece, and bridesmaids are circled around her, helping to lace up her wedding dress.  Every so often, Jessie reaches out to her niece, to squeeze her hand and give her a loving smile.  You can tell Jessie is taking in the presence of her loved ones as they help her get ready.  Every so often, Jessie’s smile would soften, and a few more happy tears would be followed by another huge smile.

These beautiful emotions were carried throughout the wedding day!  Jessie’s smile did not fade once throughout the day, and probably shone the brightest during the ceremony.  She was absolutely gleaming at Chris during the ceremony- if her smile had been any bigger, the ends of her mouth would have touched her ears!  And Chris’s gentle excitement was completely apparent.  He had a soft smile as they held hands during the ceremony, gave Jessie a long and romantic kiss right before they were announced as husband and wife, and tightly held her arm as they marched down the aisle during the recessional.

Upon leaving that night, we comment to Chris about how Jessie was cutting up a rug on the reception dance floor.  He looks over at her, laughs, and says “Yeah, one of the first things she told me after I asked her to marry me was, ‘I can’t wait to dance!’ ” He continues to laugh and watch her.  You can tell that Chris loves everything about Jessie, and that Jessie loves everything about Chris.

Charcoal Sparkle Wedding Shoes

white, David's Bridal Lace Mermaid Wedding Gown, hanging in window

Bride Dressing Bridesmaid

Bride Crying When She Sees Mom
Mother and Daughter Holding Wedding Dress

Mom Fluffing Wedding Dress

Mom, Sister, and Bride Fluffing Wedding Dress

Bride Holding Flower Girl's Hands

Bride's Emotions

mother of bride, bride getting ready, holding hands, tears, wedding day

Bridesmaid Putting on Bride's Veil

Bride's Portrait

Bride's Portrait

The Back of Bride's Dress

Back of Lace Wedding Dress

Bride on the Move

Bride's Portrait

Bride's Silhouette

A Bride in Her Wedding Dress

Bride Revelling in Dress

Mother Kissing Bride

Bride and Bridesmaids

Groom Getting Ready

Groom's Cuff Links

Groomsman Buttoning Groom's Jacket

Groom Holding Picture of Grandparents

Groom's Portrait

Groom and Groomsmen

Bride and Father

Father Gives Away Bride

Wedding Ceremony

prayer, wedding ceremony, holding hands, bride, groom, Lenape Heights Golf Resort

Wedding Ceremony, summer, Pittsburgh, Lenape Heights Golf Resort

Wedding Vows

Mother of Bride Watches Wedding Vows

Bride and Groom Kiss

Bride and Groom During Recessional

Wedding Party

Bridal Party Walking

Bridal Party Walking

Bride and Groom's Portrait

Lavender Leigh Photography-51

Bride and Groom's Portrait

Bride and Groom's Portraits

Groom Dips Bride

Reception Introductions

First Dance

First Dance

Bridesmaid's Speech

Bride and Groom, cake cutting, reception, wedding, Lenape Heights Golf Course

Father Daughter Dance

Wedding Reception, Mother Son Dance, Lenape Heights Golf Resort

Bouquet Lock Box, wedding, reception

Wedding Lock Box

Groom Retrieves Garter

Wedding Reception, Lenape Heights Golf Course, summer

Wedding Reception Dancing

Wedding Reception Dancing

Wedding Reception Dancing

Wedding Reception Dancing

Wedding Reception Room

Wedding Cake

Wedding Rings

Bride and Groom's Portrait

Cake: Sweet Treats by Jennifer Yeomans-Christy
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lenape Heights Golf Resort
Ceremony Music/DJ: Third Wave Sound
Florist: Leechburg Floral
Hair: Ciara Sheppard
Photographer: Lavender Leigh

Contact Leigh Today!