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We step out of the car at The Gathering Place on a cloudless day , and it just feels so different than the hustle and bustle that usually occurs on wedding days. We take a few steps away from the car and see a serene lake, with a few birds flying overhead and no other people in sight. It is quiet and extremely peaceful. There are no sounds of city traffic because we are 45 miles from Pittsburgh. Just the breeze, the birds, and a fish or two surfacing the lake. To our left is a beautiful and modern log cabin, where the ladies are getting ready. To our right are the ceremony and the reception sites, all within walking distance. We almost felt like we were on a spa retreat, it was so calm! Which set the tone perfectly for Tracey and Ross’s beautiful wedding day.
Tracey and Ross make such a sweetheart of a couple. Tracey has the most giving of hearts, and she always has a smile on her face and a patient demeanor. Ross has a gentle and calm personality, and he just adores Tracey. It was so special to witness the marriage of these two!
What made the day even more special was experiencing the little signs of love that Tracey’s grandmother left throughout the day (sadly, her grandmother is no longer with us.) Tracey was very close to her grandmother, who loved butterflies. In honor of her grandmother, Tracey and Ross released butterflies right after they said their vows. It was a beautiful sight to see a dozen monarchs lift to the sky in unison. Oddly, the last one did not fly away but landed on Tracey and stayed with her for a few seconds! This, and also that a white dove, which had never been seen on the property before, nested itself right near the log cabin where Tracey was getting ready that day. We all were certain these were signs that her grandmother was with her on her special day.
Take a look to see what I mean…
The ladies’ getting ready location
The ceremony and reception sites.
A sign from Tracey’s grandmother
Ah- just look at the bling on Tracey’s shoes! A woman after my own heart.
Just look at this Goddess!
I love sweet moments with parents.
This moment was magical.
I love a good cake smash.
Barry likes to find unique places to put the wedding rings.
Cake: Colleen Butker
Caterer: Pete Medure- Medure’s
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake
DJ: Todd Karpa, AvaRocK Entertainment
Event Coordinator: Joshua Jack/ Danny Haas
Florist: Songs From the Garden
Hair Artistry: MirorMax Salon
Makeup Artistry: Brittney Morgan- Mac Cosmetics
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Kristina and Scott’s engagement session took place on a day that started off with bright sunshine, and then rolling thunder and lightning crept in from the distance. We had a mix of sunshine and clouds, which made for some diverse picture backdrops!
This couple braved the rain that had settled in halfway through the session- they were not afraid of getting a little wet! Fortunately, when the rain began, we had umbrellas as protection, and we also photographed under the overhangs at PNC Park. Which was actually the perfect setting because, it was at PNC Park where Kristina and Scott agreed to go on their first date (Kristina told Scott “if the Pirates win, I’ll go on a date with you!”)
This beautiful couple is getting married in April of next year, with a wedding ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and a reception at the Omni William Penn. We are incredibly excited for their wedding! We photographed Kristina’s brother’s wedding and engagement a few years ago, so it will be very special to see her family again, and get to know Scott’s family, too!
Here are some of my favorites from their engagement session!
The first time I met Risa and Andy, it was at their engagement session. I remember noting how incredibly kind and laid back they are, and honestly just adored Risa’s constant smile as she walked alongside Andy. Risa and Andy love animals- we photographed their engagement session with their dog, Luna, and I also got a few images with Risa and her cat, Nola, on her wedding day! If you know me, you know that I love animals, so photographing an amazing couple and their pets on their wedding day was a triple win for me!
Risa and Andy also love to be outdoors- their first date was hiking at Cucumber Falls, and their proposal happened on the way home from their adventure-filled weekend of hiking and canoeing at Deep Creek. So naturally, the woodsy wonder of Seven Springs Mountain Resort was the perfect setting for Risa and Andy’s wedding day.
What I loved most about their wedding day was watching the subtle gestures of affection between Andy and Risa. The long hug that they shared during the first look. How Andy took Risa’s hand as she teared up during the ceremony. How Risa’s happiness came out in smiles and laughs as we took her pictures with Andy. A gesture can be small but still speak volumes.
A *close* second favorite moment was when the bridesmaid’s serenaded Risa and Andy as we started their portraits. There we were, on the top of a mountain, just Risa, Andy, Barry, and me. Out of nowhere, the bridesmaids step out of the shuttle in the distance, and start to sing “A Whole New World.” Naturally, we all laugh. Better yet, Andy decides to add to the romantic ambiance and starts to run around like a bird taking flight! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard! Such a fun couple. Such a fun bridal party, too!
Take a look to see what I mean…
BAM. Look at that dress!
GAH- just love this embrace.
A little behind the scenes action. I’m with ShoFilms.
Look at these lovelies right before the ceremony.
The flower girl was having just as much fun as the rest of them!
Entertainment: Elite Show Band
Ceremony Musicians: Maureen, Hot Metal Strings
Ceremony Venue: The Meadowoods at Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Cake: Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Onsite Event Coordinator: Franki Waski
Florist: Linda Brown’s Floral
Hair/Makeup Aristitry: Becca McClain
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Reception Venue: Timberstone Room, Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Videographer: ShoFilms
After spending time on the coast of Spain, we hopped to Barcelona, where we stayed at a lovely Airbnb right in the city! We specifically stayed in Eixample, which is a hip and trendy section in Barcelona, with many phenomenal restaurants closeby. Our Airbnb hosts were incredibly warm and gracious, so if you are going to Barcelona and looking for a place to stay, shoot me a message and I can refer you to them!
Barcelona is much different than some of the other cities we have visited in Europe. It is much more modern compared to the castle towns we visited in the south of France, or Florence in the heart of Tuscany. Barcelona reminded me of a European New York City because it is partitioned into different sections- for example, the Gothic Quarter, which is where you can find the famous shopping in La Rambla, Eixample is where you’ll find the trendy restaurants, Grácia is where Gaudí’s famous Park Güell was built, and this is just to name a few.
We only had two days in Barcelona, which really isn’t enough to cover it all, so we had to prioritize! We chose to visit quite a few of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, ate like a local in a gentrified neighborhood that specializes in tapas, toured La Rambla, and experienced a huge indoor fresh food market.
Casa Battló
Built between 1904-1906, Gaudí incorporated elements of nature throughout: skulls and irredescent scales on the front of the facade, shells and other elements of the sea inside. What amazes me about Gaudí’s work is that he incorporated unique artwork into his architecture! He was truly a genius and now one of my favorite architects!
The facade of Casa Battló looks like skulls and colorful dragon scales
The entry stairway in Casa Battló
Gaudí incorporated elements of the ocean into this house. From the bright blue colors to the shell-like décor.
Looking through the blue glass in the spiral staircase- Gaudí purposefully made it to look like you are looking underwater.
On the roof!
Segrada Família
Gaudí’s most impressive work of art. Trying to dodge a million tourists, these pictures don’t do Segrada Família justice. This beautiful church is immense! Construction began in 1882 (Gaudí starting on the job in 1883 after the first architect resigned) and won’t be completed for another 10 years. Segrada Família incorporates aspects of nature, like the ocean, rainbows, trees, and even bones. It would be impossible to count the number of sculptures on the outside of this church! Each sculpture is grouped together with others to tell a passage from the Bible.
The side reflecting the Passion of the Christ. The spires look like bones, and the pillars look like trees!
The other side of Segrada Família. Every sculpture is part of a scene that depicts works from the Bible.
The first sight when entering.
Gaudí loved light and wanted to use it to create visual splendor.
The pillars were formed to look like tree tops
Right above the altar.
A closer look above the altar.
Gaudí’s crypt is in Segrada Família. He wanted light to touch all areas of the church, which is why there are windows all along the top of the crypt.
Just a portion of The Passion of the Christ sculptures.
One of the doorways near The Passion of the Christ side of the church.
We took a tower tour. I’m afraid of heights and almost passed out walking from the top down the spiral staircase!
Park Güell
Some of the most iconic pictures you will see of Barcelona were taken at Park Güell. The gardens surround the architectural structures at this park. Colorful mosaics adorn every piece of architecture!
The main entryway at Park Güell.
Gaudí intended this area to be a marketplace, and it is directly under the famous overlook of the city of Barcelona.
The ceiling of the marketplace. Crazy, right?!
The garden walk leading us to the roof of the marketplace, where you will find the beautiful city overlook.
The roof of the marketplace.
The iconic view of Barcelona from the roof of the marketplace in Park Güell.
Mercat de La Boqueria
A large market full of fresh and unique foods. Anywhere that offers fresh oysters on the half and champagne is at the top of my list!
The entrance to Mercat de La Boqueria.
Tapas on Carrer Blai
The tapas experience on Carrer Blai was one of Barry’s favorite parts of our trip (I agree!) Our gracious hosts told us to go here for the best tapas in Barcelona. This street was a trek away from our Airbnb (it took us a train and a long walk to get there!) But it was completely worth it!
Carrer Blai is lined with tons of tapas restaurants, all of which open their doors for people to enjoy food and drink inside and outside. Carrer Blai only permits foot traffic, since there are tables in the middle of the street. Tapas time is the Spanish happy hour! Tapas selections were both sweet and savory. You can pick platefulls of delightful finger foods, and the server keeps count of what you owe. What’s best is that you can go back for more, as many times as you want!
Where to find Carrer Blai if you happen to be in Barcelona, looking for tapas.
Carrer Blai right at tapas time.
Two of each, please.
The housing surrounding Carrer Blai
Well, that is our trip in a nutshell! I love to talk travel, so if you are thinking of going to Barcelona or the Costa Brava region, and want recommendations on where to visit, I would love to chat with you and give you some suggestions! Thanks for stopping by!