Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

Wedding Networking Event!

Last week, I had the privilege of photographing and participating in an amazing wedding vendor networking night, which was sponsored by Whirl Magazine and DeStefino Beauty Bar. The event was hosted at DeStefino Beauty Bar in the Southside Works, which, if you haven’t been to, is a MUST GO! This trendy beauty boutique is a top-of-the-line spot for the latest in hair, makeup, nail, and skin treatments. They specialize in wedding day hair and makeup styles, and can provide wedding day services in their centrally located salon, or on-site, depending on your preference.

If you haven’t yet picked up a Whirl Magazine, you need to buy one! Now! Whirl specializes in bringing Pittsburgh trends to the forefront such as: eateries, who’s who in the ‘burgh, wedding planning, and high profile events. The staff at Whirl know where and when it’s at!

I’ve attended quite a few wedding networking events, and this one was by far one of my favorites! The industry professionals selected for this event were some of the most creative, talented, and unique vendors that Pittsburgh has to offer. So much so, that I’ve decided to create a blog post to feature each of these talented vendors, and also the bridal savvy wedding planners and socialmedialites that were the event guests! So sit back, relax, and prepare to have your mind blown by some of the most innovative and trendy wedding vendors in Pittsburgh…

Art
alittleguilty
Jay is the visionary and artist behind this business. Jay will create a piece of surreal artwork of your wedding day DURING your wedding day! He uses mess-free pens to draw a masterpiece from start to finish, and guests can watch him in action! The piece of work that Jay brought to the event was absolutely jaw-dropping. It caught my stare and I couldn’t look away! The colors he uses are vibrant, and his drawing looked like a surrealist painting in a museum. He’s good. Real good.

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Cakes and Cookies
Mixed with Love
This is Janelle, and she creates baked goods that are works of art! Her custom-made creations are not only beautiful to look at, but scrumptious to bite into. I’m speaking from experience- I’ve sampled quite a few of her treats! The night of the event, her ballerina pink frosted cupcakes were so popular that they were gone before I could bat an eyelash! Yes, they were. Just. That. Delish.

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Chocolates
A519 Chocolate
Modern. Bold. Intriguing. Who would have thought that chocolates could be described like designer clothing? Amanda is the chocolatier at A519 Chocolate, and to say that my mind was blown just by looking at her chocolates is an understatement. Her presentation is so sleek. She uses shapes and colors to create such a visual statement with her chocolate, and the bigger surprise is that they taste even better than they look! How is this possible?! My first taste of fondant icing taught me that desserts that look visually pleasing are not palate pleasing. Amanda’s chocolates break that mold (and can be customized, too!)
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Entertainment
PA Brew Tours
One of the reasons why I love our city so much is that we are a blossoming foodie town. Our restaurants have boasted some of the top chefs in the country, and we have been put on the map for gastronomic experiences. Even better, our craft beer is keeping up with the food scene! The appreciation for craft beer in Pittsburgh has exponentially grown over the past few years- microbreweries are popping up all over the city. PA Brew Tours is genius in that they have proactively created tours that guide you through some of the special craft beer (and distillery!) spots across town. A brilliant idea for bachelor/ette parties, and guests visiting during a wedding weekend. This is Jackie, from PA Brew Tours!

Floral
Stems by Syd
In an industry laden with bouquets and centerpieces, Syd’s floral arrangements beautifully stand out against all others. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is that sets them apart. Maybe it is the wispy and whimsical feeling of each piece. Maybe it is her unique selection of flowers and textures. I’ve seen and photographed so many floral pieces- as beautiful as they all are, it is a very rare occasion where I find one that actually makes me feel something. The piece that Syd made for the networking event made me feel like running through a field of wildflowers. That is talent.

Invitations, Stationary, and Branding
Diva Gone Domestic
I consider myself a paper fanatic. I’m that person that collects, keeps, and files every invitation from each wedding, engagement party, and save the date I receive in the mail. They are all filed away in a tidy plastic sleeve to preserve their perfect form. Laugh if you must! I do this because I know how much thought and effort it takes to create the perfect invitation. Plus, it is one of the first touchpoints of the wedding, which means that is has to be beautifully packaged. And it sets the tone for the wedding.

Tara is the creative girlboss behind Diva Gone Domestic. Let it be said that every invitation, envelope and sample that she brought to the event screamed “REMARKABLE!” to me! At first I was enamored with the heavy papers and textures of each invitation (am I a paper snob?) After I got past the touch and feel of the invitations, I realized the personality of each of her pieces: from playful and nautical, to chic and glitz. I couldn’t stop sorting through all of the samples and getting more excited each time I flipped to a new one. Tara is another creative genius who can get you to *feel* something simply by looking at it.

Menswear
Neck & Tie Co.
Micah is the head honcho at this company, and I am truly smitten with his sense of style! The fabrics he selects for his ties and bowties are not only fashionably unique, but they are also unforgettable. The material colors and patterns that he chooses make such a bold statement! I particularly love the polka dotted blue bowtie and octopus necktie. It is about time that men’s fashion is brought to the center stage of wedding planning! Bravo, Micah!

Wedding Blog
Burgh Brides
If any of you wedding couples have not yet heard of Burgh Brides, then jump on the train and start following this top-of-the-trend blog! Victoria is the socialite behind this wedding blog, and the topics she posts will inspire you to create your event of a lifetime. Her blog will connect you with wedding vendors and will give you a plethora of ideas to make your wedding day the best in the Burgh! This talented lady has a ton of connections to the top wedding vendors in Pittsburgh and knows what it takes to plan an extraordinary wedding day. There’s something to be said for a lady with a sense of style and a gorgeous smile!

Me and my station!

Some great networking happened that night…

And let’s not forgot the guests of the evening: the Event Planners and Socialmedialites that keep the wedding industry alive and thriving! I don’t think I’ve ever run into such a fun and outgoing group of people. It was like we were instant friends even though I hadn’t met many of them prior to that night! I’ve love to sit down with them over a glass of wine and just hang out…

Bumble Burgh
Devoted to You
Garnish Event Design
Hello Productions
Prima Eventi
Shayla Hawkins Events
Trends to Traditions
Wanderlust Weddings
Yes Wear That

Persephoni and Phil | City Engagement Session

The day of Persephoni and Phil’s engagement session, it may have been one of the coldest days we have ever photographed outside! It was about 20 degrees, but the bright sun and warm company made our time together at the session fly by. Persephoni and Phil love the cold weather! These two became engaged on the ski slopes and are planning their wedding for March 2017 because they love the snow and cold temps. While I get chilly if it is 70 degrees out and a slight wind blows, I’ve found the perfect solution for photographing in the beauty of winter: Under Armour layers and toe warmers. If these items can keep me warm, they will work for anybody!

Persephoni and Phil brought their sweet pup Atlas along, so they got a few pictures with him before relieving him from the chilly temps. Take a look at some of my favorites from their session, and keep scrolling down to learn a little more about this beautiful couple!

Q: Tell us how you met!
A: We have known of each other since high school, just never really hung out. I was living in downtown Pittsburgh at the time and Phil had asked me to go to a Pens game with him. We had the most amazing time!

Q: When was your first date? Details, please!
A: It was a Pens vs. Flyers in the fall of 2013. Phil had texted me saying he bought us tickets to the Pens vs. Flyers game, which by the way were awesome. Our seats were directly behind the goalie. We went to Primantis, ate good food and drank good beer. It was a fun, memorable and successful first date.

Q: How did you know he/she was the one?
A: We could immediately be ourselves around one another. It was a given from day one. We just clicked and had natural, genuine fun together. You just know.

Q: What was the date of the proposal? Tell us about it!
A: January 22, 2016. The proposal happened in Snowshoe, West Virginia on top of the mountain in the middle of a blizzard. It was right after we finished our first ski run and Phil asked to stop for a picture. It was then that he got down on one knee. The scenery was beautiful, the moment was perfect and the blizzard helped create the most romantic proposal. We both love the snow and winter, so it was like a dream proposal coming to life.

Q: What do you like most about your fiancé?
Persephoni: He is such a genuine soul. He’s the most selfless and thoughtful person I’ve ever had the pleasure of being around. He also encourages me and believes in me in all that I do. He is the only person that can turn my tears into laughter. There has not been a single day that has passed that he hasn’t told me he loves me. I just love him all around.
Phil: I like her playful, goofiness. I love the way she makes me feel. I can be myself around her. We can be having a serious, deep conversation and the next minute be laughing at something completely irrelevant. I’ve never had to be someone else in order for her to love me.

Wedding Date: March 4, 2017
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Renaissance Pittsburgh

Amy and Matt | Mellon Park Engagement

There’s just something about Amy and Matt that screams sweet, unadulterated love! On the day of their engagement session, it was another 50+ degree day in Pittsburgh, and the sun’s rays couldn’t compete with the radiant feelings these two have for each other.

Amy and Matt are both avid Frisbee players. In fact, Amy had a game at 10:30PM the same night as their engagement session! Can you imagine playing a competitive game at 10:30PM at night? Talk about hard core! The engagement session must have been a warm up!

It was so wonderful getting to know these two as we took pictures, and also listening to the ideas of what they have in mind for their wedding, which will be in Montgomery, AL (where Amy grew up!) Take a look at some of the engagement pictures of this sweet couple, and keep scrolling down to learn a little bit more about them!

Q: Tell us how you met!
A: We met our first day of college- Emory University in Atlanta. We quickly became close friends, but we didn’t date.

Q: So, you didn’t date at first?!
A: It finally got to the point where both of our moms were always asking why we hadn’t started dating yet!

Q: When did you know that the romantic relationship had started?
Amy: During our junior year, I said “I love you” and he kissed me. 2.5 years later, he proposed!

Wedding date: 3/11/17
Reception location: Montgomery, AL

Sweet and Sultry | Boudoir Photography

What I love most about photographing boudoir is that it celebrates the fun, sexy, sultry, and sweet aspects of femininity all in just one session. It gives each lady the freedom to express themself in a fun and light atmosphere. Most importantly, it makes every lady that steps through my door feel beautiful in their own skin.

Here are some boudoir photos of a lady that is not only lovely on the outside, but just as sweet and lovely on the inside! We had so much fun during her session- which is really what it is all about. Being pampered as you have your hair and makeup styled (strawberries and a little bit of bubbly add to the fun, too!) then feeling on the top of the world and confident as your pictures are being taken. I’ve had quite a few boudoir clients schedule a second and third time because they had such a great experience the first time around, they want to make it a reoccurring event. And yes, these are the same people that entered their initial session with a few jitters, only to find the most fun and amazing experience by the end!

With the huge boudoir success we had in 2015, we are quickly filling 2016 bookings, and couldn’t be happier about it! If you are considering a boudoir session, contact me soon so we can make sure to get you on our schedule! To view more of our boudoir blog posts, click here.

Hannah and Will | Heinz History Center Wedding

It was a day when Pittsburgh was just getting back into the groove after the holidays: work weeks were back in full swing and people were walking about the city and taking advantage of an unusually warm January day. As we enter the hotel room where Hannah and her ladies are getting ready, we are greeted by a “Hi Leigh and Barry!” and Hannah’s most beautiful and warm smile. Hannah jumps off of the bed and starts helping her bridal party get ready by placing sashes on her bridesmaids and the tiara on her flower girl. It is heartwarming to see how the flicker of Hannah’s smile naturally ignites smiles from her entire bridal party. Which isn’t entirely surprising because it is only natural to adore someone who is as genuine and gracious as Hannah. And, what a perfect match for Hannah- she found an equally genuine and sweet gentleman in her husband, Will.

Will and Hannah are incredibly adoring towards each other- watching them interact, you can see that “love at first sight” spark every moment they are together. Their hands are always touching when they stand or sit next to each other, their laugh becomes even larger with they join in together. They just make perfect sense. Take a look to see what I mean…

The ladies spotted Will and the groomsmen taking pictures with Barry in the street below!

The ladies’ view of down below, where Barry is showing the guys where to stand for their pictures

Hannah and Will sat next to each other on the trolley before the ceremony! Will is blindfolded in true Steeler fan fashion.

Hannah’s grandfather worked for USS Steel, so incorporating the USS Steel sign at the Heinz History Center was a must!

One of Hannah’s relatives actually drove this trolley- so special!

Because who doesn’t want a picture with a huge Heinz ketchup bottle?

I love the below image not only because Hannah and her father are dancing, but also because a special moment was caught between Will’s parents and Hannah’s mom as they watched…