Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

A Day In the Life

It has been our busiest summer yet at LLP- over the past 9 days, we photographed two weddings, two portrait sessions, and a boudoir session! We feel incredibly blessed to continue to grow the business, and somehow, the most amazing clients find us. Before we head off to photograph another wedding today, I want to share a quick “Day in the Life” post.

If we are unfamiliar with a wedding location, many times, Barry and I will visit it in advance of the wedding day to scope out the scenery, lighting scenario, and get ideas for the upcoming wedding pictures. Here are just a few photos that we took on one such day.

At the time we took these pictures, I didn’t know that I would be posting them for all to see- which is why it looks like I just rolled out of bed. But, I got a chuckle seeing us hashing it all out on camera, and thought I would share. You can’t take yourself too seriously, right?!

Enjoy a day in the life with us…

Some images that Barry took of me, posing like a groom-

Posing Like a Groom | Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers | Lavender Leigh Photography | Blog

“This is how is should look, Barry”

Posing Like a Groom | Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers | Lavender Leigh Photography | Blog

Voilá!

Hope you enjoyed this little series! Happy Friday!

Rachel and Frank | Wildwood Golf Club Wedding

I met Rachel and Frank last summer at a Starbucks on McKnight Road, which was ironically the building in front of St. Sebastian Parish, the church they were to be married at. A relaxed and cool couple, we talked about how they met and some of their wedding details (including their wedding color green which I LOVE) as we sipped coffee on the outdoor patio. Watching the cute interactions Rachel and Frank had together that day, I knew their wedding would be something special to capture.

Fast forward to almost one year later- their wedding day-

One of my favorite moments was Rachel and Frank’s first look. I’ll never forget the scene- a light and misty rain silently sprinkling the Golf Club’s driveway, trees and grass as lush as Ireland, and a beautiful bride gliding towards her groom as he stood with his back to her. Rachel’s heels tapping on the pavement as she crept towards Frank. The look of anticipation and excitement on Frank’s face as he heard Rachel walk up behind him. Then, the emotion when they turned and saw each other for the first time that day. It was a beautiful moment to witness. But then again, there were so many of these beautiful moments throughout their day…

I mean, come on. That light-up-a-room smile is. Simply. Unbelievable.

I think I’m going to start a blog series called “Brides that Rocked It,” because quite a few of my LLP brides have done just that for their portraits. Clearly, Rachel was one of them.

This one’s for you, gorgeous Rachel

Just look at that dress… INSANE!

Heck, the series I was talking about before should actually be called “Couples that Rocked It.” These two bossed their pictures.

A little behind the scenes at our helpers that day…

I’ve heard that ducks bring good luck on wedding days.

Cake: Prantl’s Bakery
Ceremony Venue: St. Sebastian Church
DJ and Musician: Steve Vance Strolling Violins
Florist: Hearts and Flowers Floral Design Studio
Hair and Makeup Artistry: Pretty Hair Salon
Limo: Tortorice Limousine
Photography: Lavender Leigh
Reception Venue: Wildwood Golf Club
Videography: Platinum Fire Productions

Kim and Jeremy | DoubleTree by Hilton Wedding

They love to miniature golf, spend time outdoors, and greatly value time with their families. To boot, they are relaxed, gracious, and some of the most genuine and caring people we’ve had the pleasure of photographing. So many friends and family members were there to witness Kim and Jeremy’s wedding, and it was such a joy to see Kim and Jeremy’s love for each other, and the love their friends and family have for them, unfold during every step of the day.

I really can’t choose just one favorite moment from Kim and Jeremy’s wedding day, because there were so many moments to love! If I had to pick just a few, I suppose I would pick the ear-to-ear grins on Kim and Jeremy’s faces while they were looking at each other on the alter, the superman themed reception introduction, and the sombrero hat dance to “Low Rider” (a wedding tradition for Jeremy’s family.)

Kim and Jeremy- we thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your wedding day. We feel privileged to have gotten to know you, and experience the kind and true love that you have for one another.

Cake: Lincoln Bakery
Ceremony: St. Kilian Parish
Ceremony Musician: David Dreher
DJ: PJ the DJ from Entertainment Unlimited
Florist: Gerard Boeh Flowers
Hair Aristry: Above All Grand Salon
Limousine: Star Limousine
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Reception Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh- Cranberry

For the Love of Boudoir

Bookings for our boudoir sessions have gone through the roof this year, and I am over the moon because I love photographing this genre so much! These sessions are so much fun- not only for me, but especially for my clients! What I love most about boudoir sessions is that we photograph in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, and I have the opportunity to help ladies express their beautiful and feminine selves.

Many times, my clients tell me that they are a little anxious as we start the session, and then, after a few clicks of the camera, they realize that there is nothing to be nervous about. During a boudoir session, I guide clients through the posing- I sometimes demonstrate right alongside them, to show them exactly how it will look and how to place their body. They learn to completely trust me, and this helps them quickly start to relax.

I am simply in love with the boudoir images in today’s post- I got to play around with a motorcycle and beautiful blue, sparkly shoes! Not to mention a gorgeous client! I don’t think it gets any better than this.

Note: all of the below images have been graciously approved by my clients to post.

Amanda and Nate | Club at Shadow Lakes Wedding

Amanda and Nate’s wedding was held at St. John the Baptist, with the reception to follow at the Club at Shadow Lakes. The day started off with Amanda getting ready with the “other” man in her life, her cute pet Chihuahua named Oliver, who was dressed from nose to tail in a little tux. Like me, Amanda is an animal lover. The week leading into the wedding, I received a call from her, requesting that her bridal portraits be taken at a barn with horses. My heart leapt- I felt like we were two peas in a pod (Barry and I had our wedding pictures taken at a barn with horses.) Although rain was predicted for their wedding day, Amanda requested that we get the barn pictures- rain or shine! Love that girl.

Well, rain and shine was precisely the story of the day- plenty of sunshine with intermittent torrential downpours. Yes, we were blindsided by the rain as we were finishing up Amanda’s pictures in the middle of a field! I had just enough time to grab her long veil so she could sprint towards shelter! I posted a picture below so you could see our first glance at the rain that came out of nowhere like a stampede!

What I love most about Amanda and Nate, besides the open adoration they have for each other, are the sparks of fun they emit. Entering into the reception as guests whistled and clapped, Amanda and Nate soared down the steps of the club, and through a room of twirling terrible towels. Amanda threw in a surprise during the Father/Daughter Dance- the music started out slow and full of emotion, and then quickly turned to a fast, shake your tail feather song!

Take a look at some of the images from their day!