Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

Marcie and Ben | Lingrow Farm Wedding

Driving through the rolling hills of grass to Lingrow Farm, I had a feeling that Marcie and Ben’s day was going to be something extra special. Not only because it was their wedding day, but also because I know what a fun couple they are, how absolutely smitten they are with each other, and what a lovely venue they chose to get married at. Lingrow Farm boasts a renovated barn and farmhouse, friendly animals (oh, those horses!), a gazebo, pond, and a multitude of colorful flowers.

I walk into the farmhouse where Marcie is getting ready, and I hear her say “Hi, Leigh! Come in and grab a mimosa!” Immediately, she treats me like family because, well, that’s just who Marcie is. A generous person with a big heart. And as much as I like mimosas, I knew I had quite a few hours of photography ahead of me, so the mimosa had to wait for another day.

What I love most about Marcie and Ben’s wedding day was watching how much fun they had together. It was the little gestures and moments that made this wedding unique- the joyful laughter they had when they exchanged rings, the thumbs up they gave the camera after they said their vows, and the laughter that ensued when they had a few moments alone (but still caught on camera!) I love how they made each and every guest feel welcome and special throughout their wedding day. Like I said, BIG hearts.

Take a look to see what I mean…

No, these weren’t Marcie’s wedding shoes, just her garter on some really cool historic shoes used as décor in one of the getting ready rooms!

Sisters- how sweet are they?

I love this picture of Marcie and her ladies walking from the farmhouse to the barn for the ceremony…

The lovely backdrop of the ceremony…

This is exactly what I mean- fun, laughter, and merriment throughout the entire day!

Right as I was taking the picture below, I backed into a vehicle, flew feet up, and landed elbow first on the gravel! A super bloody elbow was worth the shot, though.

So this is a dream-

Best cake cutting sequence ever…

And a moonlight image for Marcie…

Cake: Twisted Thistle
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lingrow Farm
DJ: Easy DJ Productions
Florist: Forever Greene Flowers
Hair: Heather’s Beauty Salon
Makeup: Pittsburgh Makeup
Officiant: Meaningful Marriages
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero, MB Bride

Amanda and Adam | Holy Cross Wedding

One of the first sunny days we had in over a month, and it couldn’t have come at a better time than for Amanda and Adam’s wedding day! Upon arrival of the ladies’ getting ready location, Barry and I were delighted to step into a charming red brick house, clearly built earlier than the past century, with tons of character that only older homes have. Maybe we are a little biased- our house was built in 1910- and there’s just something about the old school hardwood floors, rippled-glass windows, and quirky doorknobs that draw such character. So naturally, we wanted to incorporate some of this character as we took Amanda’s getting ready pictures.

The level of detail that Amanda, Adam, and their families put into their wedding was nothing short of amazing. One of my favorite touches was all of the bling- their ceremony programs were lined at the top with rhinestones, the champagne flutes had etched sparkle and bling-decorated stems, and even Amanda’s shoes were adorned with rhinestone embellishments! This girl and I have similar style.

Amanda and Adam are one of those couples that just fit together perfectly. It is the little things, like how they hold hands, how naturally Amanda cuddles into Adam’s arms when he gives her a hug. It is really endearing to watch them together. Even more endearing was seeing Adam as he watched his bride glide down the aisle. You can see him trying to fight back the tears. He was just in awe.

Take a look to see what I mean…

Ah- just look at those rhinestone embellishments! And pink shoes! Love.

Love how sweet these ladies are together. And, love the matching robes!

Not only was this wedding full of details, but also many sentimental moments. Amanda’s grandmother let Amanda borrow her wedding ring to wear for the day.

There’s nothing more sweet than a bride’s reveal to her father. Especially, when the mother and mother-in-law are part of it by peeking in!

Here this gorgeous beauty is- in front of the charming house we love so much!

The Flower Girls walking down the aisle, and the behind the scenes of the Mother of the Bride coaxing them down the aisle. Can you find Leigh?

I love dramatic entrances…

Just a little bit of primping before her portraits…

I love this sign on the bar… because people WERE up to shenanigans…

And in case you need a little more sparkle to fulfill your daily bling quota…

Cake: Bethel Bakery
Caterer: All the Best Catering
Ceremony Location: Holy Innocents
Ceremony Musician: Beth Barsh
DJ: Modern Era Weddings, Mad Mike
Event Coordinator: Occasion Creation Designs: Missy Martz
Florist: Dianne Killmeyer
Limo: Red Carpet Limousine
Photographer: Lavender Leigh Photography
Reception Venue: Holy Cross Banquet Hall
Wedding Gown: MB Bride

Published! theknot.com

We are overjoyed to announce that Amanda and Seth’s beautiful wedding at the White Barn was published on theknot.com! Amanda and Seth got married this past May, and had such a lovely wedding day full of homemade details (such as jam and apple moonshine) and plenty of sunshine.

To view their feature on theknot.com, click here

To view their blog feature on our website, click here.

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-

“This is how is should look, Barry”

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.