Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

Jenna and Danny | Crescent Park Wedding

Stepping out of the car, Jenna gracefully glides onto the pavement and takes a peek around the corner to make sure that her soon-to-be husband is turned away from her. Jenna was just moments away from having her first look with Danny. With the lace train of her wedding gown in hand, she slowly approaches him from behind. Danny is smiling from ear to ear, his expression can’t hide the excitement that he has to see Jenna for the first time that day. The only sound was the slight breeze rustling through the trees, and the dwindling pitter patter of rain sprinkles as the grey clouds retreated from the white clouds. The silence of the moment created the perfectly intimate setting for their first look.

The intimacy of Jenna and Danny’s wedding day helped to shape heartfelt moments every step of the way. Their ceremony was held at the park in their neighborhood, which was at the top of the hill that overlooked miles of trees and sky. With a little over twenty of their closest friends and family watching, Jenna and Danny spoke their vows in between words of love from a few of their family members. I felt so privileged to be a part of such a beautiful wedding day.

Cake: La Gourmandine
Caterer: Atria’s
Ceremony Venue: Crescent Park
Dress: BHLDN
Florist: Magnolia Roots
Hair Artistry: Simply Captivating Salon
Makeup Artistry: Shade Makeup
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Wedding Coordination: Emily Vandergrift from Em & E Events

Ashley and David | The Hyeholde Wedding

“So, have you kissed her yet?” remarks one of David’s groomsmen during his toast as he was recalling the early stages of David and Ashley’s relationship.

He went on to say that David and Ashley met in college, and they were part of a group project together. Spending time together helped a fire to kindle between them, and everyone, including David’s friends, could tell that love was inevitable.

I love to hear what the back story is for all of the couples that I photograph, and I love it even more when I can tell that the couple knew it was meant to be even as early as the first sight of each other. Which so happens to be the case with David and Ashley.

From a sweet and teary-eyed first look to the all-around romance of being married at a castle in the middle of the woods, everything about Ashley and David’s wedding day was magical.

Take a look to see what I mean…

<alt>pittsburgh wedding photographer Lavender Leigh Photography at the Hyeholde Restaurant</alt>

pittsburgh wedding photographer Lavender Leigh Photography at the Hyeholde Restaurant

Morgan and Mark | Irons Mill Wedding

As Morgan’s mother zipped up her wedding dress, I could see happy tears welling up in both of their eyes. Morgan looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress, and I could see the pride in her mother’s expression as she took a step back to look at her lovely daughter. Fanning her face, Morgan took a deep breath, laughed, and said “I can’t cry, I will ruin my makeup!” To which I jokingly replied “We photographers love capturing emotion! Cry away!”

Morgan’s brother turns to look at me. “Oh honey, this family is full of emotion. Once Morgan steps down the aisle, get ready for a Broadway show!”

And he was right, Morgan and Mark’s wedding day was chock full of emotion. Plenty of happy tears, smiles, laughter and the overall abundance of joy. I can’t really decide what my favorite part of their day was. It may have been the serene prayer that Morgan’s bridesmaids said over her right before the ceremony. Or, the “first touch” moment when Morgan and Mark exchanged vow books in a spot where they couldn’t see one another. As they reached around the corner to hold hands, they couldn’t find the other’s hand, and began grasping air. Which led to both of them laughing out loud, realizing the comedy within a romantic moment.

From fist bumps to hurrahs, Morgan and Mark celebrated each second of their wedding day. You could see how excited they were to finally be Mr. and Mrs. Take a look to see what I mean…

Cake: Oakmont Bakery
Caterer: Medure’s
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Irons Mill Farm
Entertainment: Premier Wedding DJ
Florist: FOUR08FLORALS
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Videographer: One & Only Media
Wedding Gown: Lilian West Bridal

Chelsea and Tyler | Southpointe Golf Club Wedding

Chelsea and Tyler: a couple whose elegance and charm equally match their sense of fun and spontaneity. And, at the same time, all of this is coupled with how energetic, outgoing, passionate, and caring they are.

Chelsea and Tyler’s wedding day was just as vibrant as this lovely couple. The sky’s sapphire hue wasn’t dappled with even one cloud in the sky. It set the scene for all the beauty that was to come that day.

One of the most beautiful moments of Chelsea and Tyler’s day occurred during the first look, which took place on a sweet little bridge on the golf course. Tyler’s anticipation to see his bride quickly turned to awestruck when he turned around to see Chelsea in her wedding dress. It was one of the sweetest moments that we have ever witnessed; Tyler was overcome with emotion and couldn’t even speak at first; he silently took her hands into his, a smile never leaving his face…even as the happy tears welled up in his eyes.

Another one of our absolute favorite moments occured at the very end of the reception. The song “(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life” began, and a crowd circled around Chelsea and Tyler. As if rehearsed a million times, Chelsea ran towards Tyler, and he picked her up over his head. They performed the lift that I have only seen Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey perfect until that moment! With absolutely no practice! Just a testament to their energetic and spontaneous personalities.

Take a look at these images to see the story of Chelsea and Tyler’s wedding day…

Cake: Tasty Bakery
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Southpointe Golf Club
Cookies: Family/ Friends and Potomac Bakery
Entertainment: DJ Thomas Walter
Florist: Honeybunch Bouquets
Hair and Makeup Artistry: Wanderlust Beauty
Wedding Gown: Designer Loft
Invitation: minted.com
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Videographer: Weddings by LDF
Violinist: Devin Arrington

Krista and Dan | The Club at Blackthorne Wedding

“It’s funny, the days leading up to the wedding, I was stressing over the little things, but surprisingly, today I just feel like, meh… I’m not stressed at all. I just want to marry Dan.”

What a great perspective Krista had! She was having her hair and makeup completed, and I could tell that she meant everything that she said. Krista was relaxed and enjoying the special moments as they unfolded.

There were quite a few special moments and special touches during Krista and Dan’s wedding day! Above and beyond the most significant part of becoming Mr. and Mrs.! While getting ready, Krista wore a robe that had pictures of Dan’s face dappled all over it; the robe was hilarious! Krista also hand painted “Mrs. Kohrs” on the back of a black leather jacket and threw it on over her wedding dress when she had finished getting ready. Pulling into the church parking lot, the sound of bagpipes played around the corner. Sure enough, a bagpipe player dressed in genuine Scottish attire serenated the guests as they arrived to the ceremony! At the reception, Krista and Dan pulled off a flawless choreographed dance, chock full of spins and dips. It was magical to watch! Later during the reception, the song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” began to play, and no sooner than I could turn around, Krista and Dan danced into the center of the crowded floor donning a second outfit! Krista wore this phenomenal silver glitter gown with flowing sleeves, and Dan had a handsome white tux jacket on! And for a grand finale sparkler exit, there were two sparkler machines that shot streams of sparklers seven feet up into the air!

These were just a handful of the unique touches that Krista and Dan had on their wedding day. If you don’t know Krista and Dan, you will be able to tell that this loving couple is the type that is up for anything and full of fun, just by scrolling through this blog post.

Congratulations to a perfect couple! Take a look to see some images that tell the story of Krista and Dan’s wedding day…