The Whaley Family
This soon to be mama of two has been a person I have heard wonderful things about over the years because she is a dear friend of my sister-in-law. It was so great to finally meet her and her adorable family. Our session together turned out to be a "session of firsts" for me, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results. This was my first attempt at maternity photos and also ended up being my first shoot in the rain! We met at Peters Lake Park, hoping to squeeze our session in before the rain, but mother nature had other plans. It began to downpour on my way there, and we were pretty close to calling the whole thing off. But, I know what it's like to be eight months pregnant just wanting to get things done, and I have to give props to this Mama! Most people who just had their hair and makeup done wouldn't be so willing to "play in the rain". But as luck would have it the down pour slowed to a light drizzle and we just rolled with it! Resulting were these gorgeous images that almost have a mysterious look to them. My camera did an amazing job capturing that mist in the air, and the vibrant colors from the rain soaked trees and grass.
Meet the Whaley family...
Special thanks to my sister-in-law Nicci for all your assistance and especially for having this amazing umbrella with you that fit in SO PERFECTLY!
Thank you so much to this soon-to-be family of four! Next time you're ready to play in the rain, you know who to call!
Crystal + Benjamin 7. 6. 13
I have to say that the story of how these two met is absolutely fitting of them. I have known Crystal since my days at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. I always knew she was a great supporter and fan of all things Pittsburgh. I mean, who grows up in Pittsburgh and doesn't bleed black and gold? Well the story goes that Crystal was selling a pair of Steeler tickets and through a mutual friend, Ben was given her number. They met up to exchange the tickets and the rest is history. Ben and his future Best Man, Matt went to the game and according to Ben, Crystal was "blowing up" his phone with texts the whole time. :) We'll give him that one!
Going into their engagement session I wanted to incorporate their love for the city of Pittsburgh and it's sports teams. We headed to Mt. Washington, and the grounds around Heinz Field and Consol Energy Center. It was an awesome day!
Of course when you plan your wedding, you always want to include personal touches that make it your own. From the favors of "Wedding Towels" to their entrance at the reception to "Renegade" this was an amazing showcase of love, not just for each other, but their mutual love of a town and it's incredible sports history. I'm sure that Crystal and Ben's wedding wasn't the first and won't be the last to incorporate a little Pittsburgh love into their big day. Because we all know, that Pittsburgh has THE BEST sports fans, so it only makes since that those of us who bleed black and gold might want to let it show on our wedding day. But, hats off to you, Crystal & Ben, your friends, and your family, for putting together a very respectable "Pittsburgh" wedding! Much love to Yinz! :)
Ben received this picture through a text just before the ceremony... love this idea!
Congrats Crystal and Ben on a truly awesome celebration and thank you for choosing me to capture these memories for you!
May you have many years together cheering on the black and gold!
Wedding Ceremony and Reception: The Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe
Colors: Yellow & Black
Bride's Gown: David's Bridal
Tuxedos: Vera Wang
DJ: Bob Hartnett with All Pro USA http://www.allprousa.com/
Cake and Cupcakes: Bethel Bakery
Hair & Makeup: Bride's cousin Kristie aka "Bean" from Caruso's
Honeymoon: Atlantis, Bahamas
The Sallee Family
It's funny how a house can feel like a member of your family. When this mom contacted me, she began to tell me how she wanted some photos in their home before they moved. This had been the house they brought their daughters first home to. A house built on her parents farm. So many memories had been made there and I thought it was perfect that she wanted to freeze some of those special moments.
A long time ago I came across a quote that has been an inspiration to me and puts into words one of the reasons I started this business, "Photography helps us to remember the little things, long after we have forgotten everything." You will find it on my business cards, contracts, and on my website. Perfectly fitting for this family and this session.
When I arrived at the Sallee home, I immediately became ecstatic at the sight of an old barn and lots of green surroundings. I knew we would be able to get some great shots!
Meet the Sallee Family...
Mom told me that they spent a lot of time on their front porch swing. I can imagine the memories made there have to be so special.
Such beautiful girls. Watch out Dad, you're gonna be chasing the boys away!
“My heart is, and always will be, yours.”
- Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
"A sister is worth a thousand friends..."
Thank you so much guys! I know you will always cherish the time spent in this home. Here's to turning your new house into a home, and making lots more memories there!
Melody + Jason 6. 8. 13
When I heard the news of my cousin Melody's engagement to Jason I was so thrilled. I was even more honored when she asked me to photograph their rehearsal and wedding day. These two seriously are such an amazing couple and this was my first "gig" back from maternity leave. I met Jason for the first time, along with his two incredible sons, last Christmas at our family celebration, and it was immediately obvious to me that the four of them had already created such a strong bond with each other and that Jason and his boys were going to fit right in with the rest of the Simpson clan. It was that same day that we spontaneously decided to snap a few engagement photos so they could make their big announcement in the local paper. I love when random photo shoots just happen!
The rehearsal went smoothly and we headed to the Gold Eagle Restaurant in Brookville, PA for dinner. I was able to snap a few candid moments of friends and family. It was obvious that everyone was pretty excited and happy for these two. And of course there were some normal wedding nerves floating around. There was talk of decorations and times and a few things that needed to be checked off of the list. But, that nervous energy is such a great part of the whole experience. I love the anticipation and excitement that is overflowing during those final moments before a big event, like a wedding!
Jason and Melody were married at the First Church of God in Brookville, PA on June 8th at two o'oclock in the afternoon. Their reception was held at the Brookville Fire Hall. They were surrounded by friends and family as they began their life together as Mr. & Mrs. Congratulations, Jason and Melody! May you have many years of health and happiness together!
Last minute convo with Jason...
Let the celebration begin... starting with sisters!!
A perfect entrance...
The father/daughter dance started out traditional...
Then they gave us this...
Props to my Uncle for breaking out his best dance moves to "Blue Suede Shoes"
A great moment between mom and daughter, dancing to "Mama's Song"
Jason with his Grandmother...look at the pride and joy on her face!
The Second "Longest Married Couple" in attendance, just so happened to be the bride's parents...
Such a great day for you guys!! Thanks for letting me be a part of it!! Much love to you both! Jason...welcome to the family!
The Watson Family
I was so happy when this mom saw my facebook post advertising the summer mini sessions and jumped at the idea of some updated family portraits. We have gotten to know each other over the last year because our five year old sons were in the same pre-school class. She was the room mom too, by the way, and did a great job all year coordinating parties, and teacher gifts and helping out when ever needed. With three boys and a hubby to take care of, I've come to the conclusion that this mama is always on the go! Plus she also sells amazing jewelry! Check out her facebook page here. I have to say I secretly admired her great style from afar every week during the drop-off/pick-up at school. Seriously, always so put together and smiling. One of those moms you see and think, "How does she do it?" I also have to give her a shout out for perfectly coordinating the outfits for their portrait session. Each person complimented the next, without being too matchy. Kudos to you, Casey!
I knew this session was going to be great once I met the rest of the family, again at my favorite place, Mingo Creek Park. Three energetic and handsome boys gave me some great smiles and of course laughs!
Meet the Watson Family...
I firmly believe that you have to be a little silly when it comes to family photo shoots. So I always ask the kids to relax for a bit and give me their best silly face. Well this time I got this little gem. I seriously laughed out loud when this image popped up on my editing screen! Awesome.
By letting them have a some fun, it makes my job at getting shots like this even easier...
Such a good lookin' fam!
There isn't anything much stronger than the bond between brothers...
Jewelry anyone? You have to check out Premier by Casey.
What great energy these three have! I wish I could bottle some of it!
This is one of my all time favorite family shots! Thank you again for letting me capture it and all of the other images! I hope you treasure them in the years to come. 