Have yourself a merry LITTLE Christmas - Baby Photography - Baby's First Christmas

I think someone told this little one that she is on the Nice List!

There are some things in life that we all wish we could go back to.  The innocent things, the first times, when life was simple and it was even easier to make a smile appear on a face.  This Christmas will be the first for many babies around the world, and wow I wish I could see each one of their faces the first time they see a Christmas tree.  We had a very tough time getting this cuties attention when there was a tree filled with sparkles, twinkles, and lights.

Life*Laugh*Love - Pittsburgh Wedding

Someone asked why some photographers sometimes say "it was an honor …" in response to photographing a person's wedding….Well, for me I honestly believe being in the presence of beautiful, happy, innocent love is always an honor!  Love is something that not everyone is blessed with, it is something rare and magical. So to being the one that captures the real deal on camera is a pretty darn big honor! 

Nestled in a quaint church in Elizabeth Forward, a beautiful bride smiled ear to ear as she walked down the aisle toward her groom.  Every seat in the church was filled with friends and family who couldn't wait to celebrate the beginning of this couple's life together.  

After the "I do's", the crowd gathered on the dance floor at the reception, and I'm fairly sure they never stopped.  I had such great times with this group.  So much about their families reminded me of mine, and of Pittsburgh.  The accents, the great cookie table, the special dances…. 

Speaking of special dances, the FOB really took his daughter for a spin on the dance floor.  I have never witnessed such a happy,and fun father daughter dance.  It was really great to watch them break it down to the oldies while everyone clapped and cheered around the dance floor.  Like I said in the beginning, it was an honor to be a part of this special day!

Chubby Cheeks and Ticklish Feet - Baby Photography

 Happy 6 months Miss Hayden! Those cheeks get more squeezable every time we see you!  Looking forward to the next 6 months of your first year! 

Beaming with Happiness- Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

Whenever I photograph a wedding, by the end of the work day, my face is sore.  It must be from all of the smiling behind the camera.  This wedding was no exception.  In fact, I was unable to stop smiling while going through the images afterwards too.  This bride and groom's happiness beamed out of every picture. I am so happy to have been a witness to their special day.

Judging by the photographs, you can't even tell it was freezing cold this day and had on and off snow flurries.  

 I have way too many favorites from this day!  I couldn't help myself from posting pretty much a million of them!

This beautiful bride not only looked stunning the day of, but planned a gorgeous reception as well.  The venue was decorated in an elegant/rustic style with peacock details and accents of beautiful magenta.  Everything was perfect.  Between the awesome decor and rocking dj, the dance floor was always packed.  It was great to see the young to the old out on the floor, celebrating this amazing couples marriage.  It is so sweet to see how many people this couple has touched, and how much love was shared in that room!

….Then comes momma pushin' a baby carriage - Maternity Portraits

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes momma pushin' a baby carriage!  In a few short months this beautiful glowing woman will be welcoming a her and her husband's first child into the world.  Luck for me, I had the opportunity to capture her growing bump before it is gone!

We certainly lucked out with a gorgeous day down in South Park.  Hopefully she will be blessed with just an nice weather on the delivery day.  During the session, I joked that when we do the family session (+1) there will be snow on the ground and we can make snow angels.  But in reality, this beautiful mommy to be will be given an angel of her own, with or without the snow.  Congratulations and I can't hardly wait to meet the little nugget in 2015!

Happy Five Months Miss Hayden Aurora! Baby Photography

 Well it has been about a month so you know what time it is!  It is time to wish this cutie a happy five months! 

Welcome to the world Miss Emily Grace! - Newborn portraits

 Celebrating new life is such a wonderful thing.  Getting to share this moment with family and close friends is truly a gift. One of my oldest and dearest friends just welcomed her and her husband's first child into the world….. and I couldn't be more thrilled for them.

Since first grade, I have been witness to nearly all of this wonderful mom's big steps in life.  Last year I stood by her side as she married the man of her dreams and last week their closest friends and family were there at the hospital to give the first hellos and love to this sweet little girl.

Just as it has been for years with my friend and I, I cannot wait to be there to see this nugget grow up and have incredible moments in her life too!  It has only just begun!

The most colorful time of the year - Fall Engagement Portraits

Unless you live around a rock, you must have seen the beautiful foliage that is happening right now in the area.  Between the natural light at sunset, and the colorful leafs, this time of year really makes for a photographers dream!  Lucky for me I had this wonderful couple to photograph this past weekend. 

 Nestled within the crazy hecticness that is the Cranberry area, there was this beautiful park.  It created the best back drop for these to love birds.  I had such wonderful time with them and I can't hardly wait to celebrate their big day next October! 

One Years Time - One Year Portraits

Wow, one year flies by when you're this cute!  Do you remember these pinchable cheeks from about a year ago?  Yes, it has already been a year!  Let's all wish Miss Alexandra Grace a big Happy First Birthday!

The rain and bad weather held off long enough for us to venture out to the park and have the whole beautiful family celebrate such a perfect year! 

Sunflowers, Dancing, and Love - Wedding Photography

As summer comes to a close, there are a few short weeks left until the the warmth of the sun is replaced by a cool breeze and colorful leaves.  But while there is still time, we get the opportunity to enjoy the perfect weather with beautiful weddings!  This wedding included!  

What a perfect way to spend the last weekend of summer, then with sunflowers, dancing, and a great love!  This couple shared their vows on a beautiful sunny day surrounded by many close friends and family. The support for the two was really amazing, by new friends and old! 

The bride was dressed in a beautiful ivory lace, from head to toe and was accented with a chocolate brown bow.  This was a stunning site walking down the aisle toward her groom.  To add to the magic, atop the bride's head was the same cathedral length lace veil worn by her mother.  It certainly was a special thing to see *sniff *sniff*

With the ceremony over, complete with personalized vows, the couple started the reception off with one of the most cheerful first dances I have been able to witness.  No tears, or plain slow dancing.  The groom swept the bride off her feet and did not stop smiling for a second.  It was quite evident that both the bride and groom were beyond excited for the night, and the rest of their lives to begin.  Best of luck and love to this happy couple and I hope every dance you have together is as happy and memorable as the first.

She Needs No Introduction - Baby Portraits

At this point, if you have been following the blog, you will have noticed a pattern.  Once a month, this smile pops up on the page!  Baby Hay is here again!  Happy 4 months girlfriend! So excited to have you growing up before our eyes!  See you next month! 

McConnells Mills, What a perfect spot! - Engagement Session

Every once in a while there is a session that I just wish wouldn't end.  This one could have lasted ten times longer and I would have been very happy about that!  This adorable couple had me wishing the sun would never set on our shoot.  The bride suggested going to McConnells Mill State Park for their engagement session.  Man what a pick! So many great spots, so little time!

This couples smiles were incredibly contagious, leaving my cheeks sore behind my camera! And let's not forget about the most photogenic dog ever!  "Wanna go for a ride", got smiles from her every time!

You will be seeing much more of this couple, coming the next few months.  And I am looking forward to their wedding in April!  Congrats you three!

Sunny Day Senior Portraits - Senior Portraits

Whether it's for graduating high school, surviving college, or reaching a major goal, parents are usually very proud.  This grad's parents were no different! This soon to be teacher was treated to a fun portrait session.  So to commemorate her big achievement, we spent the afternoon around the Oakland area, catching some rays and snapping some pics!  

The weather, the place, and the person couldn't have been better!  In fact, it was extremely hard to limit the pictures I am featuring on the blog today! I could have posted all of them but I will leave that up to her to share her senior photos.

Welcome to the world baby AJ - Pittsburgh Baby Photography

I thought we should start this weekend off with a big ball of cuteness!  Ladies and gentlemen I would like to introduce you to the adorable AJ.  I got to meet little AJ the other day, and may I say wow!  This tiny bundle had me charmed right from the start.  He is going to be fighting off the ladies some day, that's for sure.  Being the first child in this beautiful family, he couldn't be more loved by his parents and they are so proud of the little life that they created.   With hopes of Penn State and great foot ball games in there eyes, this boy has a nice future and great big world ahead of him. Glad to have met you little AJ and I can't wait to see you again!

I Can't Get Enough Of You Baby - Baby Portrait Photography

If you have been keeping up with these blog posts, you would notice a pattern.  Every month, these big blue eyes make an appearance on the page.  Well I am lucky enough to visit Miss Hayden every month, for a year long project of watching her grow!  

 So if you are not ODing on cuteness yet, check back next month for Four months.  Already at three, she giggles and smiles, and has a complete mind of her own.  She is a master of tummy time, and loves battle her lashes at her daddy. 

Special City, and Good Sushi - Pittsburgh Engagement Photography

For all of those who take a lot of pride in our great city, I am sure you can agree, there are certain spots around the town that really capture what Pittsburgh is.  Looking down from Mt. Washington's slopes… Driving through Fort Pitt Tunnels and having at open to streaming sun light and our picture perfect skyline… Walking through the boroughs and playing I spy for the street art the depicts that area…. And one of the most popular, and highly requested, The North Shore.  Bright yellow bridges, puffy white clouds reflecting back in our rivers, and the glistening of windows on the sky scrapers shining down from the adjacent shore line.  It is not wonder it is the number one asked spot of engagement sessions . 

One thing I try to ask couples is if there is something special they do together, i.e. play scrabble, are big movie buffs, are coffeeholics, love a sports teams, or a fun food they enjoy together like ice-cream.  In this case we went with sushi (YUM!) It was so much fun setting up a sweet picnic on the rock fountain for this couple and then letting them enjoy that for the beginning of the shot.  There are a lot of different things couples can do to make their sessions their own, and not just another "Pinterest Attempt"  Do you love to read the same books?  Do you play flag football together?  Do you have the same taste in music?  Why not show people, aside from how cute of a couple you are, but what are something that bound you together.  Make your session special to you and for all those that know you!

A Modern Family - Family Portraits

In this day and age, families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and even species.  This modern family may not have a hit cable TV show, but they are nothing to bark at.  

Up until a few months ago the two boys ruled the house.  All attention was on them with 24/7 belly rubs, bacon treats, and jogs around the neighborhood.  But just because there is a new baby in town, doesn't mean they have been forgotten!  Even insisting on being a part of the family pictures.  And why shouldn't they be in the photo, they are her brothers.

And they take their big brother jobs very seriously.  She will be well looked after, that's for sure!