I began the day with Amy, her mother and bridesmaids at her home in Squirrel Hill. Amy took a moment to relax with a little champagne while her bridesmaids got dressed. Amy’s mom, Marilyn looks on as her bridesmaids help her get dressed. Amy and Andrew’s wedding ceremony was held at Calvary Episcopal in Shadyside. This is one extraordinary church – it’s huge, and has immaculate, elegant areas for the bride and groom to wait before the ceremony. This next photo was shot by Tracey Vendilli who was a huge help to me the entire day. Thank you Tracey! Amy’s extroardinary bouquet by Blooms. Amy said her only request was “fall colors.” Check. Gorgeous! Amy and her mom snuck a look through the window before the ceremony began. Time to start? Calvary has very pretty grounds, so we stayed there for pictures after the ceremony. The bridal party spotted the preschool playground and opted to do a few photos in there. While I shot a few portraits of the bridesmaids, the groomsmen plotted this picture. You know how it is when there’s a group of boys on a playground….
Just married bliss. Andrew’s at least a foot taller than Amy, and just like during their engagement session, had to pick her up and swing her around a bit. Off to the reception!The reception was in the Reflections Room at the Sheraton at Station Square. A toast by Rachael, the maid of honor. I love the lights of the city and Fort Duquesne Bridge in the background. And then a toast by Andrew’s brother, Steven. The opening of Steven’s toast had the best comic timing I’ve ever heard.

Then it was time to dance! Andrew donned a top hat and sported a cane during the reception. Why? No reason. Other than that they’re awesome. Amy and Andrew – congratulations! Hope you’re enjoying your honeymoon.

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The Credits

Reception Venue:
Sheraton Station Square

Wedding Coordinator: Shayla Hawkins, Shayla Hawkins Events

Flowers: Blooms

Amy’s Dress: Bridal Beginnings

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Hair & Makeup: Sybil Salon

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The Credits

Reception Venue:
The Edgeworth Club

Ceremony: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Highland Park

Flowers: Lea’s Floral

Susan”s Dress: Michael’s Bridal Galleria, Maggie Sottero

DJ: Ben Mork

Singer: Nick Fiasco

Cake: Oakmont Bakery

Hair & Makeup: Sean Kowalski, Sean’s Signature Salon & Spa

Since Heather and Bill had their ceremony on the Gateway Clipper, and the boat dropped us all off at PNC Park, at the end of the night I got on another Gateway Clipper boat to be shuttled back over to Station Square where I’d parked my car. That gave me a great view of the fireworks and these photos.

It’s pretty difficult to get a great fireworks photo without a tripod – and I was not going to be carrying a tripod around all night – so I had to make do with leaning on the railing of the boat.

As the boat was moving, I decided instead to focus my attention on non-fireworks, like these amazing reflections in the Allegheny River. And this downtown building looking kind of demonic from reflected red fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!

What they really mean is, “can we go ride our trike/scooter?”

We’re working on transitioning Leo to riding a 2-wheel bike, but for the moment he’s really pleased at how well he gets around on his razor scooter. And Jonas is thrilled to be pedaling away on his tricycle. Meanwhile, I can hardly stand how adorable they are. And it makes me so happy to see how much they enjoy being outside and doing the same things kids have done for generations.  Jonas’s favorite part is flying down the hill. Even though it means pulling the trike back up because it’s too steep for him to pedal. Naturally, they race. Leo tends to win. I try not to interfere with their fun, but some portraits must be made.

Photographer end note… all images shot with a Canon 135mm f2L lens, which really is a very special piece of glass. Focuses faster than anything and the image quality is outstanding. Love it.