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June 27, 2018

Favorite Things – My Dogs

I’ll sometimes share Favorite Things on Fridays since it’s one of my favorite days. I love animals. When I was little, I thought I’d grow up to be an animal trainer. I didn’t end up taking that route, but I did train my dog, Squishy and my boyfriend and I are working on training our new puppy, Xander. It’s challenging, repetitive, and time consuming, but it’s so nice to have a pet that listens to you. It’s definitely worth the time.

Meet Our Pups

Squishy is my little Yorkie. I got her about 10 years ago. One of her ears never fully strengthened so one sticks up. She looks like a little stuffed animal. She’s really smart! She knows over 15 commands and multiple words and phrases. She has her own Facebook page and her own Instagram. I’ve used her in my commercial photography and she’s been seen in magazines, websites, and advertisements around the world.

Meet Squishy

In January we added another furbaby to the family. We got a 2 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback. He’s likely going to be close to 10 times Squishy’s size, so it’s crucial that he’s trained well for her safety. So far he’s learning pretty well and Squishy isn’t shy about putting him in his place. He’ll soon be just as famous as her. I’ve already started taking lots of photos of him, and I don’t think that’ll stop any time soon. He has his own personal Instagram page so he’s also super trendy!

Meet Xander

Need Help With Training?

If you have a dog and you’re not sure where to start with training, I highly recommend contacting the Dog Genie. She’s really great and has given us some tips and tricks that have already helped a lot! We have her come to our house for private lessons and the individual one on one time is great. She also has beginner puppy classes, but that didn’t feel right for us and where our dogs were at in their obedience level.

Want Photos of Your Dogs?

I love dogs and love when my clients bring them along to their wedding or engagement session. If you just wanted to get photos taken of your fur baby, reach out, I’d be happy to schedule something!

June 27, 2018

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement – Olivia & Zou

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement

Last week Olivia and Zou had their very intimate Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement. They traveled down to Santa Barbara from San Francisco for their mini ceremony. We started inside the courthouse for some documentary style photos while they got their marriage license. I was able to capture some cute little moments between them as they waited. We then went outside with the court officiant and they had a very private ceremony together. It was a really breezy day and it added to the carefree feel of their wedding,

After their ceremony we walked around the courthouse grounds for their portraits. The main archway is always such a gorgeous backdrop. The inside of the Santa Barbara Courthouse has so many intricately detailed areas, I’ve never been able to spend as much time there as I’d like. One of my favorite spots is the circular stairway in the corner of the property. The stone work and natural lighting make it such a pretty area. I also love the long, wide hallway with large, iron, hanging lanterns lining the ceiling.

A couple hours after Olivia and Zou’s Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding elopement, we went to Loon’s beach for their horseback ride. They had made arrangements with Los Padres Outfitters to go on a ride following their wedding ceremony. Their guide had taken them on a trail which led them right to the beach. Loon’s beach is in Carpinteria, just outside of Montecito heading south towards Ventura. Nestled in between a cliff, this beach has a very private, intimate feel. We got some photos of them riding their horses up and down the beach before they rode into the sunset together. What a perfect way to begin their happily ever after.

Photography from Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Elopement

June 27, 2018

The 1909 Topanga Wedding Photography – Liz and Travis

The 1909 Topanga Wedding Photography

Last week I photographed a beautiful Wedding at The 1909 Topanga. The bride was someone I knew as a model and a makeup artist. Someone who vowed she would never get married. That day changed when she met a boy at a bar. The actual story is much more interesting than that but I’m not sure she wants the world to know so I’ll leave it simple.

Liz and Travis’ wedding was amazing. I know I say that often but it really was. The entire bridal party was super fun to work with, everyone was in a great mood, the venue was beautiful, the florist made it even prettier, and the couple is super cool, smokin’ hot, and their chemistry made it so easy to photograph them. I may as well have set up a tripod with a remote control trigger and sat back and relaxed. Well, maybe not but they really did most of the work by just being them.

The 1909 Topanga is also a great spot for a wedding, theirs was the first time I had the pleasure of working there. It’s tucked in to the hillside with lots of gorgeous photo areas and beautiful giant tree as a background to their ceremony. The twinkle and bistro lights added to the magic of the location. Unique Floral Design helped make the site look like a fairy tale. It was completely perfect! I love the giant oak trees, and the table decor was truly stunning. Everything at this wedding was beautiful!

I’m gonna get to the pictures now…

Here are the highlights from their amazingly beautiful day. ? Enjoy!

Venue & Catering | The 1909

Florist | Unique Floral Design

Cake | Carrara Pastries

Videographer | Tim & Co

Photobooth | Oh Snap Studios

DJ/MC | Amit Sharda

Need a wedding photographer for you wedding at The 1909? Message me!

June 27, 2018

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography – Nicole & Ryan

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography

Tara Country Inn Wedding Photography. Nicole and Ryan celebrated their wedding day at Tara – A Country Inn in Clark, PA. It’s a beautiful venue about an hour outside of Pittsburgh. The ceremony was right on the main lawn with the building creating a perfect backdrop. The property is right next to the Shenango River Reservoir, we were able to take a short walk and get gorgeous sunset photos right on the water.

Nicole planned most of the wedding herself, and it really looked perfect! I loved her gown, it reminded me of frosting on a cupcake and who doesn’t love that?! Did I mention Nicole wore the coolest friggin shoes, and walked with more grace and balance than I managed in my flats! I totally love how she had the old glamour look with a cage veil. She paired it with a beautiful diamond clip with a feathered flower in her hair. She was such a breathtaking bride! One of the most easy going couples, Nicole and Ryan never turned down a photo-op, and were up for anything I’d suggest.

Bridal Session at Nicole’s Family Ranch

The following day I met them at a ranch just outside of Lake Erie for photos with Nicole’s prize show horse, Roger. My allergies were really not too happy during the session, but the ranch was worth it and I am so excited with the pictures! The weather was everything we hoped for! The sky was sunny and we ended the evening in a field of yellow flowers with a colorful sunset.

I feel like they quizzed me on what kind of wedding I like photographing the best, and designed their whole day based on me! I’m just gonna go ahead and assume that’s what they did. ?

And the moment you’ve all been waiting for… here are my favorites from their wedding weekend!

Venue & Catering | Tara – A Country Inn

Make-up Artist | Kiss and Makeup

DJ | Steve Vance Entertainment

Florist | New Leaf Florist

Bride’s Gown | Bling Bridal Boutique

2nd Photographer | Low-Key Love

Pittsburgh Observer-Reporter published this wedding online and in their printed bridal magazine addition.

June 27, 2018

Pittsburgh Engagement Session Point State Park – Vanessa & Micheal

Pittsburgh Engagement Session Point State Park

This was such a fun Pittsburgh engagement session at Point State Park! Vanessa and Micheal were so easy to work with, I love when my clients are super easy going and relaxed… Actually, I think all of my clients are like that! YAY for awesome, chill, and fun people! ?

The lovely couple got engaged over the holidays. Micheal’s sister was sweet enough to gift them their engagement session with me. We started the shoot at the tunnel/bridge walkway in Point State Park and from there, worked our way through the area. I had to tell them where I wanted them to stand and what they should do beforehand because they’d be too far for me to give them direction. It actually worked out as a nice warm up for them before the rest of their engagement session.

Like most Yinzers (a term Pittsburgh locals refer to themselves and other locals as, which is new to me and I’m not 100% sure I’m using it correctly, but you get the point) they are huge Pirate’s fans. From Point State Park you get a great view of PNC Park. We went over and they slipped into their fan-gear and posed in front of the stadium. We also got some great shots in front of some of Pittsburgh famous yellow bridges!

The weather originally said it would rain but luckily it turned out to be a perfect day. Luck was on our side and we had partially cloudy skies for their session. I love the photo of them near the pink flowered trees. I love spring time here, so many beautiful flowers everywhere! Another favorite is the photo of them lookin’ all cool in front of the bridge. Lol!

Here’s a few of my favorite photos from their Pittsburgh Engagement Session Point State Park.

Contact me if you’re having your wedding in Pittsburgh, PA!

June 27, 2018

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer – Tiana & Nick

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer at the Unico 2087 Hotel. Tiana and Nick’s wedding was just last weekend at a gorgeous, luxury, All Inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. They had about 40 of their closest family and friends there to join them. I couldn’t have been happier to be included! My boyfriend was busy with work so he couldn’t join me. Fortunately for me (and Nick and Tiana) my BFF and fellow awesome photographer, Stephanie was able to come along to keep me company and second shoot. This was probably one of the funnest weddings I have ever photographed! I’m sure the amazing location helped, but everyone was so nice! They really made us feel like we were apart of their tight knit group.

Almost all of Tiana and Nick’s couples portraits were taken before the ceremony around the resort. There are lots of little hidden gems on the property. Since we were staying at the resort, we had plenty of time to explore and get some cool and unique shots. It was a little stormy the day of their wedding but luckily no rain actually came. We were able to enjoy a dusk ceremony overlooking the Caribbean blue ocean. After the ceremony, we took some of the family photos and then went to the reception. They had this really cool giant LOVE sign by the dance floor. I love how it looks in the background of so many shots!

Tiana surprised Nick with fireworks at the end of the night, it was the perfect ending to their perfect beginning. <3

Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Photographer

Venue | Unico 20º 87º Hotel Riviera Maya

Bride’s Gown | Reem Acra

Wedding Shoes | Vince Camuto

Groom’s Attire | Nordstroms

2nd Photographer | Stephanie Swartz Photography

This wedding was also featured on Aisle Memories and Wed Clique!

June 27, 2018

Santa Barbara Elopement Photography – Debbie & Casey

Santa Barbara Elopement Photography

Santa Barbara Elopement Photography. Debbie & Casey had a small, intimate elopement a couple weeks ago at the gorgeous Santa Barbara Courthouse. With just 20 or so of their closest family and friends there to witness their marriage. They said their vows to each other, exchanged rings, and became husband ans wife. Debbie’s uncle is a judge and officiated the ceremony for them.

We had a little time before to capture some photos of just the two of them together. After the ceremony we took group portraits and then some more photos of just the two of them. They ended their evening having a dinner reception at a nearby restaurant.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is such a popular place for weddings. There are so many places for a ceremony. A lot of people choose to have their ceremony on the grounds in the Sunken Gardens. The Mural Room, inside the courthouse is also quite popular, and it is such a beautiful room for a wedding. Debbie and Casey found a nice and private corner on the side of the courthouse to have their ceremony. Considering it was a Saturday, and one of the busier times, that was a perfect spot for them to be alone.

Here are some of my favorites from their Santa Barbara elopement wedding.

I love photographing weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse! Contact me to have your wedding or elopement photographed there!

June 27, 2018

Wedding at The Lodge at Malibuo Lake – Tamy & Ryan

Wedding at The Lodge at Malibuo Lake

Tamy and Ryan’s wedding at The Lodge at Malibuo Lake was just a couple weeks ago. They were blessed with blue skies and a light breeze, these two tied the knot in front of family and friends, overlooking Malibuo Lake. The wedding was a relaxed party from the beginning till the end, couples are rarely more relaxed than these two.

They decided to have a first look before the ceremony where they could see each other in private. After they had a little alone time, we were able to get some photos of Tamy and Ryan with their bridal party. This was such a fun group of people! I got to see one of my couples from a few years ago as well, Liz and Travis! There wedding was so much fun as well and one of my favorites. Ryan and Travis are brothers and Travis was Ryan’s bestman, and Liz was one of Tamy’s bridesmaids. Liz is also a makeup artist and made Tamy look even more beautiful on her wedding day. I really enjoyed working with them at their wedding. Especially since I know Ryan’s family a little better from photographing his brothers wedding.

After the ceremony we had the opportunity to walk over to the lake for some of the bridal portraits. The Lodge has a swingset near the lake which they wanted to play on for a minute. I love so many of the photos I was able to capture for them. Here are my favorites.

Reception Venue | The Lodge at Malibuo Lake

Florist | Mulberry Row

DJ & MC | DJ’s At Your Service

Catering | Truly Yours Catering

Cake Artist | Portos Bakers

Make-up Artist | Makeup by Liz

Bride’s Gown | David’s Bridal

Wedding Shoes | Vince Camuto

2nd Photographer | Jennifer Johann Photography

June 27, 2018

Oxnard Shores Engagement Session – Melanie & Randy

Oxnard Shores Engagement Session

This past weekend I met up with Melanie and Randy for their fairly last minute Oxnard Shores Engagement Session. They literally decided to do one just 2 days earlier, and luckily I had Sunday available. Their wedding is less than a month away so we’re kinda on a time crunch to get them some nice photos to post. We went to Seabridge Marina to start the session, they live near it and often go there so it felt comfortable and personal. It wasn’t overcast like usual so we got some nice shots of them with the sun shining. We then headed down to the beach right before sunset. We ended up going to Port Hueneme because there’s a nice pier you can walk under.

Their Oxnard Shores Engagement Session was a great way for us to get to know each other before their wedding. I got to see how they do in front of the camera, and they got an idea of how I’ll work with them on their wedding.

The Wedding Day

Their wedding will be at the Pierpont Inn in Ventura. It’s a really pretty hotel across the street from the beach. I’m really looking forward to it! Melanie is styling it as an all white wedding, even having her guests come wearing only white, khaki, or cream. It sounds really unique and with the venue having such a gorgeous backdrop, I know it will all look amazing! Check back sometime in late May for photos from their wedding!

Take a look at some of my favorites from their Oxnard Shores Engagement Session! It was hard to pick just these, there were so many that I loved! My absolute favorite is the one under the pier. It was a little sketchy having them go there since the waves were a little rough, but the tide seemed to be pulling back so we risked it, and it was worth it for that shot!

June 27, 2018

Pittsburgh Winter Engagement Session – Rita & Greg

Pittsburgh Winter Engagement Session

Pittsburgh Winter Engagement Session. Had a great time photographing Rita and Greg’s engagement session at Frick Park in Pittsburgh last weekend! This was the first session I ever shot while it was snowing outside!! Brrrr, it was cold! But I LOOOVE how the pictures turned out! For some reason I tend to only blog about weddings and I skip over the engagement sessions altogether, but I really wanted to share this one since I love snow and I loved working with Rita and Greg! They brought their 1 year old adorable pup, Wally along for the session and it was great getting some with him too. ?

It was the best time of year to get their engagement photos. It was near the end of fall, so we got the gorgeous fall colors, and it was the beginning of winter, and we got one of the first snow falls for the season. Having the bright oranges and yellow from the trees, combined with the light blanket of snow made everything so magical. I love that I was able to capture snow falling around them. It really was such a beautiful – yet very cold day!

Check out their pictures from their engagement session!