Kathleen & Jim were married in a self-uniting ceremony with their friends in August. They've been having a non-traditional wedding; doing little bits at a time. For their pictures, they wanted to capture their trip in a hot air balloon around Somerset, PA.
First we went to the Laurel Highlands and took some gorgeous pictures back in the woods. They chose the spot sight-unseen, and it was perfection. Kathleen made it through almost the whole session without a spot on her white pants (till the last little bit - oops!).
Then we headed to meet the balloon company, Winds Aloft. We watched them put together the balloon, then Jim & Kathleen hopped in for their adventure. I followed from the ground in my car, and was able to capture the landing as well. It was a beautiful day.
The Wedding Advice I’d Give You After Photographing Weddings for 13+ Years
After photographing weddings for more than a decade, I have seen a LOT.
Perfectly planned timelines. Timelines that immediately went off the rails. 90-degree ceremonies. Snow. Missing boutonnieres. Champagne explosions. Veils with minds of their own. Flower kids who absolutely refused to participate.
And some really, really incredible wedding days.
So if you're planning a wedding in Pittsburgh, here's the advice I wish I could give every couple before their wedding day:
First Look or No First Look?
First looks are one of those wedding decisions the internet has somehow turned into a VERY BIG DEAL.
So, should you do one?
My deeply unsatisfying photographer answer is:
It depends.
I'm not going to tell every couple they need a first look because it's "better for photos."
Your wedding isn't a photoshoot, remember?
But after photographing weddings for years, there are definitely situations where I think a first look makes the day significantly easier.
Your Senior Pictures Should Actually Look Like You
There is one thing I DON'T want to hear after a senior session:
"These don't even look like me."
Your senior pictures aren't supposed to turn you into a model or some perfectly polished Instagram version of yourself.
They're supposed to capture you at this very weird, exciting, huge point in your life.
So when we're planning your Pittsburgh senior pictures, that's where I want to start.
Looking to plan your Pittsburgh engagement photos, but not sure where to start? Here’s a guide to help you narrow down the can’t-miss spots that should be on your list - categorized by style!



How to Actually Get Candid Wedding Photos (Without Pretending Your Photographer Isn’t There)
Tips for real weddings.