Picciano Lifestyle Session | Crafton, PA

Picciano Lifestyle Session | Crafton, PA

Jessie and I went to high school together, and we work together at many weddings throughout the year.  She's one of my go-to second shooters, and she's a blast to work with.  When she asked me to photograph her family in their first home, how could I say no!?  Jessie and her daughter, Elaina, have three adorable guinea pigs and a loveable puppy that insisted on stealing the show (more than once). 

We focused on the fun they have together in their home, everything from reading a book together to jumping on the bed!  I can't wait to photograph more lifestyle shoots like this one.

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A Long Weekend | Chicago Vacation

My mom and dad were invited to attend my cousin's wedding in Chicago a few months ago.  My Dad decided it was too far for him, so my mom called and invited me.  Of course I was ecstatic and eager to go with her.  For one, I love weddings!  There's a reason I am a wedding photographer.  My cousin Casey, and his beautiful (now wife) Aarathi were having a traditional Indian wedding, and we were invited to both the sangeet and the main ceremony.  I've never attended or worked a Hindu wedding, and I was excited to be there and celebrate with them. Second, we decided to go early and tour downtown Chicago.  I hadn't been to Chicago since I was a part of the St. Patrick's Day parade in high school, plus I was ready for a vacation!

Thursday, we hit the road for Chicago.

After a few stops (and some candy), we made it to Hotel Monaco in downtown Chicago!

They were very nice, and gave us a room with a view.  We spent the first hour just sitting in the window box, people watching.

So much people watching.

They also gave us a goldfish to keep us company in our room!  We named him Fishy - very creative.

After a glass of wine in the lobby (free from the hotel!), we headed out into the city.

First stop was for dinner, and Moscow Mules at a steak restaurant.  They had a live band, and I'm pretty sure Mom would've been content to sit there all night.

However, we did start walking again.  We went all the way to Millennium Park to see the bean.

This was the only way to get us both in the picture!  

We walked through a concert in the park.  I was surprised how many people were out enjoying the evening - considering it was a Thursday!

After the park, we decided to keep walking along a trail to the lake and harbor.  The view of the city was wonderful.

I actually made my mom take a few pictures of me as well! 

We made it to the lake, just in time for the sky to start changing colors from the sunset.

We didn't walk to Navy Pier on Thursday night, but got a great view of it from the shore.

By this point we were pretty tired, so we headed up the river walk back to the hotel.

But after we passed a few sidewalk cafes, we decided we needed a drink first.

This cafe had an island theme, complete with tiki decor and music.

The skyline and buildings after sunset looked even more incredible.

And we finally made it back to the hotel for the evening. 

The next morning, we decide to walk up Michigan Ave and window shop.  

After shopping, we kept walking up to Oak Street Beach, where we enjoyed lunch.

Then we walked along the lake to Navy Pier (do you understand how much walking we did yet?  so so much walking!).

Even though I'm not a ferris wheel person, Mom convinced me to go on the Centennial Wheel with her.

I have to say, the view was worth it.

We then walked along the river back to the hotel.

Unfortunately, it was time to leave Chicago.  But we were excited to relax at our hotel in Downers Grove - where the wedding would be held.

I was a guest at my cousin's wedding, and captured a few behind the scenes photos. The photographer they hired did an excellent job, and it was nice to talk shop during a break in the action!

Their wedding was incredible, and I am so grateful my mom and I were able to be there to celebrate with them!

All in all, it was a great vacation - and makes me think that I should go on more trips!

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Laura & Charlie | Simmons Farms | Pittsburgh Photographer

Laura and I have worked together quite a few times.  Sometimes, as photographers, we forget to get in front of the camera to capture our own lives.  For me, I take tons of pictures of my husband and my cats, but I'm not usually in the pictures with them!  So at least once a year (or more!) Laura and I trade sessions to capture images of us with our families. 

This year, Laura wanted a Mommy & Me session out at Simmons Farm.  It was my first time shooting there, and it was a great experience!  They have beautiful grounds and it made for the perfect setting.

Check out their shoot!

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Mothers' Day 2016 | Take a Moment to Appreciate Mom

This Mothers' Day, make sure you take the time to appreciate all the moms out there that go above and beyond for their children.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the past year that show the love between mothers and their children.

Sherri, Rich, & Maddie | Frick Park Family Session | Pittsburgh Photographer

I feel so blessed to have been a part of this session.  Rich & Sherri are part of my amazing extended family, and it was such a joy to capture little Maddie's newborn pictures last year.  I can't believe it has already been a year since she was born!  

Maddie is inquisitive, adorable, and hysterical! I hope these pictures give you a glimpse into her personality, which I'm sure will only get better as the years go on.

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

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The Cutest Pregnancy Announcement of All Time | Pittsburgh Photographer

Andrew came to me and asked what he could do to announce his & his lovely wife Nicole's pregnancy.  Versions of this concept have been done before, but I've been wanting to put my own spin on it for a while now.  So of course I was ecstatic that they liked the idea and were willing to do it.  Before I arrived at their home, I got a text with a picture of all the snacks they had bought, asking if it was enough.  Judge for yourself - did they get enough?  I certainly think so!

This turned into the cutest baby announcement I've seen in a long time (although I'm a little biased).  Congrats to Andrew & Nicole!  

Share the link if you think this shoot is adorable!

Thanks for reading, and make sure you share this with your friends!  

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The Laning Family | An Extended Family Session | Chagrin Falls Ohio

My husband and I met Aaron when we went to college together at Kent State.  They have been very close ever since.  Unfortunately, we live about two hours away from each other, so we don't get to hang out too often.  Since they had their lovely daughter, we've seen them less than we'd like.  That's why I jumped on the chance to travel out their way for a family session with not only them, but their extended family as well!  

We met early in the morning up at Chagrin Falls in Ohio to capture their session.  We took a couple great family pictures, then let the kids have fun at the park to get some great candids as well.  It was a great day.

Thanks for reading!