The Braden Family

Another late post (I'll do better, I promise!) - this one is from a few days after Christmas. I've photographed the Braden family a few times every year since Lindsay and Devin's wedding in 2008. It's been fun to see their family grow since then - two babies and one on the way! I can't wait to meet the newest one in a few months!

The Ferree Family

This post is long overdue, but better late than later. This is the Ferree Family from the Butler area. I play volleyball with Catie and Caroline, and have had the privilege of photographing their beautiful families twice now. This last time was on Christmas Eve at Grandma's gorgeously decorated house. Here's a few of my favorites from their session:

Engagement Story Contest Winner!

I loved loved loved reading all your engagement stories! As I've mentioned, there's no way I could choose a winner, so I left that up to a few friends of mine. They had such a great time getting to know you all through your stories! Over the last few days, the votes were spread out across all the entries, and for awhile, I was beginning to think they were going to be able to choose a winner either! We ended up with a five way tie, until the last vote came in.... And the winner is.... Lena Acheson!! Congrats Lena! I'll be in touch to talk with you about your session! Everyone else will be receiving a complimentary 11x14 print - just for being wonderful :)

To all who participated, thank you again for taking the time to be a part of the contest!

Dave and Dana - January 23, 2010

My first wedding of 2010! I was so happy to start the year off with Dave and Dana!

They were married at the Chestnut Ridge Resort in Blairsville, where their reception was also held. Right away, I was touched to see how close Dana is with her family. Shortly before she walked down the aisle, the four of them group hugged - crying and laughing at the same time. It's clear Dana has a special relationship with each one of them - so beautiful to see! The ceremony was sweet and so touching. Dave and Dana wrote letters to each other that were read aloud by the ministers, and throughout them, they spoke of knowing and loving each other so deeply and honestly. They were funny, too - which incited more laughter through tears, this time with their guests - hundreds of them - joining right in.

Their reception was absolutely gorgeous! The hall and details were stunning, the food was wonderful, and the Chestnut Ridge staff took great care of everyone. Dave and Dana, their family, and their guests were so fun on the dance floor - they congoed, they chicken danced, and they polkaed with seemingly endless energy!
Lisa, Ashley, and I felt privileged to photograph such a lovely wedding! Dave and Dana, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your day! We wish you a long and beautiful life together!


Love this -

During the reading of their letters -

Pretty girls!

What a beautiful bride!

My favorite -

This is her Uncle Rocco, who is the general manager of Chestnut Ridge. She surprised him with a special pseudo-father/daughter dance. He has three sons, but no daughters, and Dana very much wanted him to have that honor.

Dave and his mom, and Dana with her dad.

Dana also wanted to have a mother/daughter dance.

Mr. and Mrs. DiBasilio -