Aiden is One! - First Birthday Session

I had a blast seeing Baby Aiden again for his space-themed First Birthday session!

The space theme was inspired by his nursery, which also gave us the inspiration for his newborn pictures last year.

When I do a First Birthday Session, I try to not only capture the happy styled images, but also the tiny details of the one-year-old. The silhouette of their smooth, chubby cheek. Their tootsies. Their smash cake. The fun candid moments when they’re laughing at their mommy or daddy.

I always let them get messy with their smash cake at the end. Aiden’s mommy made this adorable banana bread cake just for this session.

Happy 1st Birthday to sweet, adorable Aiden!

It’s been my pleasure capturing your smiles this past year.

The H Family - Family Mini Session

Some people call them ‘signs’, some say ‘God-winks’, or ‘glimmers’. Mother Nature gave us a few for the H Family’s session at Adams Twp. Park.

After a beautiful clear day, we had rain shortly before the session began. When it stopped just in time, I noticed a heart on one of the trees in the tree line. God-wink number one.

Then the fields gave us an abundance of daisies just begging to be in the pictures. They were the perfect prop for Annie to hold, and place behind her ear. I always love a touch of natural whimsy. Glimmer number two.

Lastly, while photographing the family of three in the field, we noticed another family in the distance. A few sweet deer were watching us and frolicking in the tall grass. Sign number three that the H Family is blessed and so special.

Raleigh - Newborn Session

Every session I do kind of takes on a life of it’s own. Raleigh’s session ended up focusing in on family. We got some wonderful family portraits, as well as capturing the bond between each family member and their new addition.

Mommy and Daddy each got to cuddle with sweet baby girl, and proud big brother got his moments with her too.

My personal favorite shots were the close-ups of the entire family admiring Raleigh and holding her close. I always give my Newborn Session clients both color and black & white shots, but close-ups of sweet details always lend themselves to simple black & white.

After Raleigh got comfortable and swaddled tightly, she settled in to her individual styled shots. Her mommy wanted a dusty rose color with wildflowers to match the colors and details of Raleigh’s nursery. I love this color scheme and the feminine details of lace and dried flowers.

I enjoyed having Raleigh and her family in the studio, and hope to see her again as she grows. Welcome to the world, Raleigh!

Olivia is One! - First Birthday Session

Olivia was ONE-derful to have in the studio! I so enjoyed her personality and adorable facial expressions. She is so smart too, taking instruction like a seasoned pro. For her First Birthday session, her mommy wanted something clean and simple. I complimented her precious tulle gown with some muted gold balloons. We also took a few shots on “Lamby,” her favorite rocking horse…er, lamb…from home. What a perfect prop! Lamby brought some big smiles! It’s always a great idea to bring a favorite toy from home, especially if it compliments the color scheme.

I just happened to have the flower wall in the studio at the time of Olivia’s session, so we took a few shots in front of the purple flowers, as well. Olivia changed into the cutest lace romper and pearls - perfect for the old-time elegance of the purple and mauve roses.

Thanks for visiting me, Olivia! Happy 1st Birthday!

Stella - Newborn Session

It was so lovely to have baby Stella and her sweet parents in the studio.

After a few shots of Stella being cradled by her parents, we moved on to her first look in the basket. Using a muted, dusty rose color-scheme, we kept her shots subtle and feminine as she slept soundly.

Our next shots were so very special, as we incorporated both Mommy’s beautiful, cathedral length wedding veil and Daddy’s wedding bowtie as a headband! Stella was born within the first year of their marriage, so these items are closely tied together in both memory and sentimental value.

Stella gave me the sweetest pucker for her close-ups.

This little angel had a wonderful session, and I hope to see her back as she grows.

Welcome to the world, Stella!

Annie - First Communion Session

I love family heirlooms, so when Annie’s mommy came to me with this special idea, I was so excited to make it come to life. Annie’s mom is a talented seamstress, and wanted to incorporate three generations of First Communion dresses into the photo session, as she had both her mother’s and her own dress in excellent condition. I absolutely loved seeing the vintage styles side-by-side with the dress Annie chose for herself. Such a special photo to look back on for generations to come.

Nico is One! - First Birthday Session

Nico has Mastered his first year! I was so excited for the chance to do a Masters-themed photo shoot. My husband is a big golf fan, and has been to the Masters, so I understand the admiration people have for the tournament and all it entails. Everything from the food, to the etiquette, to the iconic green jacket has special meaning. Nico’s daddy is going to The Masters this year, and to coincide with this exciting pilgrimage to Augusta, Nico’s parents chose to carry out the theme for his early April birthday party!

The Masters is a classic, renowned event, so I was thinking rich neutral tones, and an antique golf club would make for great props. Nico’s mommy brought the amazing baby Masters jacket, which couldn’t have been more perfect! We also scattered some golf balls throughout, and had a toy golf cart for Nico to play with. Giving Baby something to do during their session, always makes for some great captures.

Nico’s Mommy also had this most adorable baby Masters hat!

We ended his session with a “Hole in 1” smash cake to celebrate his milestone first year. This little guy smiled all through it. He was a joy, and this theme was super fun. Happy 1st, Nico!

Amelia is One! - First Birthday Session

I was so honored to do Amelia’s session, as she had traveled all the way from North Carolina for it! Six and a half years ago, I did her big sister’s first birthday photos when the family lived here in the Pittsburgh area. They had since moved, but knew they’d be home visiting family, so reached out to see if I could do their newest addition’s photos, as well.

When I heard Amelia would be wearing a sweet, simple rose colored dress, I immediately pictured it against a vintage wood background, and added some simple classic touches as props. Technically, Amelia turned one a few months ago, so we didn’t want these images to scream birthday as much as just highlighting her one-year-old self. Classic and sweet.

When I photographed Big Sister all those years ago, she was in this exact galvanized tub, but with a light pink dress, so we wanted to try to capture the same look for Amelia, but with a different shade.

I also knew that I had done some O - N - E shots with her big sis, so I pulled those letters out to be used, as well. Mommy and Daddy can look back on the girls’ first year with similar images to compare or display in their home.

We ended by pulling away the props, and getting some simple shots of Amelia clapping and playing. I love it how all babies seem to love, “so big!!!”

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Emma is One! - First Birthday Session

Emma is one of my “First Year Special” babies, meaning her parents purchased a package including Newborn, Baby Portrait, and First Birthday sessions. This means that I had the absolute pleasure of capturing her cuteness at different stages throughout her first year.

For her First Birthday Session, her parents chose the theme “Lucky One” since she was born the day before St. Patrick’s Day! They requested pastel rainbow colors inspired by the marshmallow shapes in Lucky Charms cereal, which were used as decor at her first birthday party.

Besides bringing along her Lucky Charms, Emma brought along an array of expressions, her sweet cheeks, and an appetite for birthday cake! Once this cutie got started on her smash cake, she really enjoyed herself. I loved seeing her again, and wish her all the luck and birthday wishes!

Sadie is One! - First Birthday Session

This little sweetie is turning the Sweet ONE! Sadie has had quite the first year, becoming a big sister shortly before her first birthday! Her family is planning to celebrate her next month with a candy themed party, so for her session, I decorated the set-up with bright, playful colors, and classic sweets; lollipop, gumballs, gumdrops, and of course - cake!

She is as sweet as her onesie says she is - Miss Sadie was smiley for all her pictures, and really enjoyed her cake. Happy 1st Birthday, Sugar!

Finn - Newborn Session

It was an honor to be invited back to the P Family’s home to capture their newest addition, Finn William. Although his arrival came quickly after Big Sister’s, it is clear he was meant-to-be as he is surrounded by so much love. We started off his session with some family pictures, as his parents and siblings showed him such affection.

We then moved on to his basket pictures, where he was an absolute dream for the camera. Although little mister was awake for most of these shots, he was pleasant and oh-so-cute with his little smiles and kissy faces!

I always enjoy capturing the little details and candid moments in black and white. There is something about a colorless image that draws the eye more deeply onto the subject.

It was fun to meet you, Finn! Welcome to our world!

Piper - Mini Portrait Session

Just a few of my favorites from this precious, little sweetie Piper! She recently turned three, and her parents wanted to update her portraits, but didn’t need a full portrait session. I’m happy to offer just the thing…the Mini Portrait Session is offered year-round for this exact reason.

Please get in touch if you’d like to mark a birthday, a season, or just because!

Lucy - Newborn Session

It was such a pleasure to meet adorable Lucy and her sweet parents. They came to the studio for a custom newborn session to capture this special time in their lives. We started out with some basket poses with Miss Lucy featuring pearls and lace. I love the dusty rose color, as well. It’s giving classic, vintage beauty, which nicely complimented the warm tones of the props.

We then moved on to family pictures. It was Lucy’s mama’s idea to contrast with the light blue and pink, and I think it looks great! Makes Baby Girl pop as she’s being snuggled by her parents. I was so excited to catch a little smile, too!

We ended our session with a Spring-y basket look, and a sweet tulle diaper cover that Lucy’s mama brought along. She looked like a tiny dancer in her daddy’s arms. Welcome to the world, Lucy!

Esra - Newborn Session

Precious Esra joins big sister Nelle and fur sister Maisie, keeping the femininity strong in their household! For Esra’s session, we first wrapped her in blue to match her nursery. Mommy & Daddy didn’t know if they were having a boy or another girl, so they went with the gender-neutral theme of stars and moons. They were also inspired by the beautiful Psalm 147:4 “He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name.”

I absolutely love the oversized cable-knit sweater trend that is happening for newborns right now. Esra looked so snuggly matching with Big Sis.

We ended the session by recreating a favorite purple look from her Big Sister’s session two and a half years ago. The girls looked nearly identical at birth, so we had to get some of the same shots for Mommy to compare and treasure.

I can’t wait to see Esra again in several months for her mid-year session! Welcome to our planet, sweet little star!

Daphne is One! - First Birthday Session

Daphne is one of my First Year Special babies, meaning her parents purchased a package to capture her as a newborn, sitter, and one-year-old. I love working with her family - she is the fourth child I’ve photographed for them - so this session was a real treat.

Daphne was born on Valentine’s Day, so her color scheme was inspired by the pastels of conversation hearts - which is also the theme for her First Birthday party. She was such an angel in the studio, giving me smiles as sweet as vday candy. I was fortunate to have her big sisters present to help coax the smiles, as well as the assistance of Daphne’s favorite songs from Wicked (a girl after my own heart).

Happy 1st Birthday, Little Valentine!

The W Family - Maternity Session

Winter…The season of waiting.

Waiting for Baby. Waiting for Spring.

As the W Family anxiously awaits the arrival of their new addition, they’ve been snuggling up inside their cozy home in the picturesque countryside watching the snow fall. Here in western Pennsylvania, we’ve had snow on the ground since Christmas. A full month of snow on snow on snow. It forces us to slow down. To rest. To wait.

I was thrilled when Darcy requested we do this session outside on their property. A few years ago, we did her first maternity session here, as well, and their land was blooming with purple wildflowers. Now, the ground is covered in white, but still just as stunning a backdrop to compliment this growing family.

Some things still grow in Winter.

Lily - First Communion Session

Receiving communion for the first time is very special in our Catholic faith. It was my honor to photograph Miss Lily as she prepares for the sacrament. Lily came to the studio for a custom portrait session in her beautiful communion dress. I was sure to have her favorite music playing, and a cozy, private spot for her to get ready with her mom.

I’m excited to officially add First Communion Portraits to my session list. Having the studio space makes it convenient to get the portraits done indoors, away from the elements, prior to the Spring communion season. However, I’m still able and willing to meet outdoors or in a mutually agreed upon church location, if that is preferred. As always, your comfort and convenience is the top priority when planning any session.

Emma - Baby Session

While Miss Emma was in the studio for her holiday pictures, we also did her mid-year photos! This little bundle sat so pretty for me, looking absolutely adorable with a simple pop of purple color along with her creamy color scheme. Of course I had to capture the detail of those little feetsies.

Taytum is One! - First Birthday Session

I am always thrilled when a client books a “First Year Special” with me. This provides them three sessions for the approximate price of two. They can use these sessions whenever they’d like, but most use them for newborn, baby (around 6 months), and first birthday portraits. It’s a great way to document the ever-changing first year of life.

I’ve worked with the M family many times before, and loved to see them again this past year with the birth of their 3rd child Miss Taytum! For Taytum’s First Birthday session we did a warm, feminine color palette that also complimented the time of year (late Fall). This baby doll was a joy to work with, and I’m happy to know I will see her and her beautiful family again in the future.

Sutton - Newborn Session

Before the holidays, I had the chance to photograph beautiful Sutton in the studio. She was comfy and cozy throughout her session, making my job a breeze as she slept soundly. I keep my studio warm with a space heater, and have all the wraps at an arms reach to keep the session flowing and comfortable. I also have a changing table for easy changes, and always discuss color preferences with the parents prior to the session day, so the experience is as seamless as possible, and the customers receive the images they imagined.