I recently had the pleasure of joining Alex Jones to photograph a bar mitzvah at Rodef Shalom and the reception and party that followed. This was a nice change of pace for me as a second shooter and I think it really benefits my wedding photography business to get out there and change things up a bit. Never having been to a bar mitzvah before, I was surprised at how much fun I had. And it was easy to see that the kids were having a blast. What a great year for them! They get to celebrate their own bar mitzvah and then share in the celebration for all of their friends’ bar and bat mitzvahs. Judging by this experience, Jack’s bar mitzvah would be a tough act to follow.
Like I mentioned earlier, we started at Rodef Shalom in Oakland where Jack had some time to practice conducting the service and reading the Torah. Here he is with the Torah during practice.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2011-02-16 16:28:092013-11-18 15:45:17Pittsburgh Bar Mitzvah Photographers at Rodef Shalom and Fox Chapel Racquet Club
Heidi and Aaron were married last Saturday at her family’s home in Claysville, Pa. What really surprised me about this wedding, is that the groom and I graduated from high school together! Heidi booked her wedding over the phone as she is out of town—when her fiance’s name came up I told her that it ringed a bell, but we figured the chances were slim. What a nice surprise to find that it really was Aaron!
This post is part one of two posts from their wedding. The main colors of the wedding were royal blue with lavender as an accent.
This portrait was taken right after a mini rain storm cleared. It was such a relief for Heidi and her family that they could stick with their plans to hold the ceremony outside.
This photo was taken moments after Heidi’s dad gave her away. I just love her expression.
After the ceremony, the bridal party hoped on a bus to go to the other end of their property for some photos by the pond. Here is the first from that session.
Many more photos to come with part two!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2010-07-22 13:09:522013-11-18 16:21:39Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers at Claysville Wedding: Part One
Goodness gracious, where to start? I have lots of photos in this post, so I’ll let them do the storytelling. It’s a pleasure working with brides and grooms on their happy day and I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with Sara and Luke. There are so many pressures for a bride and groom on their wedding day and I know that setting aside time for photography is one of them. I’m biased as a wedding photographer, but I think that aside from the ceremony itself, allowing sufficient time for photography is a wise way to plan for your day. And I think Sara and Luke really got it, because while time was flying by that day, they didn’t mind taking extra time to allow for some creative portraits before being announced at their reception. When a wedding schedule begins running late, I’m sad to see brides and grooms rushed through their photos because of other scheduling constraints. Sara and Luke didn’t let that happen and for brides and grooms out there who are still making adjustments to the schedule for their day, I’m happy to work with you or your wedding planner to make sure there is adequate time for you to have some fun with your photography. Ok, back to Sara and Luke!
Green Gables was a lovely venue with lots of rustic charm. The grounds were impeccably landscaped, just look at the reflection of the daylillies in the window.
Sara’s Alfred Angelo dress was stunning.
Her orchid bouquet was the inspiration for her theme of lime and raspberry hues.
This portrait was taken in one of the dining rooms at Green Gables.
Here the handsome groom is taking in the first sight of his beautiful bride as her father escorts her down the aisle.
I like how Sara is looking into Luke’s eyes moments before she slips the ring onto his finger.
Their ceremony was held by a pond in the shade of a willow tree.
Their bridal party was a fun group.
I love to see the adoration this couple shared for one another.
So pretty and sweet!
Sara’s sister’s toast was heartwarming.
Luke’s best man made them a slideshow with photos from their engagement session and it was a hit among their guests.
This one makes me laugh. Actually their whole bouquet/garter toss was funny all around.
And lastly the bridal or money dance. It’s was by far, the craziest and funnest (ok, my grammatically correct friends – most fun) money dance I’ve ever experienced. Many blessings to you, Sara and Luke! Thanks for including me as a part of your day.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2010-07-10 09:00:052013-11-18 16:22:00Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers at Green Gables in Jennerstown, Pa.
Congratulations to Samantha and Chris! They were married at Betsy’s Barn last Saturday and it was a fabulous day. The ceremony and reception took place at the barn and we only left for a quick trip to McConnells Mill State Park for photos after the ceremony. The surroundings and weather that day was just beautiful and I can’t say enough about how fun it was to work with Samantha and Chris. You guys rock!
Here are some favorites from their day:
These flower girls were adorable and the youngest was hamming it up during the ceremony.
This one is from a quick stop at McConnells Mill. It’s just lovely there in the shade – especially on such a hot day!
I love it when couples can take a few minutes to sneak away after dinner for some sunset and nighttime shots. It’s so worth it if you can find the time. More to come from Samantha and Chris’ wedding soon. Next up, more details on Sara and Luke’s wedding.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2010-07-09 11:14:552013-11-18 16:22:08Sneak Peek: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers at Betsy’s Barn in Portersville, Pa.
Julie and Randy were married on a sunny afternoon at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park, Youngstown, Ohio. They planned a small wedding for close family and friends with a reception at Michael Alberini’s in Boardman, Ohio.
Julie carried green hydrangea wrapped in an embroidered handkerchief. This shot was taken in the Antonucci Horticulture Library in the park’s Davis Center.
Julie and her father walked down the center aisle of the rose garden.
What a gorgeous location for this handsome couple!
When Julie first saw her cake, she was concerned that the fondant was the wrong color. The room’s tungsten lighting made everything appear warmer than it actually is. This is something that photographers deal with all of the time. I was happy to be able to take a photo and show her that her cake’s accent color was the key lime green that she had in mind. I was able to do that because I gel my flash and set my camera’s white balance to match the light source in the room.
This little girl was asking Julie when she could have some cake and that made me smile because kids are never afraid to ask the important questions in life.
Julie and Randy, it was a pleasure spending the day with you. Many blessings to you and your marriage!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2010-05-27 16:45:562013-11-18 16:18:50Wedding at Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, Ohio
