Pittsburgh Family Portraits: Spring in Schenley Park

April 1, 2021/by kmiller

Despite the fluctuating weather, signs of spring in Pittsburgh are popping up everywhere. Ushering in a new season is an opportunity to grow and approach my work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (I couldn’t resist bunny imagery this close to Easter). At the same time, as I’ve shared this before, I love looking back on my past work to reflect on the moments I’ve captured and the families I’ve worked with. At this Pittsburgh family portrait session from last spring, I photographed the sweet family pictured here at Schenley Park.

Marie and Dan’s wedding at Heinz Chapel

May 7, 2010/by kmiller

Marie and Dan were married on a lovely Saturday in April. The said their vows at Heinz Chapel and then took about an hour afterward for some portraits. Marie and Dan were looking for a few hours of coverage to capture the essence of the ceremony and create some timeless portraits. They contacted me in March and booked me for April. And you might think they were a bit nervous about securing photography a month in advance, but they were as cool as cucumbers. Captivating Imagery offers partial day coverage for couples who, for any reason, are not interested in 10 hours of photography. If your wedding is not during the peak of the season, this may be an option for you as partial day coverage can only be booked up to 60 days in advance of an event, depending upon availability.

Anyhow, back to Marie and Dan. Marie looked stunning in this dress that was modified from her mother’s gown. She looks so statuesque in this shot.

They wanted to have some fun with their photos afterward, so we headed to the little log cabin near the Stephen Foster Memorial. We played with the idea of a groom carrying his bride over the threshold.

This image is from a series of favorites outside of the Carnegie Music Hall. They are such a handsome couple and I love the backdrop of the ornate door.

Here’s another playful shot. They wanted to peak around the tree and make funny faces. I really like Dan’s face in this one.

This is another favorite. I haven’t spent much time lounging under a shade tree with my husband, but this image reminds me of what you always see in romantic movies, except that they’re posing for the camera!

Milla Chappell took these fabulous images from the balcony of the chapel. In fact, Milla practically spent the whole month of April at Heinz Chapel photographing weddings. It must feel like a second home for her by now.

Marie and Dan, thanks for the opportunity to photograph your wedding! It was a pleasure to work with you. Many blessings to you and your marriage!

Signs of Spring in Pittsburgh

March 20, 2010/by kmiller

Today is the first day of spring and I can not hide my enthusiasm about this. Each time I hear mention of this on the news, I do a little dance. And here are some photos to commemorate this long-awaited day.

This is the first photo I took at Mellon Park yesterday afternoon and it was a gift from God, I’m sure. I love photographing nature and often get caught in a trance, waiting for just the right moment when the bumblebee hovers over the flowers. This moment was within seconds of finding this hillside of blooms. I couldn’t believe that the bee stayed just long enough for me to compose, focus and adjust the exposure. Sweet!

This is the newly renovated walled garden at Mellon Park. I went there yesterday to scout the location for an upcoming engagement session for a bride and groom who are getting married this summer. It looks as though the garden renovation is complete and a dedication is planned for the spring – not sure of a date, though.

This is a beautiful park for on-location photography. It’s one of my favorites because I have a sweet spot for formal gardens. I loved The Secret Garden (movie and musical) growing up, but had never seen a formal garden in person until the summer I spent in London in my early 20s. And Mellon Park in Pittsburgh, captures some of the whimsy and romance that I grew to love about the gardens in London.

Even the gates have beautiful floral details.

This is the other walled garden at Mellon Park. The walls are falling apart, so I hope it will be a future renovation project. For now, it has more of a rustic charm.

This is from the daylily and daffodil garden. The little daylilies look so triumphant with the sun illuminating their form. I can’t wait until the daffodils bloom. They are my favorite flower – I carried a bouquet of daffodils for my wedding, just like I dreamt about as a little girl.

This bird was curious about me and my camera. I think the noise of my shutter clicking is what interested him.

Happy spring!

Kate and Moshe

June 27, 2008/by kmiller

I love May weddings. When the weather is right, it is a delightful time of year to get married. Kate and Moshe’s ceremony and reception were held on a fabulous and secluded private property in Western Pennsylvania. Their wedding had the feel of an exclusive soiree and was expertly planned from the linens to the live music. The best part was that their wedding had a very casual feel and it seemed to really fit their easy-going personalities.

Kiss Me Kate

Kate incorporated many special details that really personalized the day.

Sweet shoes.

Traditional challah bread - homemade!

The Horah dance is so much fun!

What an exciting moment!

Ana and Brian’s wedding

May 23, 2008/by kmiller

Ana and Brian’s wedding was a cultural delight. They were married in an Eastern Orthodox church complete with a traditional ceremony, sacred music and the intricate surroundings of icons and other religious art. This beautiful ceremony was uniquely paired with a lush reception that incorporated Peruvian elements from the bride’s family heritage.