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Rebekah and Jason Tie the Knot–5.1.09

May 12, 2009

This month started off with a great Pittsburgh wedding–Rebekah and Jason’s. I really enjoyed getting to see their whole day unfold. The morning started early (with rain!) and with hair appointments at Looks in Monroeville. Then we headed over to the Monroeville Mall for Rebekah’s makeup. I can honestly say she looks great without it–as the photos will show–but they also did a wonderful job at the Mac cosmetics counter.

Then it was time for a bite to eat at Subway before heading back to the house to gather dresses and shoes. By this time, we were glad to see the sky had cleared up a bit. Rebekah looked absolutely amazing in her wedding dress–it suited her perfectly. Jason was Mr. Calm and Collected. One of the fun things was that the flower girl and ring bearer were the two kiddos that Rebekah nanny’s–they did great and were so precious! After the ceremony at Beulah Presbyterian Church in Pen Hills, we had some time for a few group shots outside. Then we were off to the Four Points Sheraton in Greensburg for the reception, where Rebekah and Jason celebrated with family and friends.

Posed, but cute:

It was a bit windy:

Sisters:

Rebekah and her father were so sweet together:

Posted in Weddings

by mary

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Evelyn Santana - Congrats,on your wedding.Your pictures are beautiful.I wish you Rebekah & Jason the very best of luck in your future as husband & wife.Love you.Titi Evelyn

Monica and Robert Franceschini - Rebekah you look beautiful!

Monica Franceschini - Congrats, my beautiful cousin!!! I wish you and your husband many, many years of love and happiness!!! Love you guys! – Monica

Kate Skopp - Yay Jason and Rebekah!

My New Sibling…sort of…

May 12, 2009

Well, this has absolutely nothing to do with photography, but my mom just got a new puppy over the weekend. Now, I didn’t take this picture because my mom actually lives in Texas, but I had to share it because he’s so cute! Meet Ruddy the Swedish Vallhund:


And for good measure, here’s a photo of my “puppy” looking quite bemused:

Posted in Personal

by mary

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My Best Idea Yet?

May 8, 2009

Ever since I started shooting weddings and events I’ve struggled to find a good way to let everyone know where to find the photos once they’re uploaded. In the past, I would usually email the bride and groom or the main event planner, hoping they would share the link. At one time I did try printing up business-sized cards on plain card stock with the website link, but I often wondered how many of those slips of paper ended up in the garbage. I’ve seen other photographers distribute a sign-up list for people to write in the email addresses, but that just seems like a nightmare to me. Do I really have time to input a 100+ email addresses every wedding??

So, I had kind of given up, but was still frustrated when guests would ask me how they could see the photos. Well, a couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a printing company when researching business card ideas–Moo. Yes, like a cow, and yet so much better. That’s when I saw their “mini moo” cards and was inspired with possibly my best idea yet…drum roll please…introducing my Share the Link Cards:


They’re the perfect size and thickness:

And on the back is the website link with password:

To top it off, they come in a sweet box:


So what do you think? As you can see, these are made with Ali and Andrew’s Engagement Photos. Just one more reason I encourage you to take advantage of the engagement session I include with every wedding package.

All that to say, I’m really pleased with Moo’s product, and I can’t wait to use these cards tomorrow at the wedding.

Now, I want to hear your thoughts!

Posted in For Brides

by mary

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Lisa Piellusch - I like it! Great idea. I have Moo business cards that I got to try out when they had a promo on for smugmug users and I love the quality. I think their quality and the mini’s fit nicely with your idea. 🙂

— Lisa P.

Mary Schwarz - Hi Arthur–you can actually view Moo’s prices here: http://www.moo.com/en/products/minicards.php

I think it’s a great deal for what you get–the product is top notch.

Arthur Scott - cost per hundred?? cost per thousand?? How many do you get and so on?? Enlighten us………..

Lizz, Derrick, and the Dogs

May 6, 2009

This past Saturday I also met up with Lizz and Derrick in Sewickly for their engagement shoot. Lizz’s mom lives on some nice land that was the perfect location. Add their puppy, and the picture was complete. As you can see, the photos have an entirely different feel than the ones I had taken earlier that day. The lighting plays a role in this, but I think I was also inspired by the surroundings. This is something to keep in mind when you’re planning your engagement shoot (or wedding for that matter). Choosing the time of day for the engagement session can almost be as important as the location. Obviously the weather is its own beast.

But back to Lizz and Derrick. We also discussed the details of their wedding, as it’s coming up in about three weeks. Their wedding is going to be held outside at the Zen Center in Sewickly–I think as they described it, it’s going to be a “formal picnic.” It should be fun!


Posted in Engagements

by mary

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