A Couple of Changes

As a photographer, I don’t actually get many photos of myself. That’s not such a bad thing (you won’t find too many embarrassing pictures of me online!). However, I desperately needed a professional photo of myself for my website and blog.

Enter Milla Chappell–a newly found friend and another great photographer. Last Monday she agreed to take some photos of me–and I finally got a taste of my own medicine!

I must admit I was a bit nervous in front of the camera. Nevertheless, Milla got some great shots, and I’ve now updated my website bio and created a header for my blog.

Thanks Milla!



Rachel Clayton - You look fabulous Mary!! So classy and gorgeous!

martha - You look like a young picture of mom – so pretty!

Lisa Piellusch - Nice shot and you have NOTHING to worry about being in front of the camera!! 🙂

Mary Schwarz - Aww, thanks Kara!

Kara - you look gorgeous!

Jenna + Dave 7/17/09 | Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

I climbed up the rain-soaked grass to the front porch, brushing the water off my bag. I wondered how she’d take it–rain on her wedding day. Her dad opened the door, and there she was–a smile stretching across her face with eyes full of excitement. The rain, apparently, was no match for Jenna’s joy. I knew then that the whole day was going to be fantastic, rain or no.

I should have known as much. Jenna and Dave’s engagement session was such a blast. They are totally head-over-heels in love with each other, and they’re not afraid to show it. Can I just say I LOVE my clients?


See what I mean? That smile’s put on with permanent marker!

GORGEOUS!

Mr. Handsome.

Like I said, permanent smile!

This little flower girl was a cutie.

It was touch and go with the rain, but we decided to snap some photos at Point State Park as planned.

Dave was egged by his groomsmen to strike this pose.

Jenna raises him one. (P.S. I just LOVED how each bridesmaid had a different colored bouquet).

Sometimes I get lucky, and a passing stranger makes a funny comment.

Moments after they got back to the limo, the sky opened up, and it started to POUR!

The reception was held at the very elegant Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh.

Jenna and Dave had an (I must say) awesome Guest Book

Jenna’s sister had everyone in stitches.

Jenna and Dave are great dancers!

And I think everyone enjoyed the reception. Including Dave.

More dancing! They opted for a great jazz band instead of DJ. Very classy and fun!


CONGRATULATIONS Jenna and Dave! Thanks for letting me be a part of your day!

Agnieszka - P.s.!! I loooove the Saturday Night pose!! Haha!!

Agnieszka - Oh my!! You captured so many fantastic moments! What a fun & beautiful set!!! :o)

Ted Nghiem - Very cool!! Really awesome work!

The In-Laws Come to Pittsburgh

I know I’m blessed to have such wonderful in-laws. That’s why I can never relate to “in-law” jokes. I actually love talking to my mother-in-law, Nancy on the phone.

That’s one of the things that first impressed me about Jay and his parents. They have a great relationship. No, they’re not clingy-have-to-call-my-son-everyday people, but they still keep in touch and care about what he’s doing. And they accepted me into their family with open arms. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to marry into. And for that, I know I’m blessed.

So last week when Jay’s parent’s came into town for a visit, we had a fun, fun time hanging out.


Like father, like son. Traveling wears you out. And Astin just likes to be where everyone else is.

They had never been to Fallingwater, so we drove out there on Tuesday for a tour.

We had lunch nearby at the Firefly Cafe.

Isn’t my mother-in-law beautiful?

The next day we went out to McConnells Mills and took a hike.

We found this nice water fall. Nancy’s taking a picture of it.

And then the hike kind of came to a dead end with the path going nowhere.

No worries. We walked back and explored the mill.

On Friday they flew back to San Antonio. Astin didn’t seem too concerned about them leaving.

We did a little “photo shoot” before they left. Yeah, those are bunny ears antenna in the back ground.

They’re fun people.

And still very much in love 34 years on.

Astin was still not worried.

Nancy’s eyes are amazing.

I love my mom-in-law!


I can’t wait to see them again…

Kara - I did not know that Fallingwater was near Pittsburgh. That's pretty cool.

Edinburgh | UK Adventure Part IV

After we bid Martha and Ben goodbye in Durham, we boarded the train to Edinburgh–the capital city of Scotland. As a side note, if you haven’t had a chance to read my previous posts, you can catch up by clicking the Travels link under categories.

One of the more distinctive attributes of Edinburgh is its clear delineation between the old town and the new town (wow, that was a lot of big words! See Momma? My college education wasn’t for naught). Basically the old town converges around the Royal Mile, with Edinburgh Castle at the top and Holyrood Palace a the other end. As time went on, people built up instead of out, as the geography was limiting. What once were open allies became “closes”–enclosed passageways.

Eventually, though, there just wasn’t enough building up they could do to meet demands. So, “New Town” was built and connected to the Old town by bridges and such. But enough with descriptions, let’s see some photos!


This was our view flying in on the plane (when we first arrived). Taken with my point and shoot camera.

Our first night we met up with our good friends Ken and Bethany (who live here in Pittsburgh).

Unfortunately, the good weather ended, and this was just a sign of things to come.

Royal Bank of Scotland.

Yeah, I’m a professional.

Crossing from New Town to the Old Town.

New College.

Through a close.

The castle.

Every fall they have this show called the Military Tattoo. Looks like they were already setting up and practicing.

And what castle wouldn’t be complete without naval guns that never fired from its walls?

Nothing like a man in a kilt to show you about.

I love the royal coat of arms–unicorns!

There were loads of tourists. Is that man wearing pajama bottoms?

Detail in the dining hall.

The roof was built by ship builders without the use of a single nail.

This was the best view I could get.

Ye Olde Prison.

Some American revolutionary soldiers were kept here. One left his mark on the door.

We lunched at Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar. There’s a great story about this dog who was so loyal to his policeman master that he slept on his grave for 12 years. He was Greyfriars Bobby’s dog.

Then we explored Greyfriars, which is a church/cemetery.

Where we discovered lots of creepiness.

Then it was off to John Knox’s church, the famous 16th century preacher.

We continued down the Royal Mile.

And happened upon a wedding. I had to snap a photo of the guest’s garb. Sweet!

This hideous building is the parliament.

The palace was closed due to a royal visit.

In the afternoon, Jay, Ken, and I hiked up the crags on Arthur’s Seat

This was definitely a high-light for me. It was beautiful!

It was a bit windy.

And then the fog really got thick.

There were lots of these slugs around.

We ended the night by grabbing some pub grub.

Stay tuned for our adventures as we head up the Scotland shoreline.