The Pittsburgh Golf Club Wedding | Megan and Brian

October 1, 2012

On a beautiful day in September, Megan and Brian celebrated their marriage surrounded by family and friends at one of my favorite Pittsburgh wedding locations–the Pittsburgh Golf Club. Their day was filled with fun and memorable moments–including an instance when they almost saw each other before the planned first look. I enjoyed getting to capture the joy of their day in a city I love so dearly. A big congratulations to Megan and Brian.

Many thanks also to the wonderful Pamela who worked with me. Here are just a few of my favorite moments of Megan and Brian’s day.

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by mary

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Jose Cortés Cortejarena - Magnífico trabajo!!!!Enhorabuena!!!!

Denis Cherim - sweet pictures, and a strong compositions ;)

Dex - What lenses did you use for those pictures above Mary?

Milla - Wow, Mary! So many wonderful moments… and that close first-dance photo is absolutely STUNNING!! Great job!

An Anytime Session | Milla and Brad

September 26, 2012

“Congratulations!” A stranger passing by yells, ducking into the shadows of hanging nicknacks and touristy wares from the shop. I laugh at first because the couple I’m photographing aren’t taking photos on their wedding day or celebrating a recent engagement. In fact, they’ve been married for nine years. But the man doesn’t know that–he simply sees a couple in love.

And then I quickly realize that they of all people should be congratulated. You see, it’s one thing to get married–to make a commitment to love and faithfully care for another–it’s quite another to live that out. The former is full of excitement and anticipation, the latter is more staid and sometimes mundane. It’s all those in between moments that build the legacy of love in a marriage.

We often celebrate the milestones and highlights in life–but I think we should also recognize the sweetness of day-in, day-out devotion. That’s one reason why I so enjoyed photographing my friends Milla and Brad one afternoon a couple weeks ago when I was in Pittsburgh. It was an average afternoon–no fanfare or flowers–just a beautiful, ordinary day. And the dogs of course. You can’t forget Tuco and Turk!

Congratulations Milla and Brad. You deserve it.

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by mary

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Caryn - Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!!

Milla - Mary thank you thank you thank you. You have such an amazing way of capturing things creatively and naturally. They feel just like “us” – so, thank you for your friendship and for once again providing us with amazing photos that I will cherish forever. Love!!

Sherry - HOLY COW! These are so amazing Mary! I absolutely LOVE them all! And Milla you look gorgeous, love the new hairdo! Really just WOW!!!

Maryland Family Photography | Priscilla is One

September 20, 2012

“P” is for Priscilla and for personality–because this little girl has a lot of it! I recently photographed Priscilla and her family in honor of her (parents) making it to one year. And believe me, this is definitely an event worth celebrating and documenting!

Until I had my own baby, I never realized just how much work they are! Now when I see other babies and children, I not only see a bundle of cuteness but also many, many long hours of care and love from their parents. In the midst of baby rearing, it’s easy to forget all the sweet little moments, especially because babies change and grow so quickly. And while you’re proud to see your baby growing up–a part of you wants to just hold and snuggle them forever as they are. So I hope these photos are a precious keepsake for Priscilla and her mom and dad. Congratulations to them all on Priscilla’s first birthday.

Here are just a few favorites from their day.

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by mary

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Family Vacation at Chincoteague

September 13, 2012

Like any young girl with a craze for horses, I read all the Marguerite Henry books I could get my hands on at the library, including Misty of Chincoteague. So when we planned our first family vacation for the three of us to Chincoteague Island in Virginia last month, I couldn’t be more excited. However, as is often the case…ideas don’t meet reality.

Someone forgot to tell me that vacation with a 7-month old isn’t exactly vacation. Or that the picturesque horsey island is also home to 30 million mosquitoes. Despite the reality check, we did enjoy some yummy eats and introducing Harriet to the beach. And I learned a valuable fact about myself: I could never make it as a nature photographer.

So all in all, we had a great first family vacation, and I look forward to sharing many more memories together.

My attempt at nature photography.

I was clearly not prepared like these guys were. For starters, I didn’t have the hat.

This is more my style–people.

She was so excited…

And then reality…the water was pretty cold.

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by mary

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Milla - OH my goodness I love when you post on your blog!!! How funny!! I love the hat comment. And Harriet, wow she is precious. I can’t wait to see her soon!

Emilie - Harriet’s before and after water face is too precious. I’m glad she loved the beach.

I am obviously no expert but I think the first photo is beautiful, who says you can be a nature photographer.