Liz and Matt are Married | Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

While I am always excited for each of my couples on their wedding day, I was especially overjoyed last Friday for Liz and Matt, as they are also my good friends.

I mean, all that I’ve been hearing from Liz the last few months has been: “Three more months to go!” “60 days!” “One month!” “One week!” and finally, the DAY arrived for them! And what a beautiful day it was in Pittsburgh!

The girls started their morning at Keeley’s beauty salon in Penn Hills, then it was back to Liz’s sister’s house (whose wedding, by the way, I photographed in May) for lunch and makeup. Then Liz and Matt promised to love each other till-death-do-us-part at New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Monroeville. Afterward, we grabbed some shots at Monroeville Community Park before heading to Riverside Landing in Oakmont for the reception. The entire day was fun, fun, fun. So let’s see some photos!


Nothing like a friend to get you laughing–Liz’s hair stylist was Bethany, a good friend of both of ours. (I also shot Bethany’s wedding in 2007)

Liz’s sister is an expert when it comes to makeup.

Liz, you have got some gorgeous lashes!

Meanwhile, Matt’s just resting, all ready to go.

I love this shot that Jay captured.

This was my view.

Another great shot by Jay.

I think her expression says it all.

Liz, you are amazingly beautiful, gorgeous, hot, and all of the above!

And Matt, you’re pretty good looking, too! 🙂

Here I was trying to take a serious picture of Matt, and then the next thing I know he does this:

At the reception, both Liz’s sister and Matt’s brother gave excellent speeches.

Liz’s dad created a slideshow of Liz and Matt through the years…

First dance goodness.

I love, love, love this shot.


CONGRATULATIONS Liz and Matt! See you when you get back from your honeymoon!

Evelyn Santana - Congratulations again.The pictures are beautiful.Love you.

Anonymous - Nice composition on the one with her dad before the service. The way it looks "through" the bridesmaids is great.

Colors and Covers–Wedding Album Options

When I was researching album companies to use, I had a list in my mind of what I wanted them to provide: quality materials and options, options, options. So, I selected Finao because they provided all of that with excellent customer service to boot.

We’re talking handcrafted albums, fine leathers, beautiful brocades, and everything in between. You want a different size? They’ve got that, too. You can’t find these albums (or books as you might call them) at your local Target or Walmart. My standard package does not include any albums so that you can pick and choose exactly what you want. I also offer very competitive album prices, so you can be sure to find something that will fit you perfectly and tell the story of your day. It’s definitely not something you want to skip out on!

I recently received a shipment of some clients’ albums that are just waiting to be filled with their beautiful photos. These are just a fraction of the available options. If you have any questions about your album choices, be sure to send me an email.


I just love the guest books…a perfect avenue for showcasing your engagement photos.

Jeremy Ganss Productions | Favorite Vendor

As a wedding photographer, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best vendors in the Pittsburgh area, and I love being able to refer my brides to people who will provide quality services.

For those brides still planning their weddings, I’d like to highlight a few of my favorite vendors. I’ll start with the DJ services of Jeremy Ganss.




Jeremy was the DJ for Amy and Ian’s wedding back in August. To put it simply, he is the best DJ I’ve ever worked with. Apart from the location you choose, your DJ probably plays the most important role in determining the success of your reception. A good DJ can create an elegant atmosphere and keep the party moving, while a poor one can make guests scatter and leave you cringing from embarrassment.

Jeremy recently provided me with a copy of his F.A.Q. for prospective couples, and I thought I’d share a few with you.

How did you get started doing Weddings?

I started DJing in 1997 and started weddings soon after that in 2000. At that time, I learned first hand all the challenges weddings present. Then in 2005, I began performing full time and have been ever since. I just always had a knack for keeping guests dancing and making the evening very enjoyable for everyone WITHOUT being annoying and cheesy.

Why do you specialize in Weddings?
I am very passionate about weddings and love to see the shining faces of the varied elated guests. No other performance can bring that. I am also attracted to the challenge of music variety, the diversity of the guests, and the intense, detailed planning that Weddings demand.

How do you distinguish yourself from other DJ’s?

First and foremost it would be my personalized service you receive from the first time we speak until the end of your event. I make myself available to you most anytime you need me. I answer my business line up to 10:30pm. I am also someone who is always striving for perfection in every aspect of DJing. I am always trying to improve, whether it be by buying more music, getting the newest equipment, and/or expanding my ever growing wedding knowledge.

Do you play the “cheesy” music some couples hate?

No, unless specifically requested by the Bride/Groom. It is NOT standard for me to play “the Macarena”, “the Hokey Pokey” , or “The Chicken Dance” unless they are specifically requested by the Bride/Groom. Again, this is your day and you can tell me exactly what to and what not to play–it’s up to you!

Why do you feel that you are on of the “Top” DJ’s in the area?
(abbreviated answer:)

Over the years, I have met, seen and/or spoken to countless other DJ’s and have received endless feedback and input. I offer a unique mix of:
a.) PROFESSIONALISM.
b.) EXPERIENCE.
c.) PERSONALIZED ATTENTION.
d.) MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE.
e.) WORK ETHIC.

So, if you’re looking for a DJ for your wedding, be sure to check out Jeremy Ganss.



Favorite Vendor: HDW Designs–Custom, Hand-Made Jewelry » Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Birchtree Photography Blog - […] of you have read my raves about Pittsburgh DJ Jeremy Ganss, but one thing I haven’t noted is that his wife, Heather, is […]

Johnstown Wedding Photography | Ali and Shailen » Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Birchtree Photography Blog - […] out on the dance floor at one point, and the celebrating couldn’t have been better! I know I’ve said it before, but I have to say it again, Jeremy is a really good, one of THE best DJ in Pittsburgh. If you are […]

Amy Hull - We had complete confidence in Jeremy as our wedding DJ!

Justin Merriman - I agree completely!

-Justin Merriman

Anonymous - yay!!!!! go Jeremy!!!

Kate and Alex | Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

Kate is a horse girl–she grew up hanging out at the barn, mucking stalls and sweating in spandex. A girl after my own heart, and I immediately liked her.

But really, I can’t see how anyone could not like Kate. She has an infectious smile and a sense of humor that will have you laughing within two minutes. I’m sure those are just a few of the many qualities that made Alex fall in love with her.

Last Saturday, Kate and Alex celebrated a beautiful wedding at the Grand Hall at the Priory in Pittsburgh. It was truly an international celebration, as friends and family flew in from places as far away as England and Germany. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Priory’s hospitality and the lovely Pittsburgh welcome.


Um…Kate, you are GORGEOUS.

I wanted to jump up and down when I saw the beautiful natural light in this room. Sunlight makes things purty.

Love the hairpiece.

I love this shot of Kate and her mom.

The man of the hour–er, day.

This was the Priory Grand Hall set up before anyone arrived.

Kate definitely had a fun wedding party.

And their take on Abbey road…fitting, as Kate’s family is from England.

Oh no, she didn’t?

Oh yes, she DID!

Kate’s father gave a wonderful toast.

Followed by great speeches from the maid of honor and best man.

Kate danced with her father to a song he composed for her.

LOVE this.

And this.


Congratulations Kate and Alex!

“We Like March, His Shoes are Purple…” » Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers | Birchtree Photography Blog - […] love with the idea of white flowers, you can add some fresh greens to make them stand out. I loved Kate’s beautiful summer green she added to her bouquet–it complimented her bridesmaid’s […]

Brian - Kate & Alex!!!!!!!!

Katie - Kate & Alex!!!

Jennifer - Kat & Alex!

Nicole Mathews - 🙂 Kate & Alex for sure

Nicole Mathews - 🙂 Great pics of great people!! Love you

Lauren - YEA, Kate and Alex 🙂

Jereme - yepyep

Jessica - Kate and Alex

Sun Flare | I ♥ Faces Week 46 » Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers | Birchtree Photography Blog - […] rainy, kind of a little bit of sun, cloudy, and finally–sun!” So, this shot is from Kate and Alex’s beautiful (and sunny) wedding back in August. Be sure to check out all the other wonderful […]