Documentary Family Photography | Crystalyn’s Family

August 13, 2012

While I was visiting my own family in Texas back in June, I had the pleasure of spending a morning photographing one of my friend’s families. Crystalyn and I were on the same team at Foundation Workshop, so we both share a love for real, authentic photography and a lot of memories from that intense week of learning. It was such an honor to capture a morning in the life of her family.

Now that I view life through “mommy lenses,” I have a whole new appreciation for parents of small children. Crystalyn and her husband have created a wonderful home for their kids–here are just a few of my favorite moments of their day together.

Posted in PortraitsTags: ,,,,,,,,

by mary

add a comment

Sherry - I love all of these! Everyday life is what family is all about and these pics show it perfectly Mary! Crystalyn, what a beautiful family you have! And you look gorgeous with your new haircut!

Milla - These are absolutely beautiful, Mary. Wow! What precious moments and wonderful interactions. Great job!

Crystalyn - Mary – my favorite parts of my parenting journey have been the little everyday moments. Family mealtime, bedtime, playing, the hugs, kisses and even some of the fits. They’re what has made us who we are together, and your pictures capture us beautifully for me. An ordinary every day morning — something I wish to remember always. And now I can. There aren’t words enough to express how much these images mean to me. Thank you, thank you!

Half-Way Through | Harriet is 6 Months Old

August 6, 2012

We are now officially in the “can this baby get any cuter??” stage. Each day I’m amazed to see what new trick Harriet has learned. It seems like once she turned six months, everything just clicked and she started crawling, standing up, and basically getting into everything.

While I didn’t do a formal photo session for her six months (she’s now almost seven!), I did take some photos of her around the house and at the park. She thoroughly enjoyed her first ride on the swing, as you can see. It’s incredible to look back and see how much she’s grown in just these first six months. I really do wish I could press a pause button and hold onto these fun days a bit longer. I guess that’s what these photos are for. 🙂

Posted in Personal,PortraitsTags: ,,,,,,,,

by mary

add a comment

Nancy Schwarz - Poor Astin.

nancy schwarz - What a precious little doll. I’m overwhelmed. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Milla - Oh my goodness Mary it’s SO EXCITING to see a Harriet post! Wow, what a precious little girl she has become… a tiny newborn no longer! Keep the photos coming. Happy 6 months sweet Harriet!

Sherry - These are so freaking cute! Harriet is one sweet and totally adorable little girl! I think I need to see you guys sometime soon because she is getting so big so fast! Miss you all!

Altoona Wedding Photography | Michelle and Ryan

July 19, 2012

Michelle and Ryan both grew up in Altoona, PA, but ironically, they didn’t meet until they both moved to the DC area. And while their lives are now settled here, they celebrated their marriage with family and friends “back home” in small-town Altoona.

If you spend any time with Michelle and Ryan, you will quickly see how much they enjoy joking and having fun together. Their sense of humor definitely came in handy when Ryan broke his ankle during a training exercise just a couple weeks before the wedding. I think most brides would probably freak out if their groom suddenly lost the ability to walk days before the wedding, but Michelle took it all in stride, so to speak. And Ryan–he is one tough guy (well, duh, he’s a U.S Marine and has a pretty amazing job). Despite being in a lot of pain, he made the best of the situation and didn’t let it stop him from dancing with his bride. A big congratulations to Michelle and Ryan! You are both amazing people.

Here are just a few of my favorite moments from their day. Special thanks to Andrea for photographing with me. And be sure to check out Michelle and Ryan’s incredible wedding movie by Syncopated Pictures.

Posted in WeddingsTags: ,,,,,,,,,,,

by mary

add a comment

Michelle Morning - Mary we love love love all of the photos!!! You did such a great job and we are so thankful!!!

Beth Insalaco - I agree with Leeann! That makes the day so memorable with lots of fun stories to tell. What an awesome couple. Great job, Mary!

Leeann Marie - Hey, I think the scooter is pretty Saweeeeetttt!

Mattress Factory Art Museum Wedding | Katie and Allan

July 10, 2012

Surrounded by an intimate gathering of friends and family, Katie and Allan exchanged vows at the modern Mattress Factory Art Museum in Pittsburgh last month. Their small, family-style wedding was a perfect celebration of these two talented and creative individuals. I must admit, the Mattress Factory Art Museum is one of my all-time favorite art museums. It’s just plain fun and quirky. So it was no surprise that Katie and Allan and their wedding guests enjoyed the museum’s fun setting and danced their hearts out.

A big congratulations to Katie and Allan. Here are just a few of my favorite moments from their day. Special thanks to the talented Pamela Marie for photographing with me.

Posted in WeddingsTags: ,,,,,,,,,

by mary

add a comment

Lucy Snyder - The parents of the groom love the creativity of the pictures–some funny,some romantic,all true to our favorite couple

Janis Allen - Wonderful compositions, love the pictures, the mother of the bride can’t wait to see them all.

Shirley Lund - Katie and Allan best wishes and congratulations. I love your dress!

Harley - The father of the bride couldn’t be happier with these shots. You have captured Katie and Allan perfectly!!
Thank you, Mary.

Milla - Mary FANTASTIC!!! You take the best shoe shots, man! I am always so jealous. Great coverage, beautiful wedding.