This session was soooo much fun, like, top of the list, favorite at-home session of all time kind of fun. Lauren and Brittney are so open and easy going, it was the perfect combination for non-stop laughing, spontaneous bursts of dancing, and in general, some really beautiful moments.
Lauren and Brittney, thank you so much for inviting me into your home to create these images with you. I can't wait for your wedding in October, we're going to have an amazing time!
XO,
Kristy
NY City Hall just became one of my all time favorite places. I'm pretty sure I could sit there all day and just observe all the excited couples in love while they anticipate their turn to exchange vows. Jess and Lizzie were actually married last January and didn't hire a photographer for their elopement and over time, it became apparent to them that they should have. So, in the sweetest gesture possible, Jess brought me to NYC to recreate their day all over again as an anniversary present for Lizzie. And you guys, it was so much fun, even with the unexpected and super crazy bomb cyclone that kept us indoors most of the time. Despite it being an eventful day, these two were incredible.
Jess and Lizzie, thank you so much for bringing me to NYC. I wish you love and so much happiness.
xo,
Kristy
There is something so sweet about being able to dress up all over again and reminisce about your wedding day for your anniversary, it makes my sappy romantic heart turn to mush. Sabrina and Banu were married last year in Virginia and wanted to do something special for their first anniversary and unseasonably warm weather gave us the most beautiful day to shoot outside of Phipps Conservatory and the Carnegie Museum. These two have the most light-hearted sense of humor and the sweetest of loves.
Sabrina and Banu, thanks so much for letting me take your portraits again, I hope you have so many amazing adventures together in your new home of Chicago!
xo,
Kristy
Kathryn had been carefully planning her proposal to Arianne for months from Ohio disguising it as a trip to see Kathryn's family. She convinced Arianne that they had to leave early for a dinner at Edgewood Country Club because she had lost something on the green the day before. Once there, she got down on one knee to pop the question and Arianne said yes! Their entire session was full of excitement, laughter, warmth, and love. Kathrine and Arianne, thank you so much for having me and congratulations to you both!
xo,
Kristy
I had such an incredible time with Amy and Nate's session. We met at an old Christmas tree farm they purchased to build their future home on and it was perfect. While we were shooting, we had a beautiful scenic view, deer leaping across the property behind us, and the most breathtaking golden hour I've ever seen. They were so much fun and have so much love, I have no doubt that these two will make amazing parents. Amy and Nate, thank you for such a lovely day together and congratulations on your new little baby boy!
xo,
Kristy
In the sweetest little ceremony, Katerina and Umut said their vows in front of a few family and friends at Frick Park right above the same spot where Umut proposed. Meeting at a Tango event when they were in college, it was only appropriate that they did a Tango as their first dance together right after the ceremony. The one thing I can say about these two is that they have the sweetest kind of love and you could see it in every glance, every touch, and every playful joke they had for each other. Their elopement is one of my absolute favorites to date because they weren't afraid to get a little adventurous, to be a little silly, and to fully be themselves.
Katerina and Umut, I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of your day and I wish you many years of happiness together.
xo,
Kristy
Officiant: My Happy Day
Flowers: The Farmer's Daughter Flowers
Dress Designer: Catherine Deane from BHLDN
Suit Designer: Tom Ford
Hair and Makeup: Hannah Conard Beauty
Jewelry: Tiffany's
I'm not sure that the cuteness of this proposal can be topped, EVER. Lindsay wanted a sweet and simple proposal for her partner, Shannon. Both of them being animal lovers, she decided to propose to her at one of their favorite places in Pittsburgh, Colony Cafe in the Strip. Surrounded by adoptable kitties, Lindsay asked Shannon to marry her through a book of photos, accompanied with a little story of their relationship, and of course, a "marry me?" finishing the story. It was everything they both could have hoped for. Congratulations to you both, I can't wait for the wedding! xo
A big shout out to Sue and her staff at the cafe for providing wine, accessories for my disguise, and going out of their way to make sure this was the best proposal it could have been. You're the best!
Brad had been planning his proposal to Elizabeth for a VERY long time and aside from the pouring down rain that was drenching us, everything went according to plan. Elizabeth is an architect and it has always been a dream to visit Fallingwater. Knowing this, Brad decided to conjure up a fake work related convention happening in Pittsburgh and she was going to tag along for fun. He flew their families up to be there with them and proposed to her at the iconic view. I can't think of a more perfect way to propose!
Cassie & Rick's 4th of July weekend wedding was so tender. Surrounded by friends and family, these two said I do in a simple ceremony at the Double Tree in Washington, Pa. Congratulations to you both, thank you so much for having me. xo
Dress: Bridal Beginning
Flowers: The Ivy Green
Cake: Krency's Bakery
Rings: Joyce's Jewelry and MarBill Diamond & Jewelry
Portrait Location: Palazzo 1837
Jessica and Garret's wedding at Greendance Winery was so beautiful; the scenery of the winery, the weather and above all, the amount of love and joy present. Thank you so much Jessica and Garret for having me and making me so incredibly welcome. xo
When Meghan & Anuj asked if I could photograph their engagement session on the farm next to her childhood home, I was so excited. The land, the light, the best couple, the HORSES. Everything about this session was perfect. They were adventurous, fun and didn't bat an eye at my seemingly ridiculous requests. Thank you both for such a wonderful time, I can't wait to photograph your wedding this fall.
I first met Hannah when I was helping with a styled shoot for Jenni Grace Photography. I'll admit it, I loved her right away. Hannah is the type of person that you can't help but feel good around, let's face it, this lady has some amazing energy and you could tell that she really loved what she did. She's one of the best hair and makeup artists in town so you definitely have to check out her work. I paid Hannah a visit at her new studio in the North Side so I could show you all how great she really is with the help of my friend turned model, Mary. So, without further ado, Hanna Conard Beauty.
How did you get into the business?
I have been doing makeup for weddings and special events since I was 15 but it wasn't until two years ago I decided to start my company. I was working in a salon for years and my clients always asked what I love doing the most? My answer was always weddings. I finally had an epiphany: If this is my true passion, I need to make it my sole focus.
What's your favorite part of the job?
The most fulfilling part of what I do is when I hear a client say, "I have never felt this beautiful." No matter how many times I hear it, it never gets old; how a visual transformation gives way to a visceral reaction to the way they look and feel. It makes my heart sing.
What's one beauty item you can't live without?
Probably a color correcting cream with spf, I am pretty fair and I need to keep my skin protected and moisturized!
When you are with a bride you start with a blank canvas, what inspires you for their look?
I'm most inspired by her natural beauty: skin, eye color/shape, hair color/texture/length. Taking time to get to know a person and understand how they want to feel and what they feel insecure about also matters just as much as my inspiration. Everything is taken into consideration.
What do you feel separates you from others in your field?
Mostly 3 things, my esthetic, my approach and my team. My esthetic isn't traditional bridal, I like a little more grit. Beauty that is perfectly imperfect, balanced not even, movement not structure, enhanced not covered. My approach is: How you make people feel matters as much just as much as how make them look. I not only want you to look beautiful when you leave the chair, I want you to feel confident, excited and refreshed! My team is incredible, I'm really excited to be working with such talented and passionate woman. Because we do both hair and makeup and because it's a larger team we are truly able to take on anything. No matter how many services or what time of day, we can handle almost anything.
What are your favorite beauty trends? Which ones could you do without?
I'm not a trendy girl, I believe in things that have or will stand the test of time. I don't want some to look at hair and makeup I have done 30 years from now and not be able to definitively date it. Timeless not trendy.
What are your top 5 favorite songs?
Oh man this an impossible question! I love music so much I don't know even know where to begin. What immediately comes to mind are artist not songs so I'm going to go with that. The Black Keys, Florence and the Machine, Ray Lamontagne, Ottis Redding, Nirvana and The Rolling Stones (I guess thats 6). There is just to much great music out there to narrow it to such a sort list. I'm sure by the time you post this I will regret not putting someone on the list.
What is your absolute favorite spot in Pittsburgh?
The Northside in general, I love it so much! I live here and [so do] some of my best friends, my studio is here. It has an amazing history and an exciting future. Absolute. Favorite.