Cash is Six Months! - Baby Portrait Session

I got to visit with Cash on his exact half-birthday to document this sweet phase in his life. Newborn Sessions are precious, and First Birthday Sessions are a blast, but don’t sleep on the mid-year sessions. I love this time because baby is alert and full of personality, but not yet mobile, so they are usually a fun and easy session. Plus, the mid-year months are just so cute! Check out his big blue eyes and his sweet dimple!

These sessions can be done any time around that half birthday mark, and as always, I welcome family to jump in a few! Cash looked so happy with his pretty mommy! I love the little side glance he gave her. Baby boys love their mamas!

Happy Half, Cash!

Esra is One! - First Birthday Session

When you are born on Valentine’s Day, there is really only one theme choice for your First Birthday Session - and it’s the perfect theme for Miss Esra, because this baby girl is pure love!

She has so much personality, and was definitely giving off the little sissy vibes - big smiles, carefree, and a lot of fun!

I always include family pictures with all my milestone sessions, so Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sis were there to jump in a few.

We ended Esra’s session with a cake smash and a milk bath. This was so much fun! Happy 1st Birthday to you, Essie! It was a blast celebrating your first year with you.

Riaan - Newborn Session

Sweet Baby Riaan may have had a tough start to his life, but he’s now home with his loving family, all snuggled and warm.

The holidays may be over, but this darling boy is still enjoying all things cozy. We started with some basket wraps for his individual shots, and then took a few of his precious tootsies - some of the cutest little feet! I also just love his long lashes. Such a handsome little guy.

His parents are so sweet, and were just radiating love and peace. As someone who used to work with pre-term babies in my previous career, I felt such relief for them to have their baby home after such uncertainty. They shared with me that they also recently moved during the days following Riaan’s birth, but they got through those stressful times with the unwavering support of family.

It takes a village, and Riaan is one blessed baby to be born into this one.

Ally is One! - First Birthday Session

It took sweet little Ally a minute to warm up to me, but honestly, when you’re this cute - it doesn’t matter if you smile or are serious. She’s gorgeous any way you get her! Just look at those adorable cheeks!

Once she got a little more comfy in her adorable birthday romper, her smiles were a bit more forthcoming. She is a doll, and it was such a pleasure to document her First Birthday milestone! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Everleigh - Newborn Session

Before the busyness of Holiday Sessions began, I had the pleasure of photographing sweet Everleigh and her family. This baby girl is so blessed. Not only does she have the kindest parents, but her big brother Reyden was absolutely born for this role. He is so in love with his baby sister.

What a perfect, precious little lady. Welcome to the world, sweet Everleigh!

Percy is One! - First Birthday Session

In the midst of the busy holiday picture season, birthdays and newborns are still happening! What a pleasure it was to meet darling Percy! He came to the studio bringing smiles, and the sweetest little wardrobe changes. I love this handmade name sweater that was gifted to his mama when he was born!

He then changed into a sweet neutral shirt - I just love a baby boy in a collar! Too cute!

We then finished our time together with overalls and a cake smash. Classic denim overalls are timeless, and always a great choice for a baby photo session. Thanks for coming to see me, Percy! You’re adorable!

The K & G Families

It was such a pleasure to capture images of the love this extended family has for one another. After 15 years of living states apart, they are now all back in Pittsburgh, and so thrilled to watch the grandkids grow up together.

It drizzled on and off all day, but after rearranging our plans, we met at the North Park boathouse for a beautiful session celebrating togetherness.

The woman at the centerpiece of their family - their sweet Grammy - was so happy to have these beautiful grands all together.

Getting family photographs is so important, not only to capture the here and now, but also to preserve memories for the future. I hope these images always remind them of their mother-daughter bond, and bring joy for generations to come.

The M Family - Family Portrait Session

Being chosen as a family’s photographer is a privilege. To be invited back into their lives to capture the big moments, and even the small, is an honor for me. I’ve been freezing time for the M Family since their oldest son was a baby, and it’s so exciting to see their family grow with the addition of their future son-in-law!

I don’t regularly photograph engagements, but these two were the perfect couple for me to capture, as they met at the same college where my husband and I met twenty years ago. I wish the happy couple all the best! I know their future will be bright with such a kind, loving family around them.

Caleb is One! - First Birthday Session

I just love this simple, soft color pallet for baby boy Caleb’s fist birthday. He was such a pleasant little guy.

After doing some shots in his birthday shirt, we ended with the cake smash. He was so happy with his smiles and funny faces when that icing hit! Big brother Grant hopped in a few at the end. It was my pleasure to meet their sweet family. Happiest 1st Birthday, Caleb!

The M Family - Family Portrait Session

As a mom of young kids myself, I get so excited when a family nails their session. I know how hard it is to get everyone dressed, out the door, and cooperating. Everything seemed to come together for The M Family on their picture day, and I’m so happy it did!

The sun was shining through the white clouds, the temperature was perfect, and the kids were all smiles! I loved capturing their personalities, and the little things that make them happy - like Charlotte’s special locket…

…and William’s fierce love for his mommy! He reminded me of my second-born; a mama’s boy who loves hard! It’s always a joy to work with The M Family - what a sweet family they are!

The W Family - Family Portrait Session

This is what Golden Hour dreams are made of. The perfect setting sun, filtered through the tree line, with an adorable family at the center of it all. My evening with The W Family was just that.

How lucky is this little man to have, not one, but two big sissies to care for him!?

Even though the Fall Foliage has been slow so far this year, I love all the warm tones that the setting autumn sun highlights. This glow can make even a cut field look magical.

I love this shot of the kids running to Mom and Dad for a hug. It was a great way to end our time together.

The N Family - Family Portrait Session

It was wonderful to see The N Family again to update their family portraits. I had first met them last year when little Lennon was born. She has changed so much in 11 months, but one thing that has remained the same is her adorable, sweet face!

We met at Hartwood Acres Mansion near their home. I love this location for it’s beauty and the array of backgrounds. We got so many different looks, simply by walking around the gorgeous historic property.

I was happy to take a few shot with their pups, Axel and Moose, at the end of our time together, too.

August is One! - First Birthday Session

It was so fun to meet August and his lovely parents for his First Birthday Session! I could not have asked for a more pleasant baby to photograph.

Auggie grinned sweetly for his entire session. He snuggled mommy and daddy, played with his tootsies, and showed off his precious lil teeth. What a darling!

I loved meeting you, Auggie, and look forward to working with you again in the future. Happy Birthday, buddy!

The N Family - Family Portrait Session

I was so excited to see The N Family again to commemorate their new home in Zelienople! Their move also coincides with Nico turning 18 months, so a double milestone was being celebrated.

We were sure to hit all the landmarks of Main Street Zelie; The Kaufman Tavern, The butterfly outside Curio, and of course The Strand - Zelie’s famous theater featuring both stage performances and movies. Being a Seneca Valley grad myself, I’ve always loved Zelie. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia, hometown pride, and in more recent years, modern shops and restaurants. The sweet Main Street honors the history of the past while welcoming the future.

We had to end the night with a sweet treat from Ice Box Creamery to celebrate Nico’s half birthday. Nico was so cute with his ice cream cheers! Congrats to The N Family on their new home!

The D Family - Family Portrait Session

One of my favorite parts of photography is connecting with the families I photograph, and in many cases, it’s reconnecting. I hadn’t seen The D Family since my oldest was in the same pre-k as their oldest. That school year abruptly ended (2020), and so many of the happy faces from our sweet early learning school became memories. So when this lovely family reached out for a session, I was thrilled to see them.

Not only are their daughters beautiful, but they are also full of love and light. It was fun to watch their three distinct personalities shine through, just as brightly as the late September sunset.

Sweet baby sister Evie was the centerpiece of many of our photos. I can see just how much her older sisters adore her.

Mandy & Rianna - Sister Milestone Session

This year, many of my friends and I have turned 40. It’s an age that society has taught us, especially women, to fear, but as this milestone has been met, I’ve noticed it’s been celebrated rather than rushed for both myself and those around me.

Mandy & Rianna are twin sisters, and sweet friends of mine whom I’ve known for nearly 20 years. I admire them both so much as mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. They are both artists in their own respect; Mandy a fellow photographer who inspires me with her work, and Rianna with her eye for decorating. I knew that working with them to mark their 40th year would be magical, as they also find the beauty in the details of simple joys.

For their session, we brainstormed and landed on a picnic setting in North Park. A location tucked between their two homes, and an activity that they often shared with their loving mother, who went to heaven a little over a year ago. They brought along their grandmother’s picnic basket; which they keep in use, their favorite flowers and wine, and a scrapbook and photo album filled with memories from the last four decades.

Besides a birthday, these sisters also share such a strong faith in God. They’ve leaned on Him throughout their lives, and continue to be shaped by His grace.

This gorgeous tree that we found for the session seemed like such an appropriate setting. Just like Mandy and Rianna, it’s gorgeous and strong. We also found two little hearts nailed into the trunk. A perfect little sign from above.

Every little detail of this session was so heartfelt, right down to the sister knot rings they both wore (unplanned - in true twin fashion). It was a dreamy Golden Hour spent with them, and truly an honor to celebrate 40 years of sisterly love.

Gianluca is One! - First Birthday Session

Little Gianluca was such a happy guy for his session. We started out with the classic balloon backdrop. He looked so dapper in his bowtie and suspenders! He then changed to a more comfortable romper for a few more shots.

We then switched over to a more neutral background to showcase his bday shirt and cake smash. Luca’s Italian mother came up with the perfect theme for his first birthday party with “Holy Cannoli, I’m One!” - so cute! He was a real joy in the studio, and I hope to see him again!

The S Family - Mini Portrait Session

The S Family kids love to move and play, so for their session, we did exactly that. Letting children guide the posing through play is a fun way to get natural smiles, and take the stress off of the family. The golden sunlight was the perfect touch to illuminate those sweet faces.

Harper is One! - First Birthday Session

Harper was such a cute, little pumpkin for her First Birthday session at the studio! I loved her outfit choices, mixing some cozy fall looks with a classic birthday pink. I couldn’t help but laugh at her face when she had that first-ever taste of cake. Happy Birthday, Sweetie!