Charlotte is One!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

Happy Birthday to sweet Charlotte!

Nina & Zack Wedding Photos

Nina & Zack’s wedding was full of love and laughter.

I was honored to capture special moments for such a special couple.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

Hayden is 1!

brittany & cody & eriksen

…fortuitous neighbors, a Mt. Washington party invite, and a friend’s words of “you’ll love this guy”; soon became…something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, for a beautiful couple. A shared life ahead, and all the blessings the world has to offer for

Brittany & Cody.

  • Vendor List:
  • Hairdresser - Becky and Salon Bella Rae  http://salonbellarae.com/
  • Florist - Muetzler Florist http://www.muetzelflorist.com/
  • Jewelry of the bride - my grandmother’s sapphire and diamond ring originally bought at Beeghly and Keim. http://beeghlyandkeim.com/  Ear rings, necklace, bracelets etc - match my engagement ring, from the same jeweler. 
  • Wedding dress - From Alfred Angelo, I don’t know designer. A-line satin dress with buttons down the back. Lace sleeves were an add on. Veil was borrowed from my matron of honor.
  • Dresses of the bridesmaids - navy/shades of purple. The convertible dress from David’s 
  • Catering - Dale from Fish Hawk Acres http://www.fishhawkacreswv.com/
  • Invitations / Stationery - from vista print. Aunt Tammy addressed the envelopes and did other art work.
  • Wedding favors - morracas and shot glasses
  • Music, DJ, band etc - Amanda Noel

Jillian & Dylan

…an old handkerchief- belonging to the groom’s great-grandmother, had been sewn into Jillian’s beautiful new Allure Bridal dress http://www.allurebridals.com/. A borrowed clutch from one Grandmother and a vintage blue ring from another, covered the “something old, new, borrowed, and blue”… the bride was adorned in stunning decadence. From her hair and makeup, by Lori Daniska & Kristy Plowman, / Carly Tuscano (respectively)…to the Badgley Mischka shoes that she dawned so perfectly. https://www.badgleymischka.com/. She was a vision.
Dylan was very smartly dressed, and looked dapper in his fine tux and Stacey Adams shoes http://www.stacyadams.com/shop/index.html. One finds it hard to imagine a more exquisite pair.
 
Jillian and Dylan were married outdoors at Hidden Acres http://thegrandestateweddingvenue.com/, at The Grand Estate; before a wonderful gathering of devoted family and friends, on a gorgeous-sunny day. The setting itself was as elegant as the occasion. Floral arrangements by The Cottage Garden, lent to a warm-organic atmosphere. The bridesmaids were draped in stunning dresses by Hayley Paige Bridesmaid Occasions https://www.jlmcouture.com/bridesmaids-dresses, and when Dylan lifted the veil, (Veil Artistry http://www.veilartistry.com/) to reveal his new bride… a loving release of energy filled the room. It was time to celebrate!
 
After the vows, it was time for some cocktails around the pool, before dinner was served. Murphy’s law may have applied for a moment, when the power actually went out! It did –mystically and thankfully, transform the room into a candle-lit medley of light…that the new bride could have only dreamed. The food was amazing. Garda's http://www.gardasrestaurant.biz/ provided a culinary masterpiece for the occasion, and the incredible cake (and cupcakes) by Mainstreet Bake Shop https://www.mainstreetbakeshop.com/ were outstanding as well.
 
Soon after dinner, music filled the air once again; and people danced…and laughed, and loved. The finale of this reception was met with the song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from “Dirty Dancing”, and was accompanied by and actual “lift”! A fitting song, and moment to seal into the hearts and memories of all who attended, on this auspicious occasion.
 
 
Links/Vendors
Hairdresser - Lori Daniska & Kristy Plowman
Make Up Artist - Carly Tuscano
Florist - The Cottage Garden
Jewelry of the bride - The Exquisite Bride (earrings only)
Wedding dress - Allure Bridals http://www.allurebridals.com/
Veil - Veil Artistry http://www.veilartistry.com/
Shoes of the bride - Badgley Mischka https://www.badgleymischka.com/
Attire of the groom- Allure Men http://www.allurebridals.com/category/alluremen
Shoes of the groom - Stacey Adams http://www.stacyadams.com/shop/index.html
Dresses of the bridesmaids - Hayley Paige Bridesmaid Occasions https://www.jlmcouture.com/bridesmaids-dresses
Wedding cake / cupcakes etc - Mainstreet Bake Shop; Saxonburg PA https://www.mainstreetbakeshop.com/
Catering - Garda's http://www.gardasrestaurant.biz/
Invitations / Stationery - Oh My Designs by Steph http://ohmydesignsbysteph.com/
Wedding favors - Jam from Batch; Saxonburg, PA https://www.batch-homegrown-handmade.com/
Music, DJ, band etc - The Red Hot Chameleon http://www.redhotchameleon.com/
 

 

 

Shelby & Dan Bridge E-session

I photographed Shelby & Dan’s engagement session along Pittsburgh’s River walk and famous Roberto Clemente Bridge a few weeks ago.. I love shooting down & around this area because there’s such a great variety of land & cityscape elements to play off of. From the iconic bridges, Allegheny river and stadiums to the nooks of scattered foliage along the river walk, I’m always discovering new areas to shoot when I’m there. I had a great time exploring the area with the beautiful couple (on a fall afternoon with perfect weather! – which typically is hit or miss this time of year). Looking forward to shooting their 2018 wedding!! Below are some highlights from their shoot.

Lindsey & Anthony

Wind Is Anywhere

© Dee McDonald

The wind, it moves in wondrous ways.
Through the tree branches it blows and it sways.
It takes all the leaves and flies them so high.
Then briefly it lets go and they fall from the sky.

Its strength is so varied, from timid to strong.
The length of the blowing can be short or long.
Sometimes it tickles the tip of your nose.
Sometimes sends shivers to the tips of your toes.

It can bring some surprises with each passing day.
The wind will surprise you in many ways.
The sweet sound of whistling, the roar of a storm,
It can bring you some happiness and also bring harm.

The next time you see a bag blow down the street,
The next time you feel the wind at your feet,
Remember its power, its beauty, and grace,
For the wind can be anywhere, it can be any place.

Nina, Zack & Rufio E-session

Engagement sessions hold a special place in my heart. I truly love what I do- and every photo I shoot is a piece of me. My vision. Nevertheless, getting to be there in those private - beginning moments, is so precious. This session was even closer to the heart for me though.

Nina and Zach (and Rufio their Bloodhound), met up with me at Hell’s Hollow and Moraine State Park…for a gorgeous shoot. Zach and I go way back; his mom would keep an eye on my brother and I when we were only small children. I have such fond memories of those days. Now, here we are…all these years later. Full circle. Getting to know his stunning wife-to-be (Nina), was amazing. She is a warm and loving woman…and I couldn’t be happier for my old friend.

Next July, at Renfrew Farms- I am blessed to be there to document their next big step.

The wedding.

Ashley & Justin

Grab a Pumpkin Spiced Latte for this one, dears- believe me you’ll crave it after this amazing Fall engagement shoot! I love fall, everything about it- the holidays, warm sweaters, leaves on the ground, but most of all the colors! Ashley & Justin allowed me to capture the essence of this wonderful season and a couple in love with this photo shoot! The clash of the orange hues and a colorful wardrobe created a natural spotlight for the love to shine through! I can also feel the spontaneity of the future bride and groom’s poses from the gorgeous snapshots! I can't wait to capture special moments for their wedding next year!

Missy & Victor's Engagement Session

…This past summer I had the pleasure of spending a day with the lovely Missy and her adoring fiance’ Victor. The Butler Farm Show was the setting for a unique and exciting shoot. The location itself brought about a certain, carefree and homegrown spirit- that I could feel in each shot. It was truly a fantastic day.

 In May of next year, I have the fortune be there again, to capture life’s moments …when these two join as one at breathtaking St. Andrew’s Church. The Mansion, in Butler will serve as the reception for loved ones, to gather -and send off into the world…this loving and devoted husband and wife.

  <3

Kelsey & Mike

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

The day was a beautiful blending of love, friends and family.  So grateful to be part of Kelsey & Mike's special day.   Many years of happiness and love to the Yuhas!!

Jill & Dylan

Some day, someone is going to look at you with a light in their eyes like you've never seen..

They'll look at you like you're everything...

Tomorrow Jill & Dylan will find everything...

Sarah & Steve 7-8-17

Travelers are the kind of people who not only keep that youthful wanderlust, but follow it- wherever it may take them. In this case…it brought two wonderful people together. Sarah and Steve. On the day of their wedding- we went to the river. The water is where they both find peace; under the sun… and in nature. I wanted to capture that peace on this remarkable day.

At the quaint, yet stately -Holy Sepulcher Church, surrounded by family and friends, Sarah and Steve said “I do”. At the ceremony, I captured tears of joy on both sides of the aisle. Afterwards, Steve (a volunteer firemen) and his new bride Sarah, arrived in style, in a fire truck- welcomed by a adoring crowd at Laube Hall in Ford City. A great celebration began, filled with loved ones, who were there to send these two off into the world. Libation flowed, people danced and good vibes abounded, until it was time for Sarah and Steve to depart- and together begin the greatest journey of all, …life.

Vickers Family Session - Spring 2017

Your Family

Your family are people, you can depend,
If you get in trouble, they shall defend.
They are the one's that understand,
Always willing to give you a hand.

Your family, you should always cherish,
Without them you would probably perish.
Your connection with them is very deep,
If something happens, together you weep.

You family can help, your confidence build,
With their love and support, you'll feel fulfilled.
Just don't forget to show your appreciation,
That will strengthen your relation.

 

Thank-you for allowing me to capture these special moments.  I am so lucky to call you all friends. Until next time..

Cheers!

Memorial Day Wedding

In my many years as a photographer, I’ve had the fortune to bear witness to so many perfect moments. On this occasion, I spent a glorious sun-kissed day in May- with newly weds Jenny and Justin, …and their wonderful families. Generations that go back further than one can fathom, filled a magnificently adorned barn- at Five Fillies Farm in New Wilmington,PA.

 

Rays of sun peered through the timeworn-wooden slats, and stirred joy and happiness that flowed freely throughout the room. Good and humble men- young and old… danced, smiled, drank, and loved; with the beautiful women of this warm and patriotic family. Through this artist’s eye, it was an immaculate send off- for two amazing people. In love, and in life…and this is only- their beginning.

 

Thank-you to Jenny & Justin for allowing me to be part of your special day!!

Whitley is THREE

I always say the best part about being a photographer is being lucky enough to watch a family grow.  From a first meeting, to an engagement session, to a wedding then, into a family.  I've been so blessed to watch Miss Whitley grow these past three years.  Thank-you to Dave & Beth for allowing me to be part of this special little girl's life.