Captivating Imagery is proud to announce the launch of its new site

Check out Captivating Imagery’s new look. If you haven’t visited the homepage, please do. The new design provides a lot more information on the homepage, including a flash slide show for a glimpse at wedding photography by Captivating Imagery.

This site wouldn’t be possible without my husband, Brad. He is incredibly talented and patient! Thank you, Honey!

This is the scene at the approximate time of our launch:

Our home

It was a quiet moment, but we met up with some friends later that evening for a celebratory dinner.  By the way, that’s our dog Brownie in the doorway.  Cheers!

Wedding Photography Products

It’s been a while since I’ve posted some updated photos of wedding albums, so I’m posting a few from a recent order from a December wedding.  I visited Alex Jones’ SteelGate Studio, in Pittsburgh’s Southside, for a proper product photo shoot.  Alex has over 20 years of experience as a photographer and has carved out a great business here in Pittsburgh and across the country.  And he’s a nice guy, so I feel fortunate to know him.

Anyhow, this recent album was ordered with a black fabric cover, which is different than the standard leather bound album, but just as elegant.

Black fabric, padded cover

Here’s a view of the pages edges.  You can see that the print is mounted to a rigid black cardstock.  This increases the durability and feel of the flush mount album pages:

Album page edges

With this construction, the albums can lay flat for a better views of the photos:

Inside view of the album

The pages are designed and mounted as spreads, making for beautiful panoramas with no loss of the image at the hinge of the album:

Panorama

I’ve also upgraded my packaging for DVDs for all weddings booked in 2010. Each client will receive a custom-designed case featuring one of my favorite photos from their wedding. This is a nice way to store the disc of images from your day:

DVD case

Omni Bedford Springs Resort engagement session with Sara and Luke

I met up with Sara and Luke in Bedford for an engagement session in the posh Omni Bedford Springs Resort. We were both en route from holiday family gatherings and the resort happened to be a terrific place for an indoor engagement session, out of the snowy cold. I highly recommend staying there if you’re traveling across Pennsylvania. It is a beautiful 200 year-old resort that was recently renovated with respect for it’s original design and a nod to the luxurious. Anyhow, Sara, Luke and I were happy to spend a couple of hours there. And this couple was a complete delight. Below are a few favorites from our shoot:
Engagement collage

Sweet nothings

At one point through the shoot, a man walked by in just a bathrobe. Sara and Luke were trying to keep from cracking up for their photos, but they couldn’t hold it for long.

In an embrace

I really liked photographing them in this lounge. It had tons of natural light and wicker chaise lounges lined up all along the windows for guests to stop and enjoy the view.

Leisurely stroll

Proposal

Kissing her hand

I love sequencing moments and this adorable couple can pull it off.

At the fireside

Their wedding will take place at Green Gables in Jennerstown this summer. Sara and Luke, I’m looking forward to working with you again at your wedding!

Celeste & Aaron’s wedding album

Ok, so it’s time to blog about Celeste and Aaron’s wedding and share all of the fabulous details.  I’m including spreads from their custom-designed album because it really tells their story best ~

wedding album

I mentioned in previous posts, that they were married just outside of Philadelphia, Pa., during the snow storm of the decade. It was just one week before Christmas and the snowy skies really complimented this lovely wedding. Celeste, her sister and mom ventured out into the snow for early-morning hair appointments. Celeste’s gown emanated with ’40s Hollywood glamor and her sister-in-law made the feathered head piece and bird cage veil to really pull the look together.

custom-designed

The wedding was at noon at The Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli. Aaron and his best man entered the sanctuary after twelve rings of the church bells. The ringing of the bells added some excitement, signifying the beginning of the ceremony. I really like the photo in the lower right corner after Celeste and her father walked by, with Aaron waiting at the altar.

ceremony scenes

The sermon was adapted from a 1920s prayer book and was one of the most beautiful messages I’ve heard at a wedding.

in the chapel

I was able to get behind the organ for some sweet moments between the happy couple. I also like photos of people singing and couldn’t resist the opportunity during a hymn.

kiss and pronouncement

This was a great kiss. I love how Celeste put her hand on Aaron’s cheek. After the ceremony, they signed a book that contains records from every couple married in the church.

family portraits

Celeste and Aaron decided to have their portraits taken before the ceremony so that they could go straight to their reception from the church. This is something I recommend for couples who are comfortable seeing one another before the ceremony. There is less pressure on the couple, so their photos are much more relaxed and natural. Plus, there is a sense of relief after the portrait sessions are complete because the couple is that much closer to the reception.

in the snow

Our outdoor photo session was a cold one, but it was so worth it! The snow was falling steadily and the pastor of the church let us borrow a small crate that Celeste could stand on to keep her shoes out of the snow. They wore coats to match their attire, because it was important to them to have some photos taken outside. The light was lovely in this small courtyard at the church.

toasts and menu

Their afternoon reception was held at Flemmings Steakhouse and Wine Bar with several courses of sumptuous wine and food pairings. They didn’t opt for the typical sit down dinner and cake. Instead, this setting encouraged more mingling amongst the guests and a more jovial atmosphere.

Reception

Celeste and Aaron took a few moments to dance to the music provided by a jazz trio. Later, Aaron got out his video camera to capture a few sentiments from family and friends. Also, note the photo at the lower right of Celeste and her twin sister who is expecting her first child any day now. The baby was kicking and Celeste’s reaction was priceless.

Mr. and Mrs.

Cheers to the newlyweds! Many blessings to you and your marriage.

Celeste and Aaron’s wedding slideshow

Here’s a slideshow for newlyweds Celeste and Aaron! They were married last Saturday in Paoli, Pa., just northwest of Philadelphia. Congratulations on your first week of wedded bliss! I’ll recap this beautiful wedding in a blog soon. For now, enjoy the slideshow!