I met Nellie’s grandparents at her wedding a few weeks ago (blog post coming soon) and was immediately smitten with them. I actually didn’t know who they were when I took this photo, I just thought that they looked super cute together and I loved her pearls.

When I asked them how long they had been married and they replied with 60 years; I said, well, then you can give me a big kiss for the camera!
Here they are dancing during the generations dance. Essentially, the entertainment director asks all of the married couples to join the newlyweds on the dance floor and then dismisses them based on the number of years they have been married. The last couple standing, has (obviously) been married the longest.

And this was their reaction when they found out they had won! Priceless!! THIS is why I am a wedding photographer.
There are many stories that unfold during the wedding day, but this particular story really resonated with me. Maybe because I’m a hopeless romantic. Maybe because I just lost my Grandma. I’m not sure, but what an amazing example of agape love. I use this term because ,clearly, if you have been married for SIXTY years, you are able to love others sacrificially.
Please forgive this brief history lesson, but the following is an exert from this website.
The Greek word agape is often translated “love” in the New Testament. How is “agape love” different from other types of love? The essence of agape love is self-sacrifice. Unlike our English word “love,” agape is not used in the Bible to refer to romantic or sexual love. Nor does it refer to close friendship or brotherly love, for which the Greek word philia is used. Nor does agape mean charity, a term which the King James translators carried over from the Latin. Agape love is unique and is distinguished by its nature and character.
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Nellie and Chris were married at Heinz Chapel and held their reception at Duquesne Club. You may remember them for their engagement session from earlier this year.
I knew that Nellie would be an unbelievably stunning bride.

Because their ceremony was at 4:30pm (and it’s getting dark earlier), Nellie and Christ opted for a first look. We had ample time to photograph them and their bridal party.
I really enjoy photographing amazing people in beautiful architecture.
Romantic and tender, image by Michelle.
Another gorgeous photo by Michelle.
Behind the scenes.
I love the way they interact and relate with one another.
Michelle captured this from across the street, feels like they are royalty looking out towards their countrymen. Ha.
We headed over to the pillars at Carnegie Mellon to grap a few photos just prior to the ceremony.
Adorable.
Ceremony by Craig.
We had a few minutes to photograph inside of the Duquesne Club before the reception began.
This was my first time at the Duquesne Club and I LOVED it. Steeped with tradition, and rich with history, I loved exploring every room.
First dance, love the cake and the mural in the background. That, coupled with the romantic moment, are the reason I love photographing weddings.

Craig captured this emotional photograph during the first dance.
A few of my favorite details, I was lovin’ those Jimmy Choo’s!
A special thanks to Maggie and Dustin for the referral, I photographed their beautiful (pink!) wedding a few years ago.
Make-up: Hayley Mason
Florist: Mocha Rose
Bakery: Duquesne Club
Entertainment: Jeremy Ganss Productions
Colors: red, black
Flowers: roses, sweet pea
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I hope that you and your families are enjoying a magical holiday season, I absolutely love this time of year. Tiffany from Munchkins and Mohawks was gracious enough to photograph our family again this year for our Christmas cards and I could not be more thrilled with the photos. I LOVE them more than words can express. Not only is Tiffany one of the most gifted photographers that I know, she is an amazing friend and mother to her own three little munchkins. Click here to view her website.
We are indeed blessed. Praise God.

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I have several upcoming educational opportunities, if you don’t see anything that fits your schedule, please check out this page regarding private consultations. Please check back on Friday for new offerings via my private consultations, I’m so excited for 2012!
Lightroom – Tuesday, January 10th or Tuesday, March 6th
One of my favorites, EVERYONE can benefit from better organization! More detailed can be found by clicking here. Please contact us to register.
Advanced Photoshop – Thursday, January 12th or Thursday, March 8th
There are still a few openings in this workshop, please contact us to register. More detailed info can be found by clicking here. I will be teaching this same course via CCBC (see below), but this workshop has fewer attendees (6, compared with 12), lunch is provided, and it is held at my home.
Community College of Beaver County Offerings
The following workshops are tauch at CCBC. Registration begins January 4th, please contact CCBC through their Continuing Education Department at 724.480.3575 if you would like to register. As usual, I have limited the number of participants to provide the best learning environment, and these courses usually fill quickly, so register ASAP! You can learn about CCBC by visiting their website.
Photography (Digital SLR) Workshop RECR06201 $95 + $15 Lab
This course is for serious hobbyists and those considering photography as a career. Learn how to use your digital SLR camera. Topics include exposure control, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, flash techniques, composition, and lighting. Discussion and hands-on exercises included. Students must bring a digital SLR camera and manual to the workshop. This course is taught by an award winning photographer: Weddings by Heather. Please bring a lunch. 6 Hours. Sat., 2/18, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. LRC, Room 9106.
Photoshop for Photographers – Intro RECR39601 $95 + $15 Lab
Learn how to use Photoshop CS5 to improve your digital photographs. This fast-paced course is for the technically savvy. Topics include color and exposure correction as well as creative techniques. Taught by an award winning photographer and Adobe Certified Expert, Weddings by Heather. Please bring a lunch. 6 Hours. Sat., 4/14, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. VFC, Room 3109.
Photoshop for Photographers – Advanced RECR39501 $95 + $15 Lab
Learn how to use Photoshop CS5 to retouch digital photographs. Course requires prior Photoshop knowledge. Topics include: curves, layer masks, retouching, sharpening, as well as advanced techniques and automation. Taught by an award winning photographer and Adobe Certified Expert, Weddings by Heather. Please bring a lunch. 6 Hours. Sat., 4/ 21, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. VFC, Room 3109.
heather@weddingsbyheather.com
(724)462-0407

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I am blessed with many opportunities to meet new photographers via my workshops, and one of the most commonly asked questions is…. “can I second shoot a wedding with you?” My husband Craig is typically my assistant and second shooter, but I’ve been able to bring many of my students along with us to weddings over the past few years. Because I receive so many requests, I’ve had to limit the opportunity to those that have attended my workshops.
I offer private consultations on posing and working with lighting in real conditions. IE: We find a bride and groom to wear their wedding attire, we take them on location and I demonstrate/teach posing techniques and the use of lighting (both ambient and off-camera flash). As part of this private consult, we then examine the images (both mine and the students) via Lightroom to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and why.
I really need to post more photos from this session, we had so much fun. (I should note that two photographers worked together during this consult to off-set the price of a one-on-one session, and it worked wonderfully).

(Hang in there, this will all come together soon).
In November, I had the pleasure of second shooting with my friend, and associate photographer, Michelle. I had the time of my life!! All of the fun, without the pressure!!

This is when I started thinking…
I only accept a limited number of weddings per year, making it difficult to accomodate everyone that wishes to photograph with us. I love teaching. I REALLY enjoyed shooting with Michelle. I offer private consults for posing. So why not offer an option to shoot a wedding with you? For YOUR client?
I am making myself available on a limited basis to shoot weddings with other photographers. I will essentially offer two options: I will attend/photograph ceremony and portrait session, OR I will attend/photograph the entire wedding day (both alongside the hired photographer).
How you manage the situation is completely up to you (I can lead the posing during the portrait session, or just second shoot with you), but rest assured your client will know that you are in charge and I am merely your assistant. I will provide my RAW files for you to use as you see fit. You will receive an education and your client will benefit. WIN – WIN!
Please contact me directly for more information: heather@weddingsbyheather.com
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