Chrissy and Patrick

Chrissy and Patrick were married on August 28th at Saints John and Paul Church in Sewickly, with a reception following, at the amazing new Fairmont Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Both venues were beautiful, and befitting such a great couple!

I met Chrissy and Patrick a few months ago and saw right away what a good fit they are together. This could be explained by the nine year history they have together, but with Chrissy and Patrick, I got the feeling that this was true the moment they met. This was highlighted on their wedding day, which was filled with emotion, laughter, beauty, details and absolute, without a doubt FUN. With a backdrop of colors and dramatic design, their reception at the Fairmont was one of the funnest I’ve witnessed anywhere, in part because of the amazing job 2ND to None DJ did when it came time to get Chrissy and Patrick’s guests on the dance floor! It was also my first time working with Candace, at Pittsburgh Wedding DVD who did a great job as videographer.

Thank you for a wonderful time, Chrissy and Patrick, and for letting me be a part in such a long awaited day in your lives. Here are just a few favorites, with a fantastic slideshow to follow next week!

Monica and Jason

Monica and Jason were married on August 21st on a beautiful late summer day in McKeesport. I met with this couple a few months ago when they brought along their adorable son, Jason Jr., to the meeting. Jason was the ring bearer at their wedding, and it was so sweet to see how his presence was a part of everything – the first dance, the parent dances, and even the church ceremony (I love the photo of him trying to get his parent’s attention at the alter!)  Monica and Jason had a wonderful ability to balance their own fun with their bridal party, with attention to their son, and respect for their parents. On top of it all, they were in tune with each other all day, celebrating a day that was so genuinely celebrated by their family and friends as well.

My favorite part of the evening was the dancing, and the Slovak rendition of a traditional bridal dance – a tradition I remember well at all the family weddings I attended in my childhood. It reminded me how good it is to be back in Pittsburgh – a town where eastern European names like mine aren’t all that uncommon, and bridal dances take on a life of their own.

Here are just a few favorites, ending with a slideshow of even more favorites, out of too many to post!

It’s been a little while since I last posted a wedding, and I just wanted to check in to say that my two most recent weddings will be featured later this week, so please keep checking in! I took a few days off from my processing, unfortunately, because of a family tragedy. My beloved Aunt Barb was killed in a car accident on August 18th, and it’s been a sad time for my family – especially for my mother, who lost her baby sister, so soon after losing my father in May. This photo is the last I took of her, in a lifetime of taking pictures of her.

Aunt Barb was 70 years old, but she looked at least 20 years younger. She was a beautiful woman who will be remembered as an open hearted soul who always had her door open for a visit from anyone, at any time. She will be missed more than I can say.

Here is a video tribute of her. It’s my first time using a new technique of combining video clips with still photographs, and I look forward to using this technique on my wedding and engagement slideshows. For now, here is my tribute to my beloved Aunt Barb. What is lovely never dies.

Bonnie and Joe

Bonnie and Joe were married on July 31st at the Meadow Lands in Washington, PA. I met Bonnie and Joe a few months ago and liked them right away. From the start, they joked about being an older couple, asking me to use my “geezer” lenses for their wedding, which I loved! Seeing them together, though, you would think they were teenagers. They were wonderfully affectionate together, and you could just tell that they genuinely enjoy each other’s company, humor, and appreciation of love, life and family.

Special thanks to the incredible DJ Kelli Burns, who added a personal touch to Bonnie and Joe’s wedding day, as well as Peter and Mary Ann, who took special care of Bonnie and Joe at the Holiday Inn Meadow Lands. It was a great day for a great couple, who are off to Hawaii for their long awaited honeymoon!

Here are just a few favorites. No “geezer” lense necessary for this beautiful couple!

Rachel and Matt

Okay – I’ve officially photographed the happiest couple I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing in all my years of wedding photography! Rachel and Matt were married on July 24th at a beautifully private ceremony for just a handful of family and friends at Hartwood Acres. Not only were Rachel and Matt an outstanding couple, but every one of their guests was equally outstanding. Such kind and considerate people, starting with each set of parents. I could easily understand how Rachel and Matt ended up being the people they are, and why they were so incredibly happy to have found each other! An especially touching moment was when Rachel played the piano for her new husband and their guests. (The photo entitled “Rachel’s Concerto” is one of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken of a bride.)

After the beautiful ceremony setting at Hartwood Acres by Reverend  Dina McGee, surrounded by gorgeous flower arrangements by none other than April Schwietz at Mocha Rose,we were off to Isabella on Grandview for one of the best views of Pittsburgh around, and an award winning meal that was truly fit for a couple as deserving as Rachel and Matt. The finale? A zombie cake topping that had something to do with their first date. Some things you just don’t want to know too much about …

Thanks, Rachel and Matt, and all the very best in the adventures before you in your married life together!

Rachel and Matt’s Slideshow

Aubrey and Devan

Aubrey and Devan were married on Saturday, July 17th, at the beautiful Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. This was my first time photographing an event at the Center, and it suited Aubrey and Devan perfectly, who, from the start, impressed me with their unique and oh so cool style. I love this couple. I asked them if I could live with them. (They haven’t gotten back to me yet.) Really, though, Aubrey and Devan are one of those couples who exude love and consideration for each other, and it was such a pleasure to witness.

As they begin this exciting time in their lives (they will be moving to Colorado in August) I wish them all the best, and thank them for being such a pleasure to know, both thru my camera, and as one artist to another.

Here are a handful of favorites of this gorgeous couple.

Aubrey and Devan’s Slideshow!

(To view this video in high definition, just click the “HQ” at the bottom right of the video screen)

Alissa and Tom

Alissa and Tom were married on Saturday, July 3rd at the incredible Green Gables in Jennerstown, Pa. I don’t know what I enjoyed more about this wedding – how great Alissa and Tom were together, or how amazing the venue was! Green Gables is one of those places that has a visual surprise around every corner, and it seemed to be a perfect fit for Alissa and Tom, who were an unusual and wonderful mix of shyness, excitement, fun and affection. I have never been with a more tender couple, and I have never seen such a heartfelt and genuine first kiss. You could tell that at that moment, no one else was there but the two of them. Like the venue, their adoration and affection with each other was, to me, a sweet surprise at every turn. Everytime I saw them, they were stealing a kiss, or sharing a glance. It truly was a pleasure to witness.

Here are just a few favorites, from many – not the least of which is a great capture of a fantastic fireworks display that was a gift to Alissa and Tom, as well as their guests, from Alissa’s parents.

Alissa and Tom’s Slideshow!

(To view it in high definition, just click the “HQ” at the bottom right of the viewing screen.)

Colleen and Dave

Colleen and Dave were married on June 26th at the Duquesne University Chapel, where Colleen is a proud alumni. More importantly, these staunch Steeler fans had their beautiful reception at Heinz Field! I have only had one other couple that was as enthusiastic about the Steelers, and for Colleen and Dave, being at Heinz Field for their long awaited wedding was almost too exciting! This couple was a lot of fun as we walked along the Northside Riverwalk, stopping at the fountain by PNC Park, where Dave had proposed to Colleen before a Monday night Steeler game. Tom, at 3-d Sound Production, had this very fun and enthusiastic wedding party on the dance floor all night!

Here are just a few favorites!

Colleen and Dave’s Slideshow!

(To view in high definition, just click the HQ of the viewing screen.)

FINE ARTS FRIDAY

My incredible, beautiful niece, Carrie, graduated from Penn Hills High School last week. Sometimes I’m just blown away with the concept of time – in particular, how quickly it can pass. Before you know it, a little girl that is laying in the grass on a summer day is graduating from high school, soon to leave home for college. Now, how did that happen?

Congratulations my beautiful niece. Wishing you all you most wish for yourself in this exciting new time in your life.

Kukucka Photography

The Knot and the Wedding Channel are having a “Nominate this BLOG” contest! I’m not big on contests (the only thing I ever won in my life was a goldfish when I was nine, but “Little Yeenee” lived for over one year … )

That said, I would love to have some bridal folks visit my blog, so if you are a recent bride or groom, please consider nominating me by clicking on the banner below! Thank you!