Jen and Brendan are one of the most unique dimensional and educated couples I have met and photographed.  That may seem like an unusual way to describe someone, however, I think as you look through the images of their wedding you will see just how neat of a couple they are.  Jen- Smart, organized, a leader, very personable, and stunning.    She is also a fashion diva (glad to know someone like her so I have a point of fashion reference).  From the first time we talked and she described her vision for her wedding day, I was hooked on her vision and all the cool things they were wanting to do.  Brendan- Intelligent, kind, caring and oh so easy going.

Jen and Brendan love, love, love to travel and they are a perfect fit for each other.  I like to think I’m smarter , more worldly, and more fashionable for knowing them…..don’t pinch me.  I like thinking that.

Jen and Brendan planned a one of a kind wedding celebration that I will never forget!  Their guests literally danced for 5 hours straight. (slow songs few and far between).  Of course, having an amazing DJ like Andy Booth made the reception even more fun.  Needless to say Jen and Brendan’s wedding produced some of my most favorite images yet.  I still relive the fun when I see these reception images.  Lots of love Jen and Brendan.

In front of the Duquesne Club, Pittsburgh….

Love this one…

Jen & Brendan’s reception venue, The Duquesne Club, and all their green and jewel toned details.

Hilarious speeches…Brendan’s brother, the best man, gave one of the best and funniest speeches I’ve heard.

After dinner, everyone was ready to let loose…and, oh boy did they!

Mandie and John are not just an awesome couple but also awesome individuals.  They love to travel and love doing things together but are very much individuals as well.  I was so excited for their wedding and to meet all their family and friends.  Mandie told me in the first meeting that the thing they were looking forward to most was just having a blast with family and friends and partying it up on the dance floor.  They did not disappoint me.   Mandie and John are one of the most genuine couples I know and they really know how to make you feel warmly welcomed and included.  I love the friends I’ve made because of my job and I am blessed to know them.

First up, I’m starting with Meghan and Daniel’s engagement session from Fall 2010. After this post I’ll be going in order of my portraits sessions, weddings, and fashion shows starting from May 2010 to date….Keep checking back each week to see what “new”  “re-wind” blog post is up!  Hope you enjoy!
~Dana

THE BREAKDOWN:

The books are from a thrift store. They were $1.99 but if you go to an estate sale you can get them cheaper!

The flowers and vases are from Michael’s Crafts (totaled around $8 for all of that).

The pieces at the bottom and right are custom bookmarks- a collaborative graphic design between my intern (a.k.a. brother) and myself. The bookmarks were designed with inspiration from the fabric and a little button (purchased at Joanne Fabrics) to add a little touch of vintage charm.

The fabric squares are from Joanne Fabrics. For a wedding you may want to finish the edges by sewing them OR attaching the same ribbon around the trim of each fabric square to tie it all together. The fabric can be re-purposed for many things. One thought I had was to place them in a 10×10 matted frame for home decor.

This entire table decor, centerpiece, and favor was done for under $30.

Be sure to check out Sabika’s website and if you are looking for a consultant to purchase any of their beautiful products, drop me a line or contact Sabika.

Keith, Sarah, and I kept in touch throughout 2009-2010 via Fracebook and email. One day in early 2010 I was shooting a High School Senior portrait session in a random alley when Sarah jogs by.  Then she stopped, went back and said, “Dana?”  I was excited to run into her like that BUT what was even more exciting is that I found out she lived near there AAAANNNDDD it just so happens that where I was shooting is right down the road from where I will be moving soon. SO I’m very very excited to say the Keith, Sarah, and I will practically be neighbors here in a few weeks! Just goes to show how small our world is and that you never know how life will play out!

Congratulations Neighbors!!!!

Special thanks to Robin for being an AWESOME second shooter (and friend). Some of the images in this gallery are hers!

Keith, Sarah, and I set out for a fun Friday evening in Ohiopyle State Park for their Trash the Dress session. Keith was kind enough to drive us up there and we had a great time traveling up there and back. I love Ohiopyle and have been there many times this summer. So, when Sarah and Keith asked to go up for their session, I was completely on board. If you have never been there, it’s an amazing little getaway in our own Pittsburgh backyard.

I hope you enjoy the images just as much as we had making them!

This venue was incredible. Extremely great service and kind staff.

LOVED the porch!

Congratulations Bill and Liz. Love you guys!!! Can’t wait to see you when you get back!