Mr. and Mrs. Andrew & Katie Costello – 5.12.12

There are times when I am truly at a loss for words when trying to express how things went at a wedding (admittedly, this is almost always in a positive way!) Yesterday might be the definition of this feeling — it was just flat out that great of a day. If you are ever looking for the perfect day for a wedding, the perfect church, the weather, the vendors — well, this was it! I don’t know that Katie could have made it any easier – and there can’t be many guys more genuinely nice than Andrew. Just an incredible day all around! What a way to get the 2012 Wedding Season under way…

One of the highlights of the day for me was to see the contributions that the Costello family has made to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in memory of Andrew’s mother, Debra. The Costellos helped to convert an area of the University that was truly lacking, to say the least, turning it in to yet another upgraded, beautiful area of the University.

Congrats to

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew & Katie Costello!

Ceremony: Church of the Immaculate Conception  Reception: The Willow Room

Hair and Makeup: Platinum Salon & Spa  Florist: McShane’s Florist

Bakery: Bethel Bakery   Disc Jockey: Lethal DJ Services

Dress: M’Kaysha’s Bridal  Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Limousine: Vogue Limousines

copyright 2012 jcl photography & design

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2012 Wedding Season Begins!

Let me see if I’ve got this straight – I get the opportunity to capture incredible memories for incredible people on a beautiful day like this??? Yes, I’m truly fortunate. Katie and Andy kick off the season later today and I couldn’t be happier to work with them. Typically, I like to visit the ceremony site on the night of the rehearsal just to make sure that I’m familiar with the setting and to introduce myself to the church’s coordinator (it also helps to find out what I am and am not permitted to do in advance!). I have seen pictures from the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Irwin, but had never been inside before last night. Wow! It is just flat out beautiful. To top it all off, the weather is doing everything it can to make this day even better (and I always joke that when it’s as beautiful as it is today, then this was also included in my services – yeah, I know, I crack myself up!)

At any rate, here are a couple shots to give you an idea of what I’m working with today – and how darn cute is that family pic outside the church???

copyright 2012 jcl photography & design

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A visit to the National Aviary…

I had the opportunity to visit the National Aviary on the North Side of Pittsburgh yesterday and had an absolutely incredible time. I’m not really sure why I’ve never gone before, but it was just awesome. We had a tour orchestrated by Janet — and if you go, make sure that you get Janet to take you around — she is just flat out incredibly knowledgeable and so excited to share this knowledge. I can’t speak highly enough of everybody else who works at the National Aviary, either. Get there — you won’t regret it!

copyright 2012 jcl photography & design

all rights reserved

Leslie and Matt: Engagement Session in Pittsburgh

When Leslie told me that she wanted to do some engagement shots in early February, my immediate thought was I hope she is looking to have snow in the background. Silly me for thinking our weather would be typical! Instead, we got an absolutely beautiful day. We spent some time in Market Square, PPG Place and Schenley Park – and now I’m looking forward to September even more!

and a gallery from the day (has many additional photographs as well)…

copyright 2012 jcl photography & design

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Jack Crider – Junior Wrestling 1.22.12

This is my main man, Jack Crider, who made me so proud today. Seriously, I wish that you could have seen the display he put on today! Jack was down to his opponent 10-6 at one point, but never gave up. In the last period he got a reversal and back points, then finished it off with a pin with time running out. It was just flat out awesome to see a kid learning the right kind of lessons – work hard, don’t give up and great things will happen!

Goofing around and getting ready…

working to escape

the reversal and then the pin (wish I could have had a better angle on the pin!)

looking over to Mom, Dad and Luke after the victory…

Luke taking a picture of me taking his picture – and Jack and Luke together after the big win.

yeah, that’s right!

Congratulations on the big win, Jack!

 

copyright 2012 jcl photography & design

all rights reserved