Videri Chocolate Factory

I don’t often do commercial work, but when I do, I prefer it to involve chocolate.

I shoot a lot of things for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance of a varying nature, and on this particular day one of the assignments was to visit Videri Chocolate Factory (across from the Pit) and photograph it. And they gave me samples. And it was so, so delicious. I will be visiting there again soon and probably sneaking into a pile of chocolate in the back while they’re not looking and remain there for years, subsisting only on chocolate (preferably the sea salt kind).

Lindsay + Jonathon + Beaumont in Pittsburgh, PA

I went to high school with the very lovely and talented Lindsay and was so happy to be contacted by her and her fiancé Jon for their engagement pictures! I went to high school with Jon too, and not that he wasn’t very lovely and talented, but we didn’t know each other then so I can’t comment on just how lovely and talented I’m sure he was at the time. ;) I can say that I’m very happy to have finally met him and that he’s a wonderful person and an amazing match for Lindsay. They love each other very much, writing adorable things about one another in the questionnaire we gave them, and they were super easy to work with despite us dragging them down back alleys in Oakmont and putting them next to construction dumpsters. :D They wanted the session to feel romantic, and while dumpsters don’t seem romantic at the time, they look REALLY good, ok?

The adorable white ball of fluff that you see in the beginning of this post is Beaumont, the happiest of all terriers. Lindsay saw a Cesar Dog Food commercial and decided that she must have a Westie… which I kind of think is an amazing inspiration for adopting a dog. They got one, named him Beaumont which sounds quite regal, and he lives up to his darling name. He can play dead and high-five and just generally runs around being cute. He has a super loving home with Lindsay and Jon and tells us that he is very excited for his parents to finally be married.

We’re so excited to be photographing the wedding of these two next summer! We will miss Beaumont’s presence, but maybe we can Skype him in?

Bridgett+Michael’s Wedding at the National Aviary // Pittsburgh, PA

Bridgett is one of Carolyn’s best friends from college (go Point Park!) and, together with Mr. Greg Burks, pretty much solely responsible for my career as a wedding photographer. Bridgett credits me at the end of the post saying that I’m responsible for her taking her wedding photography business full-time, but Bridgett’s responsible for me doing anything regarding photography at all, so I think I have the trump card maybe. ;) I followed Bridgett and Greg around, looked at their photos, listened to them talk about editing, and they inspired me to start taking pictures myself. So Bridgett has played a major role in my life in many ways, and I was super honored to be her wedding photographer (and terrified, because let’s face it, it’s kind of hard to be a wedding photographer’s photographer).

But we were also ridiculously excited. Excited to see Bridgett get married, and excited to meet Michael who is so perfect for Bridgett that it’s amazing to see. Michael’s also heavily obsessed with the Beatles which is something I can appreciate being heavily obsessed with them myself, and he’s into video games which charms Geoff every time. Plus! Their wedding was in Pittsburgh and held at the National Aviary, where I used to go with my family a ton when my sister and I were little (I’ve only been pooped on once!). The best part of having your wedding at the National Aviary: the macaw and penguin visiting your wedding guests. Of course, I wish the penguin was more free roaming… perhaps in a tuxedo on top of his nature-made tuxedo and casually walking amongst the guests, but we understood why his safety was in jeopardy (because he is so awesome!!1) and we resigned to just waving at him excitedly from a distance. The birds inside the Aviary didn’t come out for our portraits with Bridgett and Michael, but it’s probably just as well to avoid getting pooped on in a wedding dress.

Bridgett and Michael – we love you both very much and were thrilled to have the opportunity to be trusted to document this for you. We had the best time and were so happy to see you guys be so happy in a happy place together with happy friends and happy family. Congratulations, friends. :)

Date: August 24, 2013

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The National Aviary // Pittsburgh, PA

First Dance Song: “Something” – The Beatles

Bridgett’s Occupation: Event Photographer

Michael’s Occupation: Computer Support Technician (IT guy) for MARC USA

How You Met: We met while working at the Apple Store in Shadyside.

Interesting Bride Fact: Carolyn Scott is responsible for inspiring Bridgett to take her photography business full-time.

Interesting Groom Fact: Michael is a technology fiend, a video game extraordinaire, and believes in love above all else (inspired by the Beatles).

Honeymoon Destination: Secrets Maroma in Riviera Maya, Mexico – we have a swim-up room!

Vendor Credits: Officiant – Christian Kriegescotte (friend) | DJ – Sean Nice | Florist – Summer Blossoms by Nancy Orr (friend) | Cake – Oakmont Bakery | Caterer – Atria’s | Hair/Makeup – ROOTS Hair and Nail Salon | Videographer – Fineline Weddings