Remembering what Memorial Day is all about…

All too often we forget about our freedoms or we take them for granted. We forget that people have sacrificed for us to enjoy these freedoms and it’s almost embarrassing that we take them for granted. Here’s thanking all of those who have served — all of those who gave the supreme sacrifice that I’m able to type this and that you’re able to read it. And I’d also like to personally thank both my Papap and Dad, both of whom served proudly.

I took the top pic this past Saturday at the West End Overlook and the bottom three while helping to chaperone a trip to France in the Summer of 2005. We had the opportunity to visit Normandy and Omaha Beach and I can assure you that he pictures don’t even begin to do this Cemetery justice. It was immaculate – honestly, it defines immaculate. You couldn’t help but have a sense of reverence while walking through the Cemetery, knowing of the supreme sacrifice that all these men had paid for us. Again, thank you.

A day in Pittsburgh…

I had some time today, so I headed to Pittsburgh to get some shots – unfortunately, while it was dry, it was also hazy most of the day. I’m certainly not complaining, not with the weather we’ve had recently, and I still had a great day. You’ll notice that I’ve got a fascination with bridges – perhaps it was from growing up in this area, I don’t really know – but there’s something about the lines of a bridge that have always caught my attention… I started at the West End Overlook, hit the South Side and Mt. Washington, went over to the Strip District, meandered around the Cultural District for a little, then finished at Station Square. Looking forward to doing this more often this summer…

copyright 2011 jcl photography & design

all rights reserved

Deanna and Will: Blessed Sacrament Cathedral & Greensburg Country Club (preview)

What an honor it was for me to work with both Deanna and Will (as well as their families – and I know how often this gets overused, but seriously, both Deanna’s and Will’s parents are some of the nicest people you could ever meet!) This was just one of those days when everything went perfectly – and you have got to love those days! Having Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and the Greensburg Country Club as your backdrop certainly doesn’t hurt, either.

A beautiful ring – and Deanna’s grandparents, who’ve been married for 55 years!

I can assure you that he had them in the palm of his hands!

Some more dancing and sharing a signature drink…

Some details from the reception… (Cake by Oakmont Bakery)

 

Will and Deanna jammin’ with Next Exit.

One of my absolute favorites – I believe this is known as pure joy…

 

I’m working on the processing of the photographs, but until they’re ready to go, enjoy those above as a little preview of what’s to come. Just an awesome day all around.

Congrats to

Mr. and Mrs. Will and Deanna Newmyer!


Ceremony: Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Reception: Greensburg Country Club

Florist: In Full Bloom Band: Next Exit Bakery: Oakmont Bakery



Wedding season starts tonight!

I’ll admit it, I get the butterflies when we get close to a wedding – and for me, the wedding season officially starts tonight with Deanna and Will’s rehearsal. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great couples, and these two epitomize what a photographer looks for when dreaming up the ideal wedding to photograph.

If you’re from this area, you know we’ve been in need of some better weather (I know, it’s an understatement for sure), and it looks like we’re going to get a reprieve just in time for tomorrow’s big day. But I do know this – it’s going to be an awesome wedding and I look forward to sharing some photos with you soon.

For those of you who don’t know, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral has been undergoing some major renovation work. They’ve done a tremendous job — here are a couple preview pics.

Truly inspiring…

I had the opportunity to take a small part in yesterday’s Pittsburgh Marathon. While I wasn’t able to take any photographs, I have to say that I witnessed a ton of awesome opportunities. Those taking part – whether as a 2:16 marathoner or a 3:00 half marathoner – were truly inspiring.

I believe in being a lifelong learner – whether that be in a classroom or just life in general – and I’ve been seeing some great pictures from yesterday. It’s important to observe the work of others – to learn, to be inspired, to share. I love the pics of the finishers (Justin Merriman of the Tribune Review), but I also love the pics of the crowd (mainly Keith Hodan of the Trib). In addition, the Post Gazette’s staff did a tremendous job as well – both Bob Donaldson and Robin Rombach (LOVE the pic looking over at the South Side with the incline in the background) did an exceptional job of covering this awesome event.

 

And it is an event, make no mistake about it. Even with the drizzle, the people of Pittsburgh came out to show their support of those taking part. It’s a great day – take part next year – whether that be by running or volunteering – you won’t be disappointed. (Oh, and should you know anybody who has the power to get this race back on live TV, PLEASE hook us up!)

 

Here is a link to the Tribune Review’s slideshow: Trib Slideshow (click on “photo gallery” for a lightbox gallery to appear)

And here is a link to the Post Gazette’s slideshow: PG Slideshow