Had a great engagement session with Erica and Dave, so I wanted to post an image for a sneak peek. More to come.

Last week we posted a preview of Sonika and Michael’s amazing Indian weddding that was held at the Tri-State Sikh Cultural Center and The Omni William Penn’s Grand Ballroom. This event was superb! Every detail, every location, every guest and of course every moment was memorable. We had a very long day (to the tune of 16 hours), but it was totally worth it. I am so happy with the images we captured. So thankful to Sonika and Michael for having us there to tell their story. You guys are awesome!

Enjoy a deeper look into some of my favorite images from the day.

Wedding Coordinator: Katherine Shaw of Trends to Traditions
*Katherine offers a stellar service. She is a great person to have on your side and serving you.*
Ceremony: Tri-State Pittsburgh Cultural Center (Pittsburgh Sikh Gurdwara)
Reception: Omni William Penn Pittsburgh Laura and her staff are wonderful to work with.
Florist: Fragile Paradise
Food: The Taj Mahal
Entertainment: MC Amar of South Asian Elite
Videography: All Pro USA

This morning I went to the town of Aliquippa, PA with my good friend, Justin Bowers. Justin is a worship leader and amazing associate pastor of my church, South Hills Bible Chapel. Justin’s heart is amazingly huge, especially for college age kids. He has been blessed with the great opportunity to start a new college ministry via a new satellite location our church is rolling out in Robinson Township. Through this ministry, Justin has become involved with Aliquippa Impact, which is an urban ministry outreach program in the town of Aliquippa.

If you are unaware, Aliquippa was once a thriving Steel Town and is now a very poverty stricken place. Lots of crime, drugs and violence. These folks have set up a ministry there that reaches out to the youth of Aliquippa with the hopes of making an ‘impact’ in their lives and families lives.

After the service we went to the Uncommon Grounds Cafe (which is an amazing place itself!) I was fortunate to meet Kate the Arts coordinator for Impact. She is a photojournalist that has a passion for documenting REAL life. She calls herself a gypsy, as she does not stay in one place for long, but is always using her gift of photography to share her heart for people.

Talking with Kate and deciding to become involved with Aliquippa Impact ( I am going to do a photography presentation for the kids next week) made me realize how important it is to reach out and become involved with people. People of all walks of life. Out of our comfort zones. Share. Give. Make a difference. Life is short. I know that I am extremely fortunate to be in the position I am in and have a responsibility to help others. I do become involved but want to be involved more.

I wanted to share this with you, so that you too would consider becoming involved (voluntarily) with those less fortunate around you and abroad. I am very excited to share with these children and look forward to the opportunity.

I am also excited about my trip to Tanzania in two weeks! I know it is going to be an amazing trip. My goal is to not only build the long standing clean water wells, but to document the people of Tanzania in their truest form. I hope to create a book of images, along with stories that can be enjoyed by everyone.

One more note on giving, sharing and being out of your comfort zone. If you are a photographer, please consider donating your time and talents to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. This organization has an amazing mission and is always in need of professional photographers and talent. I am a member and have done a few sessions. This week alone there have been 3 needs which I have been unable to fulfill. These are calls that you do not want to receive, but you do not want to say no either. I can personally relate to the loss of a child, so this is very close to my heart. Fortunately these needs were fulfilled by other available photographers, but I know this organization needs more professionals on board. If you would be so inclined, please visit their site for more information. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them personally.

No pictures to post tonight