Pittsburgh, PA Wedding Photographer – Andrea Kelly Photography – Boudoir, Engagement, Maternity, Newborn »

Just a note to let my regular blog readers know that there are a few changes coming about with the blog…I’d love to hear your suggestions for things that might make it better and feedback on the changes I’m making.

Many of us never know how appreciated we are or how much of an impact we might make on other people’s lives.  And, rarely do those people let you know…but sometimes, we get lucky…and that’s the story about Kara and Mark.

Kara contacted me to find out if I did sessions that were like engagement sessions, only for married people.  Of COURSE I do!  and they are known as “Just Because” sessions.   As we talked a little more, I found out that she and Mark won a prize from a Philadelphia based non-profit organization designed to help people who face challenges in their lives.  Kara’s friend nominated her and Mark and they were selected from 313 entries.

Without getting into too many details in my blog that may make Kara’s friend uncomfortable, Kara told me a little about her friend’s challenges – being a single mom today (finding out that the man who is the father of her child was not going to be a good influence, she told him goodbye) and from a difficult background where both her parents were addicted to drugs and she was raised by her grandmother.  Kara’s friend has faced many adversities throughout her life, but credits Kara and Mark with being a great inspiration and brings her hope for healthy relationships in her life.

I can say that in the brief time that I spent with the two of them, they are a fantastic couple and it’s been a joy to get to work with them…even with Mark teasing me the entire time. 

The two of them got into a leaf fight…more with Mark tossing the leaves than Kara and I have a series of them as they played.  I love that in this photo, it looks as if Mark is making the leaf levitate - what talent! 

Because they spent a lot of time together at Pitt, we had the session take place there…and of course, had to get photos at the Cathedral of Learning.

Kara and Mark – thank you for sharing your story with me and giving me the opportunity to work with you!  Your Christmas cards are on the way – have fun addressing them and getting them sent out!

Just a few examples of holiday cards: