Happy 5th Birthday, Anya – Altoona, PA

To my daughter, Anya, on her 5th birthday,

When my Nana gives me a present, I can usually expect a mega cute card and a generous check.  She has told me the most fun thing about getting money is that “you get to spend it over and over and over again in your mind before it even hits the bank.”  I have come to greatly enjoy spending my birthday money “in my mind.”

Anya, your 5th birthday was much like the check from Nana.  A little over 6 months ago, you decided your 5th birthday was going to be the greatest event of your young life.  So you plotted.  Daily.

Together we planned.  And replanned.  And planned again.  Guest lists.  Party themes.  Types of cakes.  Activities.  Our frequent talks about the 5th birthday party became a theme of your 4 year old life.

You have shown me countless times this year that you are a young lady of anticipation.  Of hope.  I love that about you.  I don’t yet know what the next “big event” will be, but I will never forget this year of dreaming and planning.

Thank you for all the joy that you bring to my world.  Happy Birthday!!!

With all my love,

Momma

Adam and Andrea – Altoona, PA wedding photographer

Yesterday my daughter Daniella and I finished reading Anne of Green Gables.  I adored Anne’s conception of a kindred spirit.
Andrea and Adam’s wedding brings to mind kindred spiritness (not a word, I know :  )
So much of their wedding reminded me of my own wedding 9 years ago.
First off, the couple – serious, gentle learners with a quiet, playful side, so similar to Matt and myself.
And then there was the slide show.  It could have been pictures of me hurdling and playing soccer just like Andrea.
And then the longest married couple dance.  It brought back memories of Mr. and Mrs. Levy dancing to the same dance at my wedding.
Andrea and Adam, you make me truly happy.  Thanks for the privilege of being a part of your wedding day.
Here’s a shout out to their awesome vendors:
  • Food, Cake, Ceremony & Reception: the Casino, Altoona, PA
  • Dress and the bridesmaids dress: David’s Bridal
  • DJ: LocalMotion in State College, PA
  • Florist: Avant Garden in State College, PA



Getting ready…

Adam, you look dashing.

Some details…

The ceremony was held in front of the Casino on a magnificent, August afternoon.

I love the adoration in their faces in this set.

It’s official : )

Some shots moments after the ceremony

We had a few minutes to take pictures of Adam and Andrea while the family members were gathering for their pictures.

Wow… I love these!!!

So much lovin’

Andrea, you are radiant!

I loved these next 2 sets in black and white.

I think the picture of Andrea holding up her dress on the left is my favorite of the day.

The wedding party gathered, and we had a blast photographing them.

The guys and gals separately

The whole crew

The Casino is a stone’s throw away from Lakemont park.  So we headed over to take a few more pictures.

Popcorn anyone?

I love these 2.

Then we headed back inside for some unbelievable lighting.

Some details from the reception

The first dance

There was no end to the fun dancing at this wedding

Here’s a few pictures of the couple who were married the longest at the wedding.

I love this sequence

Seriously the fun, dancing pictures just kept coming.  I had a really hard time narrowing it down to these to share.

Congratulations, Adam and Andrea.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Nancy Bailey - March 3, 2023 - 2:55 pm

Hello Christina…I am in need of a photographer for mu son’s wedding in Hollidaysburg on July 22nd this year. I really like the photos you have shot!
Please let me know if you are available.

Ode to a rollercoaster – State College, PA wedding photographer

“Did you hear me scream?”

“Yes!”  replied my smiling family members.

“Was it loud?” I asked.

“Yes!”

“Did the whole amusement park hear it?”

“Yes!”

The picture below was captured by my sister-in-law moments after Matt and I finished riding The Hurricane, my first roller coaster ride this century.  I can still feel the thrill of the moment.  I still slightly blush when I realize just how much I screamed.

Oh, roller coasters, may we rendezvous again.  May it not take another decade till I feel the wind rushing around me while 50 feet midair.  May we meet again.  And soon.

The vacation consisted of myself, Matt, our 4 kids, my parents, my Nanna, and my brother and sister-in-law and their 2 kids (and one on the way : )

Feeding all of the little people was somewhat of an assembly line.

And we had 4 strollers and a wheel chair to boot.

The location- Ocean City, NJ.

My little Daniella was so incredibly brave.  She rode all of the biggest rides.  And with a huge grin the entire time.

Anya and her cousin are the best of friends.

Papa (my dad) is a toddler magnet!

Fun times!!!

This is my little niece, Charlotte.  I laid down to take her picture and she followed suit.

We rented a tandem bicycle and a surrey one day.

The kids LOVED it!!!

Stephanie - September 23, 2010 - 7:33 am

i. LOVE. this. :) miss you.

Christina Garber - September 23, 2010 - 10:37 am

Thanks, Steph! I know you can relate to all of the little kids lined up in a row : ) Miss you too!

Elizabeth - September 23, 2010 - 7:30 pm

SWEEEET!!! I love love love these pictures!!

Melissa - September 23, 2010 - 9:46 pm

Thanks so much for sharing these! :) The pics of you and Matt take me back to GCC days. You laughing hard and him looking happy that he made you laugh :) Daya looks so grown up too and the pic of Nanna is amazing… oh and Charlotte dancing! LOVE YOU and your fam too!

Katie - February 27, 2011 - 9:10 pm

I LOVE the picture of Daniella sitting in the roller coaster between Brandon and Matt… she’s looking off to the side, kind of like, okay, whaddya got? And also of Anya and Matt on the tandem bike… Anya looks like she’s got a secret, maybe she’ll speed away!

Bobby and Stephanie – State College, PA Wedding Photographer

You might remember Stephanie and Bobby from their awesome engagement session.  Their wedding day was just as inspiring.

I know it’s kind of a cutesy word, but the first word that comes to mind when I think of Steph on her wedding day is angelic. She was beauty personified.  And her groom was her regal escort.

Thank you, my friends, for a most lovely day and for giving my blog readers some amazing eye candy : )

Here’s a shout out to some of the awesome vendors at Steph and Bobby’s wedding…

Reception: Beechwoods Restaurant and Banquet Facility

Flowers: Brady Street Florist, Dubois PA

Dress: Tie the Knot Curwensville, PA

Bobby getting ready

Bobby’s groomsmen were a lot of fun together!

Stephanie shared some really sweet moments with her parents before walking down the aisle.

Some fun church details…

Stephanie you are magnificent!

It was a great kiss… not too short.

I love this picture shot in the church. 

Check out the cute flower girl in the front.  She wanted the best view.  Love it!!!

And the couple gets showered with some loving.

Next we headed over to Bobby’s dad’s land to get some outdoor shots.

Marvin the wonder pup even made a showing.

Then we drove to the reception where I found this charming barn wall.

Stephanie, you’re radiant. 

I couldn’t get enough of this lighting!

Oh, Stephanie, I love reliving the romance of this day.

Onto the golf course grounds…

They really knew how to work it!

Steph and Bobby were such a fun couple.

The first dance…

They got pretty messy during the cake cutting.

Some reception details…

A few more favorite reception moments.



Corey + Danielle, Latrobe wedding photographer

They met at her cousin’s wedding.  Danielle was passionate about real estate.  She gave Corey her business card.

What do you do when an adorable, fun-loving woman gives you her card?  You decide it’s time to go house shopping.

She showed him a few houses.  It was quickly apparent that the stunning beauty showcasing the houses was on his radar more than a new mortgage.

Corey never did buy a house that year, and he still teases Danielle about giving him a business card.

Here’s the pictures to prove it turned out well, even though Danielle never got a real estate commission.

The preparations… I want to give a special shout out to the ladies at Pittsburgh Makeup for your amazing make up artistry.

And here’s some details…

Danielle you are radiant – such sweet moments right before you walked down the aisle.

Everything about you smiles.

And Corey reading Danielle’s love note and final preparations…

I love this sequence.

This is what it’s all about.

I loved the ceremony site – Seton Hill University, Saint Joseph Chapel

I could have taken pictures inside here all weekend.

I adored how enraptured Corey and Danielle were with each other.

More amazing lighting!!!

Wow!  Eyes!!!

Danielle, my camera misses your smile : )

And the wheels…

Next we headed over to Pluma.   Danielle says she was drawn to the Hollywood glamor themed weddings.  She chose a vibrant pink and black to reflect the fun, vivacious atmosphere she wanted on her special day.

I want to give a shout out to Jill Johnson at Foodarama for her ability to carry forth Danielle’s vision with style and grace.

This set of Corey and his mom dancing was one of my favorites from the night.  The father/daughter and mother/son dances get me emotional every time.

Corey and Danielle, your love is beautiful.  Thank you so much for letting me capture it on your wedding day.

Ashley - May 16, 2013 - 11:33 pm

Hello! I just recently got engaged and am looking for a photographer for June 21st, 2014. Do you have availability that day?

F a c e b o o k