Best of 2019 Instagram Review

Forget my “top nine” on Instagram, these are the posts+images that sum up where my life and business took me in 2019. It was a year of growth and changes. Joy and stress. Highs and lows. Myself and my business are worlds apart from who and what it was this time last year. While reflecting on all of this growth, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite instagram posts from 2019. Tag along and let’s reminisce together!

 
 
02.25.2019/Monessen,PA

Living this year with the motto of "if this scares me, then it’s probably worth doing". I have a lot of plans to get me out of my comfort zone during the months ahead. I'm moving away from my fears and taking hold of my aspirations. Last week I hosted a wedding vendor meet-up. This might not sound like anything too crazy but for me it was a huge step. I grew up as and still am an introvert. In my head I'm not the person who organizes meet-ups. But I wanted to do this for our local wedding community and I set those old beliefs aside and decided to do the damn thing. My head filled with what ifs but I pushed forward. Guess what, it was an amazing turn out and we have plans for more meet-ups in the coming months. Don’t let your fears hold you back. There is so much out there waiting for YOU! What tricks do you guys use to overcome fears and doubts?? I love using the "5 second rule" and it's not what you think. I encourage you to check it out!

 
 
03.06.2019/kane,pa

Some of the scariest decisions you make in life can be the best ones. Be brave. And continue forward even when others doubt you. Truly believing you can and pushing on is the first step in creating the dreams you wish for, into your reality. Life is beautiful and meant to be explored!

 
 
05.02.2019/pittsburgh,pa

Being a self proclaimed romantic, I am always thinking of sweet ways to show my love to JP. Normally this involves food, cause ya know...we are Italian and I swear food could be it's own love language. But I recently read a list of ways to be romantic and this idea stuck out.
Take a card/or just some paper and write down the top 10 things you love about your partner. Be sure to get specific and really think on these things. Then put it in an envelope and send it through snail mail. In a world filled with technology, how sweet would it be to receive a hand written letter in your mailbox from your sweetheart?

 
 
05.06.2019/strip district,pittsburgh,pa

I really can't begin to describe what JP and I were a part of on Saturday. But to put it simply, Ben and Victoria are the type of people that make you feel like you've known them forever, like you're just some long lost friend, being welcomed with open arms. The words authentic and genuine and kind are tossed around a lot these days. But if you want to see a true living depiction of any of those words all you need to do is spend a little time with these two.

 
 
05.11.2019/beaver,pa

Taking advantage of a Saturday off and spending the day yard sale hopping with my mom. I definitely got my love for thrifting, yard sales and antiquing from her. When I was growing up we'd wake up early on her weekends off and head out to see what we could find. We would go around to the thrift stores in the colder months but ahhh when the nice weather hit, her and I would spend hours at the local fleamarket. Scouring through the junk just to find the treasures. When I was really little, I'd always manage to find something for my barbie collection. As I got older it would be small pieces of furniture, that she patiently stored until one day I'd have a use for it. My mom has always supported a good find! I can't wait to see what we come home with today!

 
 
05.27.2019/san diego,ca

These blue skies have me day dreaming about LA. Time spent and new memories made with this guy. Meeting up with friends, thanks @torellini_s for the quick shots of us. Eating good food. Experiencing different surroundings. And smiling the way humans are meant to smile. Unfiltered. Without concern. Just a true reflection of the happiness on the inside, surfacing to your face!

 
 
06.07.2019/nelson ledge's quarry park,oh

When an old friend of JP and I's reached out about shooting her wedding at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, my heart swelled with joy and excitement. It was this place that not only I but so many others have shared late night dancing, laying on the beach and making friendships that turn into family. Proof of this, found in Jeremy and Chanel, who met here 9 years ago at music festival. On Wednesday we drove out to the festival grounds, to document the love between two caring, beautiful, festival loving hippies. Getting to capture the love between these two humans, at a place so near and dear not only to them but to Jp and I was nothing short of magical. My heart is so full.

 
 
06.25.2019/nelson ledge's quarry park,oh

You both have a list of places you cant wait to see together, you sit and talk about your goals and dreams, you know that there are endless adventures waiting for the two of you...

Even though this wedding season has just begun, I have had a few ah hah moments of clarity and my heart knows what direction I need to take, to better serve you as a couple. I am so ready to begin diving deeper into this and start sharing the awesome changes that will be manifesting.

 
 
06.28.2019/moorten botanical garden , palm springs, ca

Hi friends! It's been a while since I took the time to introduce myself and say hey! To start, if you don't already know, I am a Pittsburgh PA based intimate wedding and elopement photographer. I am constantly day dreaming about all of the beautiful places in the world that wildly in love couples can say I do!
Anyway, here are a few weird things you might want to know that have nothing to do with photography.
•》 A lame pun joke will always make me laugh. Im never be clever enough to think of them, but when someone else does...its all over and I'll instantly want to be your friend.
•》My favorite food is...carbs. I mean I really LOVE a savory vegan mac and cheese dish. Or anything pasta related to be honest.
•》The first tattoo I ever got is the symbol one of my favorite DJ's uses. If that doesn’t sum up how much of a raver I used to be...I don’t know what does. No shame here.   Shout out to #bassnectar .
•》I truly care for animals. When I was younger, even throughout high school I wanted to be a humane officer so that I could help animals out of abusive + neglectful situations. However I'm also an empath and I realized that taking that career path would have drained me fast.
•》Despite not following that original path, I'm still a huge animal advocate. Following a primarily vegan diet (every now and then I eat a wedding cookie), buying cruelty free products and always taking in animals in need. They seriously find me everywhere...so many stories. We even rescued a dog on our recent trip to LA. .
.
There is so much more, but I would really love to hear about you! What makes you laugh? What is your favorite food? What is something you are passionate about?

 
 
07.08.2019/palm springs, ca

We have traveled to countless unfamiliar places together, sat next to one another on many flights, and witnessed new landscapes for the first time while grasping one another’s hand. In awe of all that this world has to offer us. In 75 days we will begin an entirely new adventure, as we become husband and wife. Sometimes I really can not believe that young dumb love has led us down the path of lifelong commitment, discovery and friendship. Loving you has truly been and will continue to be my greatest adventure! Feeling extra sappy and grateful today, that I get to call this man my favorite human.

 
 
08.07.2019/butler,pa

I can't stress this enough, when hiring your wedding photographer make sure they are someone you really vibe with. We spend a lot of time together, before and during your wedding day. It's so important for my couples to connect with Jp+I. We capture a ton of personal intimate moments and I truly want my couples to feel confident and comfortable while we are sharing space with them.

 
 
08.13.2019/kane,pa

A year ago today, Jp and I made an impulse decision to drive way north to a sunflower field our good friend shared with us. We danced and laughed in an endless sea of yellow with a couple we had never met before. It was unplanned and perfect. If you have the chance never turn down an adventure, keep exploring+ discovering new places and new people. It leads to beautiful things.

 
 
08.17.2019/joshua tree national park,ca

35 days until I get to marry this guy. And I learn a little more every day just how much of an adventure life really is. Soaking up this season of our lives, cause we'll never be here again. Dont forget to be grateful for where you are friends, cause life is ever changing. 

 
 
08.18.2019/the union hall,strip district pittsburgh,pa

If you aren't smiling like this on your wedding day, you did something wrong. Weddings are meant to be about what the two of you want, how and who you want to celebrate with. Having an itimate wedding is one way to make sure you stay smiling all day. 80 people or better yet...less! Invite those you truly hold close to your heart and let the rest celebrate with you when they see you share your awesome wedding photos on the gram. You two dont fit the norm, so dont get caught up in thinking your wedding has to fit it either.

 
 
08.20.2019/pittsburgh,pa

Hey just being real, make sure you really like your wedding photographer, cause we spend a lot of time together before and during your day. Including moments like this where I get up close and personal with ya. Also, I'm going to probably see you in your underwear and a bunch of other random moments that I can promise you wouldnt want just anybody to see. Let's be friends, while I document this real+intimate part of your love story!

 
 
09.06.2019/aspinwall riverfront park,pa

I'm not sure what we are more excited about, the fact that these two hotties are getting married tomorrow or that Jp and I are using that as an excuse to get away this weekend. Tomorrow is Jp's birthday so after Alex+Dann's wedding we will be staying the night in a cozy tiny home surrounded by nothing but nature and highland cows. On Sunday I have something pretty awesome planned as well...so be sure to peep my stories. Friends it's gonna be a good weekend, what do you have planned??

 
 
09.09.2019/pittsburgh,pa

Today I sat and cried to JP about this wedding. Not because I'm not excited but because I'm overwhelmed on a level I've never experienced. But he let me shake in his arms while anxiety took over, held my hand as I calmed and asked what he could help more with to make the next 12 days easier on me.
.
.
In the past I found it easy to tell couples that were stressing about their wedding to not worry too much as the only thing that really matters is that the two of them get married at the end of the day. Now I get it. It's not that you're stressed about little things that no one else will worry about. It's that you've put so much emotion and time and effort into this that you want it to be everything the two of you have dreamed up. And when it gets down to the last few weeks you're making all efforts for that to happen. You just want to ensure that it's the most beautifully meaningful day, that will one day turn into a memory. But friends, remember this is the only time you'll be in this season of your life, soak it all in and ride the wave. Even the stress. Because let's face it, no matter what happens you'll look still look back at this day as beautifully meaningful all because you married your favorite person.
.
.
Now back to my three page to-list. 12 days left...let's do this! 

 
 
09.11.2019/greendance winery,mount pleasant,pa

Continually grateful and blessed for all of the couples that trust us to document the little moments and big adventures of their wedding day. I am also so unbelievably stoked to be on the other side of the lens in just 10 days. Make sure to marry your best friend, cause you deserve to have your favorite human holding your hand through all of life's valley's and mountains! Ps congrats to these two babes who got hitched over the weekend!

 
 
09.18.2019/ohiopyle,pa

《And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70, And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23》
Two days until I marry my favorite human. And I am feeling all of the emotions but embracing it all cause this is the only time in our life we'll be here. True unconditional love is a beautiful thing and when you find it don’t ever let go. Of course we are fully embracing it all this week so please if you need me, know that I will be back to focusing on other couples+emails next week. Until then I'll be over here crying and laughing and celebrating with my best friend and soon to be husband!!

 
 
09.29.2019/chatham university eden hall farm,pa

I could post an epic veil shot while Megan was being embraced by Jordan, I could show off the insane stormy sky or all of the fall wildflowers that were in bloom. But I thought this shot was way more fitting for these utterly romantic in-love people. Jordan has been picking flowers for Megan since they first started dating. Yesterday in the chaos of wedding party photos he stopped and plucked this sweet white bunch of flowers. He quickly but lovingly gifted them to Megan before being whisked away for a few photographs with him and his favorite men.
.
Memories like this is why we do what we do. Being there with camera in hand to capture these tiny fleeting moments between you and your best friend. Epic portraits are worth it don’t get me wrong (you cant peek at one of those in my stories) but the unplanned, candid, intimate moments of your day are what we really live for.

 
 
10.18.2019/mount washington,pittsburgh,pa

The truth is, some days are really hard, some days are really easy and some days are a rollercoaster of a little bit of everything. I really truly hope that the person you spend your days with is there for you through all of the ups and downs and everything in-between. You deserve that. We are all human...and we all have a good side and an ugly side. It doesnt make you less lovable...and having someone that reminds you of that on the daily is what true authentic love is all about. 

 
 
10.23.2019/preston park,butler pa

It's officially been a month since JP and I said I do. And I am still reminiscing over each and every moment. When I say it was the most perfect day, I really truly mean it! What made it so perfect?? We stuck to what we wanted, forgot about tradition and other people's expectations. We were very intentional about our vendors and how the day was laid out. We soaked in every moment and didn’t do anything we didn’t want to. This is how your wedding should be. It shouldn't fit into any cookie cutter box. It's a day about the two of you and your love story. Plan accordingly.

 
 
11.10.2019/hartwood acres park,pa

Here's to best friends photographing best friends! Jp and I have walked through valleys and climbed mountains hand in hand, together for almost a decade. Taylor+Nick have done the same. We find it so inspiring to meet other couples who have been committed to one another for the long haul and we instantly relate on a heart to heart level.
.
Your wedding day and engagement aren't the only time your love matters. It matters right here. Right now. It matters on a sunny fall morning when you are hiking around together with your pups and it matters when you are sharing quiet moments alone in your home. This season of your love story, the present, every day life that the two of you share... matters. Let's document it together.

 
 
11.28.2019/grove city,pa

Weekend sales are live, food is cooking and my to-do list has turned into a done list for the day. Today and everyday I am so grateful for every single one of you that have trusted Jp and I to take your photographs this past year. Your support and love means more than my words can express! And of course there are so many more things I could list here but let's just say my heart is so full of the tons of blessings I have to be thankful for today.
.
Remember to hug the ones you love and show gratitude for all good things in your life, not just today but everyday.
.
Happy holidays friends! 

 
 
12.05.2019/aspinwall riverfront park, pa

Ahhh your getting married!! You're planning your day and thinking about everything that will be involved to make it perfect in your eyes. BUT if you're like us, when we were planning our wedding we were having a hard time thinking about how much waste it would create. In our daily life we try hard not to use disposable items. And really when you think about how many elements of a wedding day are a one time use it can be overwhelming. So I thought I'd share some ways we minimized the waste.
.
One of the big ways was using as many non-disposable items as possible. We thrifted all 72 plates, bowls, glasses, mugs and silverware settings. We used linen napkins and tablecloths that we are now re-selling. Our center pieces were thrifted bottles and half of our greenery we cut ourselves from my mom's property. For our paper items like stationary and signage we used recycled paper options when possible. I bought a used dress which is friendlier on the environment and your wallet! We didn't do favors for our guests and most of the decor that was bought, I thought about how we could use it in our home after or if we could resell it.
.
By simply being intentional and mindful about how we did things we ended up with only three garbage bags worth of trash for an entire wedding day and celebration! And most of that was from the caterer supplies which by that point was pretty unavoidable.
.
There are so many other things we did before, during and after the wedding to cut waste but that's for a whole other journal post. So, I'll leave you one last tip for now, if you want to really go all out with a totally minimal waste wedding...grab the love of your life, hike out to your favorite trail and just elope! It'll be less stress and less waste...I promise!

 
 
12.09.2019/nelson ledges quarry park,oh

My Monday PSA...when you work with JP and I, your dress might get a tad dirty. Truth is you're only wearing it once and it can be cleaned. You're wedding day is too short to be worried about a little bit of dirt. So embrace being wild and free in one of the most beautiful pieces of fabric you might ever wear. Adventure off the paved pathway, dance and twirl and soak up what nature has to offer us. It makes for epic shots and even better memories!

 
 
12.12.2019/preston park,butler,pa

It's sort of surreal to think that Jp and I recently celebrated 8.5 years of loving each other...and that it's been 82 days since we made a commitment to forever.
.
He's my bestfriend+husband. But he's also my dinner making companion (he makes the best oven fries+and bakes the best cookie cake). He's my car starter on cold mornings. He's the one that carries the garbage can down the 20+stairs to our sidewalk every freaking week. He's the one that figures out ways to fit weird way too big vintage furniture and plants into my little Prius. He writes me love letter's on sticky notes and smacks my butt and tells me I'm pretty when I'm having a hard day. And I cant even start to mention everything he does to help with my business and shoots and weddings.
.
Today and everyday I am so grateful to have this human by my side on our journey through life.
.
What does your partner do in the everyday moments that show you how much they love you??

 
 
12.18.2019/market street grocery,pittsburgh,pa

Experience your wedding day in a way that speaks to what your heart truly wants.
.
A day that will fill your compassionate soul, forever changing the way you+your best friend celebrate your love story. When you explore with us, you will be part of a thoughtful, heart-centered approach, that encourages you to embrace what make's you, you!
.
Friends, don't fall into the trap of a stressful, out of your comfort zone, traditional wedding day.
.
Be bold and adventure down your own path to something different. You are only making this beautiful commitment once and your future journey together starts with your meaningful wedding experience.
.
Let us document it. 2020 dates are filling up fast, DM me to get more info on booking your intimate wedding date with us!

 
 
Liz CapuanoComment