Christina Montemurro Photography & Video

So much talent here! I had the best time photographing the Campus Superstar event last night at Stage AE. Congratulations to everyone who participated, and especially to 1st place Cammi Caldwell, 2nd place Matty Palmer and 3rd place Isabel Mincy.

Oh hi there wedding season! Tomorrow Nicki and I kick off wedding season #16(!) and man are we ready to go! We both truly enjoyed our time off - Nicki had an epic adventure in Patagonia with .global, and I spent an unforgettable two weeks traveling in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. We are more than ready to capture the smiles, laughs and joys of our 2024 Pittsburgh wedding couples. We do still have some fall dates open. If you, a friend or family member are getting married in 2024, it may not be too late to include video. I truly believe it's the best way to tell your wedding story!


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Just married at the Edgewood Club! I'm a big fan of the enormously high beamed ceiling there. And if you're having a band, there's a stage!

I live very very close to North Park and spend a *lot* of time there - so if I get a request for photos there, I am more than happy to oblige!

I still remember the first time I saw this ceiling at - and all these years later, I'm still in awe. Love weddings here!

Silhouettes forever and ever and ever!

Today's Way Back Wednesday takes us to the Carnegie Museum of Art in 2013. 11 years ago, my love for silhouettes was already solid, and this painting was an ideal backdrop for a portrait of and Chris. These two have three beautiful children now!

Did you know that the Edgewood Country Club isn't in Edgewood? It's in Churchill. While this may make as much sense as my sister's alma mater, Manhattan College's location in the Bronx, it doesn't matter. The grounds here are gorgeous, the ballroom is spacious, and it's just one more exit on the parkway past Edgewood. Check it out!

I've recently come back from a big trip, and am very excited to have another to look forward to in April. Before a big trip, I do a ton of research about our destination to figure out where to stay and for how long, how we'll get around, and what to do. It's a lot of work, but I want to be prepared - I don't want to spend my limited trip time planning my trip - I want to enjoy the trip! I feel the same about a wedding day. The wedding day timeline should be carefully thought through, with consideration about how long each part realistically will take, how you'll get from place to place, and where you should go for pictures. Don't spend your wedding day planning your day! I'm always happy to offer insight on timelines and logistics to my couples. With over 15 years of experience with Pittsburgh weddings, I have a pretty good feel for them!

It's Way Back Wednesday again! I recently ran into Jason, the groom pictured here, at . As he looked at bikes, I said, "hi Jason!" I was pretty sure he didn't recognize/remember me, so I quickly identified myself. He was astounded that I remembered him, as his wedding was in 2011, and felt like a lifetime ago. I told him, of course I remember you. Weddings are a big deal! Even if it's a working day for me, I never lose sight of how significant of an event it is for all the VIPs of the day. It's a responsibility that I take very seriously, and I feel so lucky to be trusted with. Of course I remember Jason, and his wife, what's-her-name..... I'm just kidding. Jason and Jessie :)

Pittsburgh has so many beautiful old churches. This is Immaculate Heart of Mary in Polish Hill, looking so pretty here with the streamers hanging from the dome. But also note the lamp posts throughout the congregation. I've never seen anything like that anywhere else!

I'm calling this Way Back Wednesday! Sometimes I'm afraid to look back at some of my early weddings. But I'm often pleasantly surprised by them! Like this casual relaxed portrait of Laura from 2012. I clearly remember finding this incredible location with the most perfect natural light - backlight as well as fill light reflecting off the building behind me. November light is so pretty and of course ​​​​​​​​​was radiating happiness too.

Happy New Year everyone! Will 2024 be the year I do better at sharing content on IG? Probably not. But if that's because I'm spending more time traveling with my family, petting my dogs and hiding in the woods, I'm ok with that!

While every wedding is unique and no two couples are exactly alike, odds of a high five on the way out of a ceremony are usually pretty good. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.napoleone

Do you need a second photographer? For some weddings, a second photographer can be helpful. If your venue is big and has a balcony, having another photographer will make it easier to get photos from both perspectives. But do you NEED the second photographer? I'd say no, not if you've chosen a capable, experienced photographer. I didn't have a second shooter at this wedding, and both of these photos are mine. I double checked the length of the song with the DJ and asked the couple if they intended to do any spins/dips. I walked briskly out of the room to head to/from the balcony, and as soon as I was out of guest view, I RAN. Mission accomplished! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Brides: you don't have to wear a dress. Really. Loved Kim's look! ​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​

Deep breath... tonight, my oldest son, Leo, graduates from high school. From a very young age - basically, since he was born, Leo has been independent, stubborn and tenacious. At age 6, he wrote a song called, "Like I'm Going To Listen To You." This makes for challenging parenting, but it also means I've never worried that anyone is going to take advantage of him or get him to do something he doesn't want to do. He has tremendous emotional intelligence, with an uncanny ability to read people and know the right thing to say in any situation. He is thoughtful, intuitive and loving, and recognizes when those qualities are most needed. And no one can make me laugh like Leo can - I am so going to miss his company when he goes off to IUP in August! Leo, I love you! Congratulations on your high school graduation.

If you want stunning, classic architecture inside and out, look no further than the Allegheny County Courthouse. And it's especially perfect if you're planning an intimate weekday wedding!

Wishing you all a weekend full of this kind of joy! ​​​​​​​​
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I'm a sucker for classic and I'm not a bit sorry.​​​​​​​​
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The Urban Room at the : elegant, classic, dramatic. Love it there! ​​​​​​​​
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Just a couple newlyweds beaming and strolling around Phipps. I saw those enormous blooming hydrangeas, noted the direction of the perfect October sunlight, and sent these two off for a stroll. I always love the happy walking photos! ​​​​​​​​
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Real moments are my favorites ❤️ Can anything beat that "we just got married and now we're surrounded by all of our favorite people" feeling? Nope. ​​​​​​​​
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Andrew"s first look reaction 😂

Megan & Anthony ❤️❤️
I've been looking forward to this one for a long time! This was one of these dreamlike wedding days where everything goes according to plan, everyone is over the moon happy, the entire front row of family at the ceremony is wiping away tears of joy, and you're basically pinching yourself to make sure it's all real. I am beyond happy and overjoyed for you and Anthony! Thank you for trusting me to document your wedding day. Can we do it again when you get back from your honeymoon???



Venue:
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Florals:
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Hair/makeup:

I felt like I'd stepped into Old World Europe for Katie and Andy's ceremony in my hometown of Doylestown, PA. I used to have piano recitals in the basement of this church! And how about the florals in the aisle?! I've never seen anything like this, so pretty!

https://instagr.am/p/Cds4FHqrNaP/

I felt like I'd stepped into Old World Europe for Katie and Andy's ceremony in my hometown of Doylestown, PA. I used to have piano recitals in the basement of this church! And how about the florals in the aisle?! I've never seen anything like this, so pretty!

The 2022 wedding season will be in full swing very very soon. Now booking 2023! Know someone getting married who wants to get great photos or video, but also enjoy as much time with their family and friends as possible? Send them my way! ​​​​​​​​
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https://instagr.am/p/CcSmmyQAQv4/

The 2022 wedding season will be in full swing very very soon. Now booking 2023! Know someone getting married who wants to get great photos or video, but also enjoy as much time with their family and friends as possible? Send them my way! ​​​​​​​​
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Oh hi there, IG! I've really been slacking on keeping up to date here. Sorry - kinda? It's hard to be truly sorry about being deliberate and mindful of how I spend my time. Things I enjoy: photographing/filming my clients, producing finished products and delivering them. Eating bread and pizza, running in the woods with my friends, going to , and walking my dogs. Things I don't enjoy so much: taxes, laundry and updating social media. But, I do want to congratulate Leah and Christian, who were married on Mount Washington on Monday, when it was SO FREAKING COLD. You know it's love when you're this happy despite freezing your ass off! ​​​​​​​​
https://instagr.am/p/CbylAtHrECd/