Courtney & Matt: Succop Nature Park Engagement Photos

It is a JOY to be able to share this couple’s engagement photos and story - and it was even more of a joy to get to spend an evening with them at Succop Nature Park in Butler!

Courtney and Matt went to the same high school and were both involved in the band program. However, their paths didn’t cross until they were both invited back to that very same school to teach! After the band performed one night at Kennywood’s Fall Fantasy Parade, they both stayed after the Parade to go on some rides with a few other staff members - then rode back to the school in Matt’s car. They exchanged numbers at some point throughout the evening, and started talking from there… and never stopped!

Matt popped the question on March 13, 2021 - the one year anniversary of the day the world shut down, due to Covid. What a beautiful way to make the anniversary of something dark so much brighter! And now, these two are getting married next year, surrounded by their friends & family.

Courtney and Matt, I could not be more excited to be a part of your beautiful wedding day. Thank you so, SO much for the privilege of walking alongside you two during this season of your lives! ❤️

JHP Behind the Scenes 2020

Wow… what a year! 2020 will certainly be one for the books.

At the beginning of this year, all of us were unsure of many things. I, for one, was completely unsure of how wedding season (and portrait season!) would shake out. I had so many couples (for good reason!) postpone their wedding days in the spring and early summer, and I wondered if I would if I would have any clients at all. Would people be too nervous to go outside to have their photos taken? Would there be any sense of normalcy late summer/early fall when it came to events? Would I need to get another full time job?!

In all of the uncertainty, I was reminded of the incredible, unsuspecting ways that God provides. And provide he did! From random part-time jobs to an increase in senior sessions, God truly provided for every need - and gave me many, MANY opportunities to continue doing what I love, even in the midst of a pandemic.

This year, I got to photograph 13 AMAZING wedding days, and over 70 portrait sessions. I was able to start a little Etsy shop that I’ve been dreaming up over the past year (Beyond the Boardwalk), take on a few graphic design projects (which is what my degree is in!), and dove a little bit into the world of thrifting through Mercari and Poshmark (which I love!).

More than anything, this year, I learned the value of being truly grateful for every. single. thing. that God provides for me. We’re easily tempted to compare and wallow when we are not grateful, but when we see the continual goodness of God within every opportunity and praise him for it (something I am quite imperfect at), we live in a renewed perspective - and a much better one, at that!

To every couple, senior, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, baby, and fetus who gave me the joy of photographing them during this strange year - thank you. Your support, your encouragement, and your love mean the world to me! I am so thankful for you!

For more Behind the Scenes content: 2017 / 2018 / 2019

Our only "normal" wedding this year (without any restrictions or masks) was back in February at the Atrium. Little did we know that every other wedding would be extremely different!

Seeing if we could make a living taking cell phone photos... I think DSLR's still win 😎

Helping the FOB with his boutonnière! Nick has pretty much perfected his "pinning" skills by now!

This was riiiiight before Covid hit!

Our first wedding in the Covid era!

My little editing helpers!

Our first 2020 backyard wedding. It was absolutely beautiful!

One of the coolest senior sessions I've had to date! We shot at the Butler Airport.

Nick with his favorite movie poster at a movie themed wedding this year!

When we got to ATTEND my cousin's wedding!

Anddddd later that night, I sprained my ankle on the dance floor and couldn't walk for two weeks. 🤦🏽‍♀️

My assistant leaf thrower! I was so thrilled to have Robin join me at so many of my senior sessions this year. She is fantastic! And has the coolest hair!

Getting to take photos at this private family farm was magical! And this was the year I fell in love with fanny packs. Not mad about it.

These two!!! 😍

Professional veil fluffer. I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing such beautiful, vibrant fall color before this wedding!

Sweet Jill! I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to work with this beauty this year! She is fantastic!

So many Nick photo bombs...

See?

Thankful when he’s able to come and carry all of the things :)

That's Jean (my mom!) helping us out at Christmas mini sessions!

Last wedding of the year selfie!

Connor K: North Hills Family Photographer

One of the hugely rewarding parts about being a wedding photographer is seeing families grow from two to three! Maryann and Kevin (whose wedding I photographed just last year - see it here!) welcomed baby Connor into the world just a short while ago - and I was so honored when they asked me to take his newborn photos! This little guy already has the sweetest disposition and is so very loved!

Amy + Mike: Phipp's Conservatory Engagement

Everyone knows a couple who seem to be made for each other in every way. The chemistry is undeniable. Their love is contagious - Amy and Mike are one of those couples! I met up with these two at Phipp's Conservatory, where I heard all about Amy and Mike's love for Olive Garden breadsticks, Bravo, Rita's, and minions (ummmm, does it get much better than that?!)! We spent time walking around Phipp's and Schenley Park and caught some beautiful light during golden hour.

While we were walking, we came across a little cafe with tables and chairs - which I knew immediately we had to use, because one of Mike and Amy's favorite things to do together is to go out to eat (no wonder we connected so well! ;) ). I love finding ways to make slight nods to a couple's hobbies, loves, and interests! Without further ado, enjoy a few of my favorite images from Amy and Mike's Pittsburgh summer engagement session!

Kelly F: Phipp's Conservatory Senior Photographer

I meet a lot of good people in my line of work. Sweet people with sweet souls - and Kelly is one of those people! Her confidence and love for helping others makes her beautiful from the inside out. I'm so honored that we were able to take her senior photos! Especially since it was at one of my favorite spots: Phipp's Conservatory in Oakland!