Alex & Nick: Camelot Banquet Center Warrendale Wedding Photos

It was a lovely, beautiful, fairytale wedding day with Alex & Nick just a few weeks ago at the Camelot Banquet Center in Warrendale!

The Camelot Banquet Hall in Warrendale is one of my favorite small wedding venues near Cranberry Township. It has some beautifully unique features, including beautiful stain glass windows surrounding the entire reception space! I photographed one wedding here quite a few years ago, so it was fun to be back in a familiar space (that also is quite close to home!).

We've had the pleasure of knowing the bride's family for quite some time - I even took Alex's senior photos back in 2014, near the start of my photography journey! So of course, we were beyond honored to be asked to be a part of this sweet celebration!

Alex & Nick's wedding day was everything you would want an early March wedding in Pittsburgh to be. They had an unseasonably warm and sunny day, which was a huge blessing, since we took the majority of their portraits outside! Though not many trees had begun to bloom as of early March, we were still able to find some beautiful photo locations right on the Camelot’s property for photos - some out front of the Camelot, and some on an unsuspecting bridge right near the venue!

One of the sweetest parts of their day - which was a complete surprise to Alex & Nick - was the white horse drawn carriage waiting for them outside following the exit from their ceremony! An unforgettable surprise coordinated by the father of the groom.

Without further ado - I’m so excited to share Alex & Nick’s wedding photos with you!

Congratulations, Alex & Nick, on your beautiful wedding day, and on your marriage!

Vendors: The Camelot Event Center, McCandless Floral, Dj Diehlz Entertainment, David's Bridal (bride's dress), AZAZIE (bridesmaid dresses)

Valerie & Matt: NOAH's Event Venue Cranberry Township Wedding

When two graphic designers decide to get married, you better believe it’s going to be one absolutely gorgeous celebration - and Val and Matt’s wedding did not disappoint (hence the detail overload that you’ll see below!! 🙈) Val and Matt’s day featured shades of emerald, hunter green, champagne, merlot, and touches of brighter pink with lots of florals alongside varied metals and industrial elements (including cement blocks and hand-poured cement hearts, made by the bride!). Their entire day took place at NOAH’S Event Venue in Cranberry Township, PA, which served as a lovely backdrop for their soft/romantic meets industrial vision.

Of course, being graphic designers, Val and Matt designed their invitations together, which was one of my favorite details of their day! Another favorite detail was their ceremony, which included a unique element that I hadn’t seen at a wedding ceremony before. Val and Matt had an “Oathing Stone Ceremony,” where they each held a stone in their hand while saying their vows. Originally practiced in Scotland, the Scottish believed that a vow given near a stone or water was more binding. Over the years, this ceremony has evolved from seeking out a stone or water to the wedding couple physically holding a stone in their hand while saying their vows. Some think this is where the saying “set in stone” originated from.

Val and Matt, thank you for the incredible honor of being a part of your wedding day. It’s so easy to see how much you two love each other, and how loved you are by your friends and family! Congratulations on a beautiful wedding day and on your marriage! 💛

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: NOAH’s Event Venue in Cranberry Township, PA

Florist: The Farmer’s Daughter

Cake: Bev at Tasty Bakery

DJ: Chad Burner & Brandon Flannery

Makeup: Antonette Medved

Hair: Katrine Cahill

Bride’s Gown: Exquisite Bride

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Menswear: Top Hat Tuxedo

Caterer: Bistro to Go

Ceremony Violin: Steve Vance Entertainment

Officiant: Weddings Without Worry

Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Frequently Asked Questions in the Bridal Getting Ready Suite

There are a few questions that are asked during almost EVERY bride/bridesmaid getting ready session. But why should you care about these questions? If you're a bride-to-be, a bridesmaid-to-be, a mother-in-law or a mother of the bride, knowing what could come up in advance could make you the most prepared person in the room for these questions that will most likely be asked!

Does anyone have any scissors?

Yes, this is probably the number one most frequently asked question in the bridal prep room! Tags and loose threads show up in large numbers on a wedding day in the bridal prep room. I recommend packing a little “bridal emergency” bag with scissors, thread & needle, hairspray, bobby pins, gum, tape, and any other items you think you might need!

Which leg does the garter go on?

The wedding garter is (traditionally) worn on the left leg, and the toss-away garter is worn on the right, both about 3 to 6 inches above the knee. But you can wear both on the same leg, if you’d like! But to be honest - it doesn't really matter that much! I actually took my garter off part of the way through my wedding day because it was so dang itchy!

When should my bridesmaids get dressed?

It’s best for bridesmaids to get dressed before the bride, along with the mother of the bride and anyone else helping the bride get into her dress. Why? For photo’s sake, having everyone out of their lounge clothes and into their formal attire to match the bride helps make the photos much more cohesive! Sweatpants and a wedding dress don't really go together ;)

Has anyone seen the rings?!

Just kidding about this one – but when this question is asked, it is scary! I’ve only been a part of one wedding where the rings were misplaced (i.e., left at the bride’s house) before the ceremony. But no worries – decoy rings were used, and the crowd didn’t even notice! The bride was thrown off a bit, though, as she had no idea they were missing until her husband went to slip the band on her finger! I would recommend having one person who is in charge of the rings to make sure they make it to the ceremony - just in case!

My Favorite Lenses (Canon)

I think it's safe to say that every photographer has a favorite lens or two - or, at the very least, a lens or two they use more than the others to achieve a specific look and feel!

There are TWO lenses that I use most often when I'm photographing weddings, engagement sessions, senior sessions, and family sessions - both of them have been strong work horses for me and help me achieve the look and style that I have created for my brand! The first lens is my favorite (and one that I love so much that I actually have two of, just in case something happens to one of them!):

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 art dg hsm for Canon

What I Love:

The thing I love MOST about this lens is how versatile it is! I use this 50mm for senior portraits, couples, wedding details, and pretty much everything in between to achieve a sharp focus point with a dreamy-creamy background. I used to use the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM, but I've actually found this one to be more reliable when it comes to lens sharpness and overall image quality.

What I Use it For Most:

I use this lens most for portraits, especially for close up senior portraits. I love to set the aperture to the widest it will go (f/1.4) and completely knock out the background of my photos - or at least, create a dreamy affect!

Sample Photos:

If you're searching for a more cost effective way to test out this focal length, I would recommend giving the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens a try. Priced at $125, it's a great way to try out the 50mm focal length at a reduced price! (This lens isn't as sharp or as fast as the Sigma 50mm 1.4 ART, but for those just starting out, this is a great lens to try!) And if you'd like to go a step up from the 1.8, give the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens a try! It's a bit more expensive and a step up in quality from the Canon 50mm f/1.8.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon

What I Love:

This lens is another one of my favorites for its far reach, which is something I especially love when photographing couples! I love having the option to back super far off from a couple, but still get those intimate, close up shots while they're interacting, or even wider shots that are clear and crisp!

Another thing I love about this lens is how SHARP it is. This is by far the sharpest lens I have ever owned!

What I Use it for Most:

I definitely use this lens most for couples and for wedding ceremonies so I can stay as far back as possible! I also love being able to create wider shots by manipulating backgrounds and scenes with this lens through lens compression, which is when elements in the background of a photo appear larger and closer to the subject (almost compressed looking, opposed to looking at the scene through a wider lens or with the naked eye), resulting in a different sort of composition.

Sam + Anthony: Pittsburgh Marriott North Wedding Photos

Sam and Anthony have been waiting a long time for this day to come - five and a half years, to be exact! Their stories (and families) were intertwined long before their wedding day - Anthony was actually good friends with the bride's older sister before they even started dating! Ever since I photographed these two at Moraine State Park last spring (see their engagement photos here!) I've been counting down the days til their wedding day!

Sam wore the most gorgeous, flowing (and not to mention spin-worthy) Pnina Tornai gown (bought from Kleinfeld Bridal - yes, the bridal store from "Say Yes to the Dress" 😉). As a bride who loves details possibly just as much as I do, Sam had the most gorgeous lavender and purple bridal details to compliment the color scheme of her wedding day! While Sam was putting on her wedding shoes, she noticed a surprise note left by Anthony on her shoe, too - so thoughtful!!

These two opted for a traditional first look inside the church (with Anthony seeing Sam for the first time coming down the aisle!) and let me tell you - I was choking up behind my camera as they BOTH started tearing up. Then Sam's dad started tearing up, watching Sam's HUGE smile through her tears of joy. Then I look over and see Sam's mom and almost every single bridesmaid crying - all of the happy tears!!

After the ceremony, we snuck off to one of my favorite little spots near the Pittsburgh Marriott North for photos, then back to the Marriott (where I used to work and serve food at weddings - small world!) for a reception with a live band (shout out to Bachelor Boys Band for doing an amazing job!). I am SO excited to share this wedding and couldn't be more excited for these two as they being their lives together. Congratulations, Sam and Anthony! You two are the best!

Vendors:

Ceremony: St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church

Reception: Pittsburgh Marriott North

Bride's Dress: Kleinfeld's Bridal, Pnina Tornai

Bridesmaid Dresses: The Exquisite Bride

Hair: Hair Masters (Maryanne)

Bride's Makeup: Camille Comfort (bridesmaid)

Live Reception Entertainment: Bachelor Boys Band

Cake: Tin Man Sweets

Florist: Holiday Florist

Videographer: Just Hitched Wedding Films

Mensware: Jack's Tuxedo

Invitations:Dianne Campbell (a family friend)

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Questions to Ask Yourself AFTER Meeting with a Wedding Photographer

There are so many articles talking about what questions to ask your wedding vendor/photographer while you're meeting with them, but how are you supposed to know after you meet with them if they're the right fit for you?! I've put together a list of four questions you and your significant other should ask yourselves after meeting with a potential photographer that will help you vet if you're making the right decision!

1.     Do our personalities mesh well with our potential photographer? Can we imagine him/her following us around on our wedding day? (And do we feel comfortable with that?)

The reason: Do you really want someone following you around on one of the happiest/most important days of your life that you don't like?! As a former bride, I can tell you that one of the best decisions we made was to hire vendors who we actually enjoyed being around - especially our photographer. If you don't actually like the person you hire, you might end up feeling annoyed, frustrated, and aggravated on one of the very best days of your life - which means your friends and family will probably be aggravated, too. Do yourself a favor - hire someone you like being around!

2.     Do we like their photography style?

The reason: If you don't like their style, then they are probably not a great fit for you. Most photographers hone in and spend years mastering a particular style they like, from posing to editing, and an established and experienced wedding photographer will most likely not change their editing or shooting style for you. Find someone whose work you love right from the start!

3.     Did we see any photos that will be representative of our wedding?

The reason: If you're getting married in the winter in downtown Pittsburgh and you've only seen bright and sunny summer farm weddings from your photographer, you might want to ask to see more work that aligns with the timeframe and style of your wedding. It's important to know that your photographer can handle your type of wedding - not just one style that doesn't fit your time of year or venue!

4.     Does this person really care about us, or are they just trying to make a sale?

You can see them from a mile away - the vendor who is doing everything in their power to make the sale without actually caring about YOU. Interestingly enough, I saw this happening the other day in my local Starbucks. A couple with that just-engaged-glow sat down at a table next to me, talking about how excited they were to meet their potential photographer. I'm not one to listen in on conversations, but I had forgotten my ear buds that day and they were literally sitting a foot away from me.

In walks their photographer carrying an iPad and a large album. He plopped everything down on their tiny table said a quick "Hey, I'm _________. Look at some of my work while I order a drink." And then proceeded to take out his album, fling it in front of them, and walk away to order. Once he came back to the table, he gave a little speel about how awesome he was, how long he had been working, how many awards he had won, then gave them the pricing and mentioned how he had multiple other couples looking at the same date, so they better "act fast." Then, after pushing them to sign a contract, they signed and he left. The couple kept talking about how "he'll do, I guess," and then proceeded to leave the coffee shop.

I have no idea who this photographer was, but I was in DISBELIEF! I felt sorry for the couple, who hadn't actually gotten to share their story. I felt sorry for the photographer, who seemed more interested in showing off than caring about this sweet couple. Don't get me wrong - I don't think there's anything wrong with being confident in what you can produce, but should it come at the expense of actually loving on and caring for people?

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Make sure you are asking questions and reflecting on each wedding photographer you meet with in relation to these questions and you're sure to choose the best photographer for you!

Becca + Frank: Camelot Banquet Hall Wedding Photos

Where to begin with these two?! I am beyond thankful for the time I was able to spend with Becca and Frank on their wedding day in October! They had one of the most BEAUTIFUL fall days of the entire year, and without a doubt, the bright sun matched their joyful love to a T!

Becca started out the day getting ready at her parents house in Cranberry Township, with Frank and the groomsmen getting ready at a nearby hotel. After, they both headed over to St. Ferdinand's Catholic Church for a ceremony, then we stopped at the Cranberry Township park for some photos with killer light, then headed over to the Camelot Banquet Hall in Warrendale for a reception full of dancing! I love the fact that everything took place within Cranberry Township - I know the area super well because those were my stomping grounds growing up (and let's be real, now too!).

One of my favorite parts of Becca and Frank's wedding day was during the ceremony. The priest mentioned that Becca and Frank's NFL football teams, the Saints and the Lions, were playing each other the very next day, which I thought was too amazing to be a coincidence! I always view those "coincidences" as little confirmations that what's happening is most certainly supposed to be.

Becca and Frank, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wedding day! It was truly an honor to take these images for you!

Vendors:

Bride’s Dress: Casablanca bought from Mary’s Bridal in Beaver Falls

Bride’s Shoes: Elegant Park (from Amazon)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff and Christina Wu (maids of honor)

Custom Invitation Suite: Paper by JLee

Hair: Profiles Salon

Makeup: Rachel Dadey (bridesmaid and amazing makeup artist!)

Tuxes: Top Hat Tuxedo in Fox Chapel

Ceremony Venue: St. Ferdinand's Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Camelot Banquet Hall

Band/DJ: Kevin Burkholder from First Class Entertainment

Flowers: All Occasion Silk Creations

Caterer: The Camelot Banquet Hall

Cake/Desserts: Lincoln Bakery

Honeymoon: Disney World

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Second Shooter: Ashley McLaughlin Photography

How to Choose Outfits for Your Engagement Session

You're engaged - congratulations!!! Now comes the next step - engagement photos! One of the most frequently asked questions I receive as a Pittsburgh engagement photographer is: what should I wear for my engagement photos? While there's no cookie-cutter answer (because style varies from couple to couple), here are a couple of suggestions for choosing the best engagement session outfits to represent yours and your husband-to-be's personalities!

1. Choose something you feel comfortable in!

Comfort is key while having your engagement photos taken. Being comfortable in your clothes will translate to comfort in front of the camera!

2. Don’t be afraid to go for something a little upscale!

It’s not often you and your husband-to-be have your photos taken, so dressing up can be a fun way to celebrate the occasion! One of my favorite options to recommend for dressy clothing (without having to buy something to expensive) is Rent the Runway. They have dresses of all styles that can be rented for just a fraction of the purchasing price!

3. Don’t be afraid to accessorize.

For brides – adding a scarf, necklace, or hat can be a great way to add some additional visual interest! For grooms – bowties, ties, watches, and pocket squares can do the same! For the photo below, Becca wore a statement necklace and an adorable pair of red shoes that are complimentary to Dave's bowtie and checkered shirt! Their outfits were some of my favorites to date because of the thoughtfulness they put into using such a variety of accessories and colors!

4. Coordinate colors, but don’t match.

It’s important to balance each other out. In the photo below, Jeff and Trina are wearing similar colors (navy) but have some tans, light blues, and pinks thrown in the mix to balance them out! (The photo above is also a great example of color coordination!)

5. Pick something that represents YOU!

Whatever you wear, don’t forget to throw your own style flare into your photos. This could mean wearing an outfit from your favorite designer, purchasing a dress from your favorite store, or incorporating a hobby/career theme into your session! Trina and Jeff, shown below, incorporated Jeff's long-time love of firefighting into his photos.

Timber + Zack: McConnell's Mill Engagement Photographer

I love when couples incorporate unique elements of who they are into their engagement photos (See this link for tips for choosing a unique engagement session location), and Timber and Zack's engagement session was no exception. These two are Missouri born-and-raised and met when they were twelve years old - but didn't start dating until just a few years ago. They both wanted a location that reflected their love of the great outdoors, so McConnell's Mills was the perfect fit! They also chose to incorporate Zack's truck, as well as a few bullets (a nod to Zack's love of hunting) for the ring shot! Congratulations on your engagement, Timber and Zack!

My Funniest / Most Embarrassing Moments: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

Wedding photography (and photography in general) can sometimes be seen as a glamorous “picture perfect” profession (pun intended). Sure, there a lot of fun, glamorous parts of wedding photography - like the out-of-this-world venues, perfect light, cookie tables, and fantastic cakes (I’m hungry, can you tell?). But nothing is perfect, even if the photos might make things look that way. So today, I want to share my top embarrassing/funny moments from my photography career thus far – the not so picturesque side of what I do. But really, I just want to promote the fact that we’re all human. We all make mistakes, we all have embarrassing stories, and we all have moments we can look back on and (now) laugh at! So without further ado, here are my top 6 funniest/most embarrassing moments on the job:

1.  A Bird Pooped on my Head

Once, right before one of my engagement sessions was going to begin, a bird pooped on my head. And this wasn’t just a little bit of bird crap. This was a giant, heaping, hot pile of bird crap. That’s right, folks – this is real life.

2.  Laid in Goose Poop

During an engagement session last summer, while I was trying to lay down on the ground to get a different perspective, and laid right in a heap of goose poop. It was all over my pants.

3.  Got Caught Facebook Creeping

When I schedule a consultation with a couple to discuss the possibility of photographing their wedding, I usually look them up on social media so I know what they look like (and can flag them down) before the meeting. On this particular occasion at this particular meeting, I looked up the bride at our meeting location, then clicked the lock button and set my phone on the table. During our meeting, I went to open my phone to look up a photo to show, and BAM – there was the bride’s Facebook page, open on my phone… and they, without a doubt, saw that I had been creeping, because my phone was face up on the table between us!

4.  Stepped on the Dress

During a beautiful bubble ceremony exit from the church, I accidentally stepped on the tail edge of bride’s dress. In front of all of her guests.

5.  Walked into an Invisible Wall

The other day, right after a meeting with one of the sweetest couples at one of my favorite wedding venues (the Omni William Penn Hotel), I walked straight into a glass wall, face first… with my couple still sitting there watching it unfold!

6.  Fell Victim to a Groomsmen Prank

Every once in a while, I photograph weddings with other photographers as a “second shooter” – basically, to aid the main photographer on the wedding day. Typically, while the main photographer is photographing the bride and the bridal party, the second photographer photographs the groom and the groomsmen. Once, when I was working with another photographer and had arrived to photograph the groom and groomsmen in their hotel suite, the groomsmen introduced me to the “groom” and let me believe that he WAS the groom for 15 minutes… before the actual groom walked in. -_-

So there they are. My top 6 most embarrassing / funny moments that have happened to me on the job! Other photographers & wedding vendors – don’t leave me hanging, bearing my embarrassed soul alone. What is one of your most embarrassing / funniest moments from a wedding, event, or photo session?!