Lauren & Michael: Downtown Pittsburgh Engagement Photos

The CRAZIEST thing happened at the beginning of October (I promise, it relates to Lauren & Michael!). I was photographing a wedding at Shady Elms Farm, and showed up early to get a few things set up. While I was carrying my gear into the barn, I noticed a couple walking around, checking out the space! I distinctly remember thinking “I wonder if they have a photographer for their wedding?!” Shady Elms Farm is one of my all-time favorite locations for photographing weddings, and I’m always trying to find ways to shoot there more!

While I was organizing my camera bag, I heard the voice of the venue owner say “do you two have a photographer yet?” To which the bride replied “we do!” To which the coordinator (ever so kindly!) replied: “I was going to recommend this one to you!” (Motioning to me). To which the bride said “I think she’s actually our photographer!”

I stood up, whirled around, and found myself standing in front of two vaguely familiar faces, whose names I recognized immediately. It just so happened that this couple (who currently lives in North Dakota and who I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting in person yet!) was one of my couples whose wedding I am photographing next year! And they were in town for their engagement session, which I was photographing that very week!

I mean, seriously?! How much do all of the stars need to align in order for something like that to happen?!? I really think that everything is meant to happen for a reason, and the fact that we all happened to be in the same place at the same time was just too crazy!

But anyways - on to more about this amazing pair! Lauren and Michael are two of the kindest human beings on the planet! They are the type of people who you instantly feel comfortable around, and, though you might’ve just met, feel as though you’ve known them for years!

They met at Penn State at a fraternity tailgate before a home football game - and the rest, as they say, is history! They totally hit it off. And Lauren even skipped an anatomy class to get ready for the date! A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! Michael later planned a sneaky/surprise proposal at Phipp’s Conservatory in a private room. Talk about perfection!!!

It’s so easy to tell how much these two love each other, and what a truly amazing pair they make together! Lauren and Michael, I could not be more excited to photograph your wedding day next year and to celebrate your love! Congratulations again on your engagement!!! 💛

Kristin + Brian: Allegheny Commons Park Engagement Photos

Have you ever met people that are just so instantly comfortable to be around?! Kristin and Brian are most definitely those people! Not only are they easy to be around, but they are incredibly gracious and kind! These two wanted warm weather photos, and if you live in Pittsburgh, you know that we had one of the longest reaching-into-spring winters in a while. So we pushed back their engagement session date once - then twice - and you know what they say - third time's a charm, and it was SO worth the wait!

We met up at Allegheny Commons Park on a chilly morning, but lucky for us, there were some pink blossom trees that were in bloom, which is exactly what Kristin had envisioned (along with lots of green!).

And if you can't tell how adorable and in-love these two are from their photos, listen to how they met: Brian was a teller at a bank, and Kristin was a server at Eat'n Park (a little over three years ago). Kristin would come into the bank to deposit her tips, which is how she met Brian. After she met him, she tried to purposely make sure she would end up going to his counter (doesn't it sound like something out of a movie?!) - and a short while after, they had their first date (on St. Patty's Day!) which included some Eat'n Park grub!

Besides being such fun and kind people, Kristin is actually an incredibly talented wedding and senior photographer herself (check out her work here!!). It is always such a HUGE honor when someone else in the industry trusts me with their precious memories!

Without further ado, check out a few (or, okay, a LOT ) of favorites from Kristin and Brian's session! Cannot wait to celebrate with you two next month!!