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pittsburgh botanic garden wedding photos

PITTSBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: WEDDING PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS 2022

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PITTSBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: WEDDING PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS 2022

What a beautiful year FILLED with amazing couples it has been! These highlight posts are always some of my personal favorite blog posts from the entire year, because I get to see not only all of the beautiful couples I’ve worked with, but also because I get to see highlights from my full body of work throughout the year – that in itself is so rewarding!

It’s hard to believe that I photographed my first wedding 10 years ago this year… so much has changed since 2012! At the time, I never thought that photography was something I would do full time. In fact, I was pursuing two degrees at the time in Graphic Design & Web Design, and was using any photo gigs I booked as a means to pay for them! I am so grateful that God has allowed my business to grow to the point of being able to support my family as my full time job. It is a blessing to get to serve so many people and explore so many beautiful places – and to get to work for myself!

Today, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite photos from my 2022 weddings and engagements. Some might seem like obvious favorites (because they’re of beautiful people or details, or technically beautiful!), but some are my favorites simply because of the emotion they show, and others because of what I had to overcome technically to make the shot happen. Weddings can be quite unpredictable, and often put photographers in situations where they need to make “magic” happen out of less than ideal lighting and timing situations (among other hurdles!). While that part of the job can often be stressful (especially when someone’s memories of the best day of their life are on the line!), that pressure has also given me the opportunity to produce work that I am proud to share with my clients!

So, without further ado – here are some highlights from 2022!

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Abigail & Austin: Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens Wedding

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Abigail & Austin: Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens Wedding

Abby & Austin celebrated their marriage at the one and only Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on the most gorgeous of early fall days, and they flew in from Seattle to do so!

This intimate, laid back affair included their closest family and friends, as well as some who they haven't seen since pre-Covid! Needless to say, it was the sweetest time for catching up and celebrating the union of these two people who just genuinely love each other so much!

Abby & Austin had their first look at the Japanese Garden, followed by some portraits, then onto their ceremony, then some more portraits around the Celebration Garden, a few in the Meadow, and a few on the pathway back to the reception space (which probably ended up being some of my favorites from the whole day!). The pair chose a tent with a transparent roof - which let in so much beautiful sunlight! It was perfect for getting that almost completely outdoor affect, without having to worry about there being a threat of rain. During the reception, they focused on toasts from family & family members, interacting with their guests, all while being serenaded by some gorgeous jazz music!

Abby & Austin, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for letting us be a part of your sweet celebration. It was truly a day to remember!

Vendors: Oakmont Bakery, Community Flower Shop, Make Up Design Studio, Luxe Redux Bridal

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Haley & John: Summer Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding

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Haley & John: Summer Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding

Haley & John met in Panera Bread, of all places, while ordering their food! And a few weeks ago, they celebrated their marriage at the beautiful Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, surrounded by a small group of their closest friends & family during a GORGEOUS outdoor ceremony, followed by the sweetest reception!

If you’ve never been to the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, you might just be missing out! Not only is it a lovely reception venue, but it has gardens and trails (and a cute little shop/food spot!) where you could easily spend a whole day taking in the beauty of creation.

And when it comes to weddings… PBG knows how to do it! They have the prettiest ceremony backdrop, and lots beautiful backdrops for photos. Haley & John decided on a mid-day wedding featuring a brunch menu (DELISH, thanks to Hazelnut Catering!) and a very laid back atmosphere, which was so much fun and such a nice change of pace! They had the sweetest, most thoughtful details, too - both had lockets they wore on their person in memory of loved ones who had passed. Haley chose her veil (covered with gorgeous pearls!) as a nod to her mom’s wedding dress, which was also covered in pearls! Her something blue was her toenails. They had everyone sign a vintage record as their guest book and had John’s grandfather’s record player displaying it, and they had signature cocktails named after their cats!

Because they opted for a shorter, earlier reception, they opted to use more of their photo coverage towards portraits of the two of them… and THAT was so much fun, too! We were able to hit so many beautiful spots around PBG, including the Japanese Gardens, the fields, a few beautiful pathways, and the cozy inside of the welcome center! They even take you to all the spots on a golf cart… which was a blessing for such a hot day! We were also able to use the last bit of our time to travel to Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side of Pittsburgh for a few extra portraits!

But above all of the meaningful details and the pretty backdrops, what stuck out the most to me on Haley & John’s wedding day was their genuine joy with becoming husband and wife. There were many happy tears shed by loving family & friends (and by the bride & groom themselves), beautiful, heartfelt toasts given, and just an overall atmosphere of love. What a joy to be a part of!

Haley & John, a HUGE congrats to you on your wedding day! Thank you so much for letting us celebrate with you! ❤️

Vendors: Bethel Bakery, See Jane Blush - Pittsburgh Makeup Artist, Bridal Beginning Pittsburgh, Birdy Grey, Hazelnut Catering

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To Wear a Veil, or to Not Wear a Veil? These Photos Might Help You Decide!

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To Wear a Veil, or to Not Wear a Veil? These Photos Might Help You Decide!

When it comes to veils, as a wedding photographer, they are one of my favorite accessories that a bride can wear! But on my own wedding day, I wasn’t sure if I actually wanted to wear a veil.

Veils have been staple of bridal attire for a long period of time, but within the last decade they’ve become more and more of an optional choice. I love that brides whose aesthetic is not very veil-like can opt for a modern, sleek look without a veil, and to be honest? I LOVE photographing brides with AND without veils. But honestly - there are some wedding photos than can only be created with the magic of a veil! And today, I’m sharing some of my favorite wedding photos featuring my favorite bridal accessory: the veil!

But before we get into the photos, here are a few quick (and random!) things to keep in mind about veils:

  1. This blog post is in NO WAY meant to guilt anyone into wearing a veil! If you don’t want to wear a veil - then girl, don’t wear a veil! Go with YOUR style, and stick with what makes you comfortable!

  2. But if you are planning on wearing a veil, don’t forget to consider the length. You’ll notice that, throughout these photos, with a longer veil, we can do more things, because there’s more veil to play with! There are a few different ways we can get creative with short veils, too, but long veils give us a lot more to play with!

  3. Some veils are heavy, so if you go with a long veil… give it a test run before your wedding day! I once had a bride get a crazy migraine because her veil was too heavy, and I felt so bad!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, too! If you’re married, did you wear a veil for your wedding day? If you hope to be married someday… do you think you’ll wear one? Comment below and let me know!

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Cassidy & Dylan: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

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Cassidy & Dylan: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

Joy is the first word that comes to mind when I think back to Cassidy and Dylan’s wedding day at the beginning of June at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. I would describe these two as joyful, genuine, and just… so in love!

Cassidy and Dylan met while they were both attending Slippery Rock University. They were engaged by November of 2018, where Dylan proposed on a mountain in Colorado! They love being outdoors together, which made the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden the perfect spot to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter of their relationship!

My favorite part of the entire wedding day (there were SO MANY favorite moments!) was when we were taking photos during golden hour (the hour before the sun sets) in a field at the Gardens. Cassidy started crying, and Dylan asked her what was wrong. She said “I’m just SO happy.” And they hugged. And then I turned into a giant puddle of tears, too! 😭 I don’t think it gets much better than that!

I could go on about these two for paragraphs upon paragraphs - their kindness, they authenticity, the way they both genuinely care for the people around them - but I think I need to let the photos to do the talking! So without further ado - check out some highlights from Cassidy and Dylan’s wedding day below! 💛

Congratulations, you two!!! We were SO honored to be a part of your wedding day!!!

VENDORS:

Ceremony & Reception: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Videographer: Dorosh Documentaries

DJ: Joel Lindsey Entertainment

Cake: Signature Desserts

Bride’s Dress: One Enchanted Evening

Catering: Hazelnut Catering

Invitations: Etsy

Hair: Christy Lawrence at Anna's Salon Elite

Flowers: The Hayloft Floral

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

*Special thanks to Taylor Dymond for second shooting!

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Best of Weddings 2018: Bridal Party

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Best of Weddings 2018: Bridal Party

I’m not sure what it was, but this year there were some absolutely AMAZING bridal parties - bridesmaids and groomsmen who went above and beyond, who came alongside their friends in love, and who even checked in on and encouraged us throughout wedding days! To all of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and bridal parties who we photographed this year: thank you for making our jobs so much fun! We are so thankful for each one of you! 💛

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Jenna + Tom: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

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Jenna + Tom: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

The quote that kept playing in my mind throughout Jenna and Tom’s wedding day: "Gatsby looked at Daisy in a way that every young girl wanted to be looked at." Not because their wedding had anything at all to do with The Great Gatsby, but because that’s the only way I could think to describe the way Tom kept looking at Jenna throughout their wedding day: just completely in love!

I think it’s safe to say that those who know Jenna and Tom know how well they light up a room together. Their day was packed FULL of laughter, and full of people from all over the world. With Tom being from England, and Jenna being from Pennsylvania, their wedding day was the most beautiful mesh of customs and details from both cultures - and had some of the kindest people in the world! Everyone spent a TON of time out on the dance floor, dancing the night away with the Bachelor Boys Band - which is why you’ll see so many reception photos near the end. What a party!

Jenna and Tom, it as a total honor to be a part of your wedding day! Thank you so much for having us, trusting us, and just for being so kind. You both are wonderful, and we wish you all the best!

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Coordination: Your Big Day

Bride’s Dress: Bridal Beginnings

Makeup Arist: Janneth Avila

Hair Artist: Liz Macey (Gallery Salon)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Menswear: Dobell (UK)

Invitations: Minted

Flowers: Budget Blossoms by Jillian

Catering: Hazelnut Catering

Band: Bachelor Boys Band

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Tent, Linens, Light: Ambassador Tent Rental

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

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