Deidre & Paul: Cleland Rock & Moraine State Park Engagement Photos

This was such a fun engagement session! Deidre & Paul were a BLAST to photograph (alongside their pups, Navin & Piper!), and made my job so easy!

Deidre & Paul met while in college and are getting married next year at Irons Mills Farmstead! They had their first date at a bounce house (talk about a great first date!) and love spending their time just being together - them and their pups!

Their engagement session took place during one of the recent weeks where there was a lot of extra haze from the wildfires further North (you’ll especially notice in the photos towards the end when they are in front of the lake).

We started off their session at Cleland Rock, then headed over to Moraine State Park for our last chunk of time. It was truly a joy to photograph these two, and I couldn’t be more excited for their wedding next year!

Congratulations again on your engagement, Deidre & Paul! ☺️

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!

This image was created using a $1.25 mirror from the Dollar Tree… this was the first time I used this little trick to add a bit of visual interest to a detail shot, and I love how it turned out!

This was our first wedding of the year in January - it was like, 6 degrees outside, but our couple still trekked down to the Hot Metal Bridge for photos!

In March, it can be difficult to find good backdrops for photos - I was so excited that the light and backdrop of this venue (the Camelot) lined up and that we were able to use it for bridal party photos! It was honestly a proud moment for me, since there weren’t a ton of backdrops to work with at this particular venue, and we didn’t have enough time to drive to a different spot!

Such a sweet sister moment ❤️

I love the joy, shock, and excitement that comes during proposals. This Phipp’s Conservatory proposal was such a highlight!

We had the whole Broderie room to ourselves!

I love Disney Pixar’s “Up” - Matt & Maria’s “Up” themed wedding day was so much fun to photograph! I got to get a little creative with their details, too!

Possibly one of my favorite bridal party photos of the whole year!

This couple flew in all the way from Seattle for their engagement photos!

Walking around Kennywood with these two was a huge highlight from this year! They met here, so it made the perfect backdrop for their engagement session!

Jackie & Gerald are literary lovers who incorporated so many books into their wedding day. I decided to borrow a few from their reception area to incorporate into their details photos - and I’m so glad I did! I am so excited about how these detail photos turned out!

This backdrop gave me major Lord of the Rings vibes. Which was perfect… considering the fact that Jackie & Gerald incorporated some subtle LOTR details throughout their day!

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll appreciate this little potato sign! 😉

Firework photos have always been a bit tricky for me. I love how these ones turned out! And that “Love” sign?! Adorable!

Love this photo that Nick got of the groomsmen!

This wedding took place at the White Barn… one of my all time favorite wedding venues! Nick and I got married here back in 2015, too!

One of the sweetest mother-son dances.

No window light and in a small room? Create your own light with a speedlight by bouncing it into the corner of the room (so the light falls back onto your subject) to create soft, flattering, directional light!

This foot washing ceremony was so sweet, and so emotional.

Champagne pop at sunset?! It doesn’t get much better than that!

Maybe I shouldn’t have favorites… but this bouquet was one of my favorites of the entire year! I love a good fall textured bouquet. It was SUPER heavy, but super gorgeous in all of the photos!

This was one of those tougher lighting situations! It was a super bright day, and the first look took place right in the middle of the day (when the sun is highest in the sky). It’s notoriously the toughest time for natural light photography! I was thankful that we were able to find a place in this location to place the couple where we were able to control the light a bit more, to make sure it was flattering on our couple’s faces.

Something I LOVE about this walkway is that it has white cement… which acts as a great natural reflector, effectively “popping” soft light back into my couple’s faces, creating a flattering look for their skin. This wasn’t a location we had originally planned on using, but when we were driving by, I had to stop and take a few portraits of them there because I knew the light would be great!

This couple had a beautiful clear roof tent, which let in SO MUCH LIGHT! It was the best of both worlds - tented in case of rain, but also it sort of felt like you were completely outside because there was so much light!

I can’t get over the lights they have in the tent at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. They are so gorgeous!

Let me tell you about these confetti poppers! The confetti streamers that come out stay attached to the poppers themselves - making for super easy clean up! Which was great, considering that we popped them on a church altar!

It ended up being pretty cold on Jen & Brandon’s wedding day… so we did the majority of their portraits inside Heinz Chapel. And it was AWESOME. They left us enough time in their timeline to create some really special portraits for them… all while staying warm! 10/10 would do again!

This may be one of my favorite wedding portraits of the whole year!

Engagement photos in a (somewhat surprise) snow storm! We knew it was going to snow, but I don’t think any of us knew how heavy that snow would be. Thankfully - these two went for it! And thankfully I had a willing husband to hold an umbrella over my head while I was taking photos!

Chelsea & Anthony: Kennywood Park & Rose Garden at Renziehausen Engagement Photos

Meet Chelsea & Anthony ❤️ I had the pleasure of taking their engagement photos at Kennywood Park and the Rose Garden at Renziehausen just a few weeks ago!

I have always wanted to take engagement photos at a theme park… so this was a session that I have been looking forward to for quite some time!

If you're from Pittsburgh, you're probably familiar with Kennywood! Chelsea & Anthony met while working as ride operators at Kennywood park a few years ago, so of course for their engagement session, we had to go back to where it all began!

Because the park is closed on Thursdays, we had the whole place to ourselves the evening of their session! It was so much fun to get to revisit all of the places they had frequented early in their relationship, and such a unique experience to get to take photos there!

We also stopped at the Rose Garden at Renziehausen for a few more photos in the glowy evening sunlight. I had never heard of this location before, but it certainly had some beautiful spots for us to work with! I think it worked really well that we paired it with another location, since it’s a bit on the smaller side!

Chelsea & Anthony, I am so excited to photograph your wedding day next year! A huge congratulations to you both on your engagement!!!

Abby & Austin: Mellon Park Engagement Photos

Abby & Austin currently live in Seattle, but came back to Abby's home town of Pittsburgh for their engagement session just a few weeks ago!

These two are super smart and super fun to be around! It was so easy to tell how much they love, admire, and respect each other just from the 90 minutes we were privileged to spend with them. And that made taking their photos so, so easy!

Mellon Park was looking extra beautiful the night of their session, too, with the most beautiful light! It is always a great go-to at any time of year for a variety of backdrops… it is it’s own little oasis within the city!

Congratulations on your engagement, Abby & Austin! We cannot wait for your wedding day later this year!!!

Allie & Nate: Phipp's Conservatory Broderie Room Surprise Proposal

Just in case I’ve never mentioned it here before… surprise proposals are one of my favorite things to photograph! ❤️ And what makes a surprise proposal even better?! When it takes place at Phipp’s Conservatory & Botanic Gardens in the Broderie Room!

One of my favorite things about a surprise proposal is feeling like I’m in on a really great secret… because I totally am! 😉 Even though, most likely, I haven’t met the bride-to-be yet, I know for a fact that she’ll be over-the-moon when she realizes what’s happening… and that it will all be captured photographically! That was a HUGE deal for me when I got engaged (just in case you haven’t seen how Nick proposed to me… click here!), and I treasure the photos and video we have from that day so much, as I know every other bride-to-be will, too!

But back to Allie & Nate! About a month before the proposal, Nate emailed me asking if I would be available to photograph the surprise proposal he had been planning… and thankfully, I was! We touched base a few weeks out from the proposal itself to get a game plan together. I always love having the chance to touch base with grooms-to-be before the proposal itself so we are both on the same page regarding where they will be coming in from, where they will stand, where I will be/what I will be doing, etc. It helps put everyone’s mind at ease!

On the day of the proposal, I woke up to a world of white - even though it was the first week of March, we had gotten at least 4 to 6 inches of snow overnight! Not to mention, it was about 11 degrees outside, so I couldn’t have been more thankful that Nate had decided to propose to Allie inside of Phipp’s Conservatory.

Nate had told Allie that they were going to lunch to celebrate his grandma’s birthday, and suggested stopping at Phipp’s first to enjoy a few moments in the warmth before heading off to lunch nearby. A great cover story, if I do say so myself.

Because Nate had rented a private room (the Broderie Room - probably one of the prettiest in all of Phipp’s!) for the big moment, Phipp’s pretended like the room was closed until Allie & Nate casually walked up - then said that it had just opened (how convenient!). I was in the back area of the picture below pretending to be taking photos of flowers. I watched them out of the corner of my eye as they moved into the Broderie Room, then ran as soon as I saw Nate start to take a knee! And oh, what a sweet moment it was. And how sweet these two are!

After a few moments of shock (and joy!), we were able to jump into a little mini engagement session to capture the joy of that moment and Allie’s gorgeous new ring. And there was so much joy… which is another reason why I love proposals! Genuine, raw emotion.

Allie & Nate, congratulations on your engagement, and thank you so very much for letting me be a part of it!

Interested in booking a room at Phipp’s Conservatory for a photo session? Click here to view information on their website regarding photo sessions! And if you need a photographer, I’d be happy to assist! 😉

Erin & Ben: The Frick Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are extra cozy when it's near 20°F outside Erin & Ben didn't seem to let it phase them one bit!

These two met through Ben's sister - Erin was a friend of hers before her and Ben started dating! They got engaged last year, the day before Valentine's Day, and now they are getting married this year!

And, unless we get a surprise snow storm over the summer, I think the weather will be just a tad warmer 😉 Congratulations on your engagement, Erin & Ben! So excited to photograph your wedding day!

Casey & Danny: St. Vincent College Engagement Photos

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to St. Vincent College (in Latrobe) to photograph Casey & Danny’s engagement photos - and I had an absolute blast with them! They are two of the sweetest people and I am so completely honored to be taking their wedding photos next year!!! ❤️

These are no ordinary engagement photos... these photos and their locations represent so many sweet moments for Casey & Danny! The bench where they had their first date, where they got engaged... the pathways they walked getting to know each other better...

And now, the location where they had their engagement photos taken! It was so much fun to have a little walk down memory lane with these two at a place that is so special to both of them. And not only that... they are two of the sweetest people you'll ever meet! Casey & Danny, it was such an honor to take these photos for you. Congratulations on your engagement, and I can't wait to celebrate you both on your wedding day!

Jackie & Gerald: Coffee Date, Pastry Fight, & Summer Garden Engagement

On any given weekend, you will most likely find this pair at one of their favorite bakeries, brunch spots, cafes, restaurants, or - even better - finding a new spot to explore! So of course, for their engagement session, we had to visit a few of their favorite locations to capture them in their natural habitat, including the incredible Biddle's Escape & Madeleine Bakery & Bistro, who were gracious enough to allow us to use their little outdoor areas for some photos!

And WOW did we have a good time! I will admit - it was hot, it was sticky, and we all sustained various amounts of bug bites, but it was truly so SO worth it to get to capture this amazing pair - who, I have to mention, were SO natural in front of the camera! Their love, admiration, and respect for each other made them a complete joy to photograph.

Jackie & Gerald... we are so thankful for you! Thank you a million times for letting me walk alongside you in this season of your lives!

Bridget & Sean: North Shore Pittsburgh Engagement Photos

Bridget & Sean wanted a true Pittsburgh session, and there was hardly a better place than the North Shore! We had an absolute blast hanging out with these two and exploring along the riverwalk. Even better… we had a cloudy day for their photos, which was sooo helpful with this particular location… it usually gets blasted with afternoon light, but fortunately, the clouds created a beautiful, diffused glow on the city!

However, this perfectly lit engagement session didn’t happen without a few obstacles that we had to overcome!

First, we found out there was an event happening at our original location (Point State Park) that would make it near impossible to get photos without crowds in the background. So, we changed our game plan for the location. Then, the weather forecast started to get worse and worse as the day went on… the rain went back and forth, then back and forth again - so we opted to move the session up by an hour or so to try and beat the rain, which was definitely a must, since Bridget was driving a few hours in from out of town! But in the end, I was so thankful that this sweet couple was willing to be so flexible and roll with the unexpected punches… and I am so excited about the images that we were able to get!

Congratulations on your engagement, Bridget & Sean! I couldn’t be more excited for your wedding day next year! ❤️

Megan & Devon: Highland Park Engagement Photos

These two music lovers met in band at Slippery Rock University, got engaged around Christmas time (during which time Devon, a cat lover, promised Megan that they would get a pup!), and a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking their engagement photos at the beautiful Highland Park! And of course, the promised pup (Murphy) joined us for the session, too! What a sweet treat!! For a seven month old puppy, he was one of the most well behaved dogs I've ever had at a session!

Megan & Devon are both so laid back and easy to talk to! One of the very best parts about an engagement session (for me at least! ;) ) is getting to hear a couple’s story, and everything that had to happen - all of the events that had to line up - for them to get together. Thankfully, these two were so willing to share! And their love & friendship is obvious… you can tell when a couple really is the best of friends, and these two certainly are!

Megan & Devon, it was such an honor to photograph you two! Congratulations on your engagement... and I couldn't be more excited for your wedding day!!