Sarah & Brian: Shady Elms Farm Engagement Photos

Do I have some photos to share with you!

Imagine that you book one of the prettiest venues with the most gorgeous golden hour light, and they tell you that you can take your engagement photos on their property... not just your wedding photos

I am SO GLAD that Sarah & Brian took Shady Elms Farm up on their incredible offer, because it was so fun to take some photos around Shady Elms on a non-wedding day... my first time ever! And I am extra pumped that we had the most beautiful weather, considering that we almost had a rain out on our hands The photos still would've been beautiful.. but this golden hour light was to die for!

And even though these are technically engagement photos.. Sarah & Brian have been married for close to a year now! They tied the knot last year in an intimate ceremony, and this year (on their one year wedding anniversary!) they are going to party with their people!

These two are a ton of fun, and we had a blast taking their engagement photos around the farm... and with the cows More to come!

Sarah’s hair by: Baldwin Hair Loft

Cassie & Nick: Shady Elms Farm Wedding Day

I am so thankful to have been a part of this wedding day!

We had the pleasure of meeting Cassie & Nick at Cassie’s brother’s wedding a few years ago! From that moment, I knew these two were a good time… so when Cassie contacted me asking if I could photograph her and Nick’s wedding day, I was absolutely stoked! I was even more excited to hear that they had chosen one of my all time favorite wedding venues - Shady Elms Farm - to be the location for their beautiful day! I didn’t think it could get any better until we met their friends & family on their wedding day. They were so kind, so fun, and so encouraging to photograph… all of them! And to top it all off, we had the most gorgeous golden hour to end their day with a bang.

Cassie & Nick, thank you for the huge, incredible honor of being a part of your wedding day!

Vendors: Shady Elms Farm, Just Hitched Wedding Films, Cheri Parise of Profiles Styling Salon (Hair by mother of Bride), A Simple Vow (Officiant), Sorelle Bridal Salon, AZAZIE, The Grazing Goat (Catering), Chad Parise (Wedding Invitation designed by brother of the Bride)

Lauren & Michael: Summer Shady Elms Farm Wedding Photos

What a day, what a story, what a couple! As Michael said as we walked over to set him up for his and Lauren's first look - third time's a charm!

These two were on their third Covid reschedule and had patiently waited for this day for years to celebrate with their friends and family. Though this was technically their second wedding date (after a small ceremony in their now-home state of Texas last year!), there was just as much excitement as any other wedding day I've photographed... if not more! It was so easy to tell how much Lauren & Michael treasure their incredible friends & family through their willingness to wait through the pandemic to celebrate with them.

This day was a joy to witness - this love was a joy to photograph! Congratulations on your second wedding day, Lauren & Michael! So so SO thankful for you both!!!!

Vendors: Shady Elms Farm (venue, florals), Dana Lynn Photography (videographer), Oakmont Bakery, Hot Metal Strings, DJ Joseph Costa Entertainment Company, JL Makeup Studio and Beauty Boutique, Ria Lash Studio, Bridal Beginning Pittsburgh (bride's dress & bridesmaid dresses), PW Catering, Minted Weddings, Shutterbooth, Ceremony Officiants, and a huge thanks to Jill Stiffler for second shooting with me!

Maddie & Joey: Shady Elms Farm Wedding Photos

Where to begin with these two?! I have had the immense pleasure of being a part of so many special weddings this year, and this one is no exception!

I met Maddie when she was in middle school - we were in a musical together! I was Miss Hannigan, and she was one of my little orphans. I took photos at her 16th birthday party, then her senior photos when she graduated. To be a part of her wedding day was such a beautiful "full circle" moment.

But even better than any of that is the beautiful, kind, sweet relationship that Maddie & Joey have. Their love for each other, their friends & family, and for the Lord emanated throughout their entire day.

Congratulations on your marriage and on your wedding day, Maddie & Joey! I am so, so, SO very thankful that you let me be a part of it.

Enjoy some of my favorite highlights from their wedding day below!

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Vendors: Shady Elms Farm, Bethel Bakery, Steven Vance Entertainment, Fringe Beauty Lounge, BHLDN, Birdy Grey, Film Shockers

JHP Wedding Photo Highlights 2019

All I can say is WOW! Another wedding season is in the books, and boy was it an absolutely AMAZING one!!! This year, my first wedding of the year was the very first week of January, with a long break for a few months before starting back up in April and going through the end of October!

This was the first year I put a cap on the number of weddings I took, clocking in at a max of 21! Truthfully, with the 70 other portrait-style sessions I took this year, putting a cap on the number of weddings I took allowed me to really focus in on each one and give each couple my full attention and creativity on their big day!

Below, I’ve put together a loooong blog post of some of my favorite photos and moments from each of the weddings I photographed this year, starting with my last wedding, and ending with my first.

But first, to each and every couple (including their family and friends!) who gave me the honor of documenting their day: thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting me with the immense honor and privilege of photographing your wedding day! It was my absolute privilege to come alongside you and serve you during your day. There is no shortage of amazingly talented photographers in the Pittsburgh area, and the fact that you put your trust in me blows my mind. Every one of you is an answer to prayer, and I praise God for our time together! Thank you, thank you, thank you! 💛

Without further ado, some of my favorite wedding moments from 2019. All glory to God for these moments and for these beautiful people and their life-long commitments to each other!

If you’re looking for more information about wedding packages or would like to inquire for a specific wedding date, visit my pricing page here, and my contact page here!

Let me let you in on a little secret: it rained Katie and Shane’s ENTIRE wedding day, but that did not stop us from getting some epic portraits!

Katie brought me this absolutely GORGEOUS tray to style with her details. I was in detail heaven!!!

Quite possibly the best natural light I’ve ever had in a getting ready space! I could shoot here every weekend!

This was their ceremony space 😍

Bright and colorful weddings are always some of my favorites! Alyssa and Ben had THE most beautiful details. Bouquet is by Shady Elms Farm!

They had the most beautiful, glowy light for portraits, too!

Possibly one of my favorite first looks to date! Nick and I cleared this ENTIRE balcony of tables and chairs after realizing that the spot we had originally planned for HD and Jeff’s first look was being used in a race where 2,000 people were going to run through 😂

HD’s sisters were here bridesmaids! 💕 They were just the sweetest!!!

We snagged this shot right before the ceremony. The light was just too perfect!

It was HOT in this room, but it was so worth it for Kayla and Donny’s portraits!

The sweetest father daughter first look, ever. I cried.

Thankful these two let us steal them away for some epic night shots!

We lucked out and the bridge was closed on Krista and Brent’s wedding day! 🎉

The most beautiful ceremony space in all of Pittsburgh. I’m convinced.

This shot is a MUST if you have a wedding at the Pennsylvanian! So thankful that these two made this a priority!

When a rug makes the perfect backdrop for the invitation suite 😍

The getting ready space at Shady Elms Farm is just too beautiful!

A fake first look with the best man!

Ohhhh these two were naturals! 😍

The Grand Estate at Hidden Acres has THE most picturesque staircase!

How absolutely perfect is this bridal party? And these colors?!

One of the most fun exits from any reception ever!

It rained and it poured for this wedding day - but epic photos were still made! 🎉 And these two had the best attitudes about it all!

Literally can’t get over this wedding. It was too beautiful!

White Barn coming in clutch with some clean backdrops!

I am so thankful that these two trusted me - they jumped in fields and walked all over the White Barn’s property to find the best light and locations! Cait and Brian, you two are champs!!

The couple who eats tacos together, stays together 💕

My second shooter took this shot and it’s one of my favorites from Val and Matt’s day! (Photo cred to my husband, Nick!)

Megan brought me this tray for her details and I almost cried tears of joy when I saw it!

Um HELLO! Megan you are stunning!

Loved getting to play with perspective here!

We adore these two! 💕

We had the best day ever with these two fellow Disney lovers! 😍

And they had a fun visitor at their reception!

Photos in the museum with the dinosaurs - a fun challenge!

Becca with the perfect veil hold!

The sweetest downtown courthouse elopement 💕

And last but not least, a January wedding with one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen!

And some of the most beautiful details!

Alyssa & Ben: Vibrant Autumn Shady Elms Farm Wedding

Alyssa & Ben first met in December of 2016, but didn’t start dating each other exclusively until New Years Day, 2017 - the perfect day to start something new 💛Shortly after they started dating, they just “clicked,” and, a few months into 2018, Ben popped the question while the pair was on a trip to Tennessee!

Though they currently live in Florida, Alyssa & Ben came back up to Pittsburgh to exchange I do’s and celebrate their wedding day with their friends and family! Personally, I think there are few better places than Shady Elms Farm for couples who want a laid back, family-oriented wedding day. And Shady Elms Farm definitely delivered for this incredible couple!

Alyssa & Ben, I am SO thankful to have been a part of your wedding day. You two are a picture of kindness and are so comfortable to be around. Congratulations again on your marriage! 🎉

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Vendors: Shady Elms Farm (Ceremony, Reception, Florals), Bethel Bakery (Cake), Michael Thomas Entertainment (DJ), Styld Hair Salon (Hair & Makeup), PW Catering, Zazzle (Invitations)

Molly + Ryan: Shady Elms Farm Wedding Photos

Molly and Ryan are a Pittsburgh sports loving, family-oriented couple who had the most beautiful wedding day at Shady Elms Farm in early August!

After these two got engaged on the front steps of Molly’s parents’ house on Thanksgiving day of 2018, they planned their wedding in less than a year (which, nowadays, is a huge feat!) and made sure to keep the day focused on what really matters: their relationship, along the new beginning of their life together, and their family, who they treasure and admire so much (and it’s so easy to see why!).

What I found most intriguing about working with Molly and Ryan was how different, yet perfect they are for each other. Molly’s free-spirited, bubbly personality, perfectly balances Ryan’s sincere, analytical, and organized approach to life (his minute-by-minute wedding day timeline spreadsheet was a big hit in the wedding day toasts!!). They truly make the perfect pair, and it was such an honor to be a part of their day! 💛 Congratulations on your marriage, Molly and Ryan!!

VENDORS: Shady Elms Farm (ceremony, reception, flowers), My Bakeress (Cake), Fireside Events (DJ), Fluhme Glam Bar (makeup & hair), Bridal Beginnings (bride’s dress), BHLDN (bridesmaid dresses), Minted (invitations), PW Catering, Rosemary Ardner (violinist), Graham Standish (minister), Jenna Hidinger Photography (Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer)

Communicating Style & Aesthetic to Your Wedding Photographer

When I first started photographing weddings, a seasoned wedding photographer told me: “All weddings are literally the same. The only thing that changes are the people – but besides that, everything is the same from weekend to weekend.”

While the wedding day might have a similar set up or timeline with getting ready photos, followed by a first look or ceremony, followed by portraits, then a reception, after photographing 100+ weddings, I would argue that so many things change from weekend to weekend, making each wedding completely unique. The general, skeletal framework may remain – but things are always changing.

For one, the couple changes, which changes the vibe of the day itself. I might have a quiet, romantic, love-to-be-close-to-each-other couple one weekend, then an outgoing, silly, fun, crazy couple the next – which, consequently, changes the way I photograph them, always keeping me on my toes! Likewise, I might have a laid back wedding on a farm one weekend, and an upscale, black tie wedding the next.

You might be wondering, “but why does this matter?”

Because the aesthetic of each wedding is so different – from the couple themselves, to the venue, to the theme, to the styling and décor – I’ve found that weddings can start to feel the same when I’m unaware of what makes each wedding unique.

Now, there are a few things I do in advance to get the general vibe of a wedding day. For example:

• I always try and chat with the couple before they book to talk about their pending style and aesthetic (but I do know that a lot can change from when you start wedding planning to when the wedding actually happens!)

• Which is why I send a follow up questionnaire a few months before the wedding day to get some of the more solid details, like the colors, theme, and other specific details.

• I also check out the venues and photo locations beforehand. Most venues each have a personality all their own! A wedding that takes place on a farm in a barn has a much different feel than one that takes place in a historical hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.

When I know in advance what makes a wedding unique, I can plan. (And boy do I love planning! No, that’s not sarcasm! ;) ). From the portraits, to the details, to everything in between, knowing the vision, aesthetic, and style behind a wedding helps me come prepared from the get go. Your photographer can gather a lot of things from who you are and from the locations you choose, but there are some things that can only be communicated by you: like the theme, style, and aesthetic. And communicating these things in advance to your photographer can actually give you better images!

Let me share a few of my favorite examples:

FALL WEDDING AT SHADY ELMS FARM

This wedding is by far one of my favorite examples of communicating style and aesthetic beforehand, and how it can have a profound impact on your wedding day!

When Lyndsay (the bride) first started the conversation with me about her wedding day, she had a true vision: bright, colorful, laid back, classy barn elegance. She painted a vision of colorful florals and eclectic details, which made it easy for me to make style based decisions on their wedding day.

PORTRAITS

While we had a few portrait locations planned for Lyndsay and Justin’s wedding day, and all of them were nature focused. But before this shot - none of them had a ton of bright, bold color, like she had talked about during our numerous emails, phone calls, and final planning meeting. When I showed up the day of the wedding, I knew that to create cohesion between the bridal details, reception details, and portraits, it would be helpful to include some portraits with bright color! The scene in the photo above stood out to me as THE perfect spot to bridge the style gap in their day, and to make some of their portraits cohesive with the bright, bold style of their details!

BRIDAL DETAILS

And - speaking of details - knowing the vision and style of the wedding before I showed up on their wedding day helped me make styling choices cohesive with the vision of the wedding. For example, you’ll notice that the invitation below is very simple (and gorgeous - designed by the bride!). I knew when I saw it that I wanted to bring something bright and colorful into the frame in order to really make the shot “pop” and match the style of the wedding. Lucky for me, Shady Elms Farm does all of the floral arrangements for their weddings, so I was able to simply ask them for a few extra flowers to frame the invitation with. I also chose a bright yellow ring box to compliment the vibrant color palette, creating a photo of the invitation that complimented the style of the rest of the wedding day!

Knowing that Lyndsay was planning on having lots of eclectic details at the wedding also gave me the understanding that I could fill my background a bit more with different textures and details. Also, when I think of a farm, I think of overgrowth, flowers, plants, etc., a vibe which I feel was matched through the way the details were photographed!

EARLY FALL WEDDING IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH

Now, we’ll contrast the farm wedding above with a classy black tie city wedding below! Next up: Janelle and Josh’s Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh wedding!

I had a clear understanding of Janelle and Josh’s wedding from the emails we exchanged and the questionnaires they filled out - when I saw their wedding venue, I saw it to be the perfect match of everything she had described to me: a classy, modern, black tie city wedding. And knowing some of the more specific style details in advance helped me make location choices for both the portraits and for the details that were consistent with the overall feel of the wedding!

PORTRAITS

We’ll start with the portraits! Choosing locations for Janelle and Josh’s wedding was quite easy, knowing that 1) they were having a classy affair, and 2) they wanted to showcase the city. So when it came to their portraits, you’ll notice in the slideshow below portraits that showcase the city (on the street, with buildings in the background, in the iconic Pittsburgh Strawberry Way), and, since their wedding was so perfectly colored to match their reception venue, photos in the venue that provide that classy, upscale feel!

BRIDAL DETAILS

Sometimes I struggle with finding the perfect spot to photograph bridal details, because I want the backgrounds (including colors) of each detail shot to compliment the photos from the rest of the wedding. With Janelle and Josh’s wedding… I knew as soon as I walked into the hotel that their details had to be shot in the lobby! And lucky for me, since I had enough information style and aesthetic wise to know what they were looking for in advance, I was able to choose specific locations in the lobby I would use for their details photos beforehand. Which was so helpful the day of the wedding! I was able to work faster on the details because I had already formulated a plan!

In addition to knowing that elements in the lobby of the hotel would make excellent backdrops for their details, I was able to bring a few extra elements with me on the wedding day to use for styling, because I had an idea of what would compliment the details. For example, in the invitation suite photo below, the only elements that were from the bride were the shoes, the invitation suite, and the purse. The lace, gold box, leaves, and small flowers were items I brought with me to enhance the set up!

WHY STYLE & AESTHETIC MATTERS TO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

In summary, when a photographer knows the style and aesthetic of a wedding beforehand, they can…

• Help recommend portrait locations that fit the style of the overall wedding, helping to create a cohesive gallery from the wedding day that tells the story of the day through each section of the day.

• Be prepared to photograph bridal details by either choosing a location in advance, or bringing styling elements to help further compliment and tell the story of those details, and of the wedding as a whole.

• Focus more on the couple, bridal party, and family members. At least, for me this is true! When I know more in advance, I prepare more in advance, which frees up some of my brain space to focus on the people immediately around me - rather than on trying to find the perfect spot to photograph the invitation suite!

WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

If you’re a bride reading this, you might be wondering: what would be helpful to communicate to my photographer about my style and aesthetic beforehand? Below are a few pieces of information that are personally helpful for me to know before going into a wedding day!

• What the invitation suite looks like. Even better if you can send me one beforehand!

• Your wedding colors.

• What your dress looks like. The bride’s dress tends to set the tone and style for the wedding as a whole!

• What type and color of florals you’ll be using in your bouquets and boutonnieres.

MORAL OF THE STORY

So, the more of the story: don’t forget to communicate your style and aesthetic to your wedding photographer! In fact, make it a priority! For any couples who book their wedding with me, I send out a questionnaire a few months before the wedding with a few questions about style to get a better idea of the aesthetic beforehand so I can come prepared. That, along with checking out the reception and ceremony venue beforehand, give me a better understanding into each couple’s day, and the best way I can go about approaching the day and preparing beforehand.

But to any of my couples who might be reading this: never hesitate to over communicate on style and aesthetic to me! As someone who’s invested in your day, I love to be prepared for each and every wedding I photograph to the very best of my ability.

Favorite Epic Night Photos

Epic night photos aren’t always a possibility with every wedding, due to variables like location and timeline, but when epic night shots ARE able to happen at a wedding?! They are MAGIC. And because I love them so, I wanted to share a few of my favorite “epic night shots” with you today!

If you are interested a night photo like one of these below at your wedding, here are a few quick tips:

• Make sure your photography coverage lasts past sunset. These photos are possible after the sun goes down, when it gets dark!

• Make sure both you and your new-spouse are okay with leaving your reception for a few minutes. It’s always helpful for both parties to talk about leaving the reception for a few minutes beforehand, so there are no surprises!

• Make sure either you or your photographer lets your DJ know that you’ll be leaving for a few minutes. The very first time I ever set up an “epic night shot” I completely forgot to tell the DJ, and everyone panicked because the DJ announced the garter and bouquet toss, and no one knew where the couple had went! It’s safe to say that I ALWAYS talk with the DJ now before pulling a couple away for a night photo!

And without further ado… below are a few examples of some of my all time favorite night shots! 💛

Also, be sure to check out a detailed article on Night Photography by Pixpa, covering basics of night photography, camera equipment for night time photos, various techniques and tips of night photography in detail.

Above: at Shady Elms Farm in Hickory, PA

Above: at the Pennsylvanian in downtown Pittsburgh, PA

On Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, PA

In Ridgeway, PA

At Mellon Square in Pittsburgh, PA

At Succop Nature Park in front of the mansion in Butler, PA

At the Pennsylvanian in Pittsburgh, PA

Out front of the Morning Glory Inn in Pittsburgh, PA

This one is technically more of a sunset photo, but I wanted to include it anyways! On Mackinac Island in Michigan

At Shady Elms Farm in Hickory, PA

In Pittsburgh, PA

At the Pennsylvanian in Pittsburgh, PA

In Pittsburgh, PA

In the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus in Pittsburgh, PA

Out front of the Morning Glory Inn in Pittsburgh, PA

Best of Weddings 2018: Bride & Groom Portraits

Making my “best of weddings: bride & groom portraits” yearly blog post always brings out my sentimental side! I only take a limited number of weddings each year to ensure that I’m able to give the best quality to each of my couples, and this year was filled with some of the most amazing people! I laughed, cried, and even danced with so many of these couples throughout their day, and there were so many weddings this year I was sad to leave because I didn’t want our time together to come to a close!

To all of my brides and grooms: thank you. It’s so hard to convey in words how honored I was to be a part of your days! I hope your photos serve as momentos of how blessed you are by your love and by the loved ones that surround you! 💛