Chiara + Patrick: The Grand Hall at the Priory Wedding Photos

A Christmas-time wedding with a couple who loves Disney: does it get any better?! For those of you who might not know, my husband and I are HUGE Disney fans, and even moreso fans of Disney’s Boardwalk Resort - which is where we spent our honeymoon in August of 2015. When I found out that Patrick had proposed to Chiara AT Disney’s Boardwalk Resort - I think I almost fell out of my chair. I think we were destined to work together! And to top it off - I found out that Nick and I were going to be in Orlando at the same time as Chiara and Patrick - literally right after their wedding. And we almost stayed at the same resort as them! (The Boardwalk!) Talk about a small world!

We joined in on Chiara and Patrick’s wedding day at Chiara’s parents’ house, where Chiara and her bridesmaids were getting their hair and makeup done. The house was full of Christmas trees - each decorated with a different theme - and even though it was a dreary day, there was an endless supply of beautiful backdrops right within Chiara’s parents’ home!

Their ceremony took place at Saints John & Paul Catholic Church in Wexford, with their reception at the Grand Hall at the Priory on the North Side of Pittsburgh, which was decorated to Christmas perfection. Trees, lights, wreaths, and candles dotted the reception space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests - which also doubled as beautiful backdrops for Chiara and Patrick’s portraits! Santa Clause even made a surprise appearance near the end of dinner to say congratulations and dance with the bride!

Chiara and Patrick, thank you for the huge, incredible honor of being a part of your wedding day! You were a joy to work with, and we are so thankful to know you both!

Vendors:

Reception: The Grand Hall at the Priory

Ceremony: Saints John & Paul Catholic Church

Makeup: See Jane Blush

Hair: Static Styling Salon

Florist: Blossoms by Jillian

Bride’s Dress: The Exquisite Bride, Stella York

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

DJ & Violinist: Steve Vance Entertainment

Cake: Priory Fine Pastries

Videographer: Kesneck Videography

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

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! 💛

Best of Engagement Photos 2018

One of the best parts about engagement sessions is getting to know my wedding couples beforehand, and this year I’ve had the pleasure of photographing so many amazing couples in so many picturesque places! The very first engagement session of the year was in JANUARY, with the sweetest couple who had the most perfect January day! (It was like, 50 degrees and sunny - it doesn’t get much better than that in January in Pittsburgh!). The very last engagement session was with a couple who braved the rain and cold for some unique shots in some of my new favorite locations! All and all, this year was a blessing from start to finish.

To all of the couples who trusted me with their engagement photos: You are the BEST! I am so thankful to be the one you’ve trusted with these precious memories!

Chrissy & Chris: Cozy Pittsburgh In Home Couples Session

I had the pleasure of photographing Chrissy and Chris’s wedding day nearly three years ago (to see their wedding, click here!), and I was so excited when they recently invited me to their new home for a couples session! I had a great time hanging out with these two first time home buyers, along with their adopted dog, Edda! Chrissy and Chris - thank you for the pleasure of taking these photos for you and for showing me around your new home! 💛

Kayla + Collin: Succop Nature Park Wedding Photos

What an absolutely STUNNING day this was to be a part of! Kayla and Colin tied the knot at Succop Nature Park on a glorious September afternoon. There were so many beautiful DIY elements that made this wedding come to life, and so many different family members that contributed to the day in so many ways. Kayla and Colin, it was such an honor to be a part of your day! Praying all the best for you two as you head into this next adventure together! 💛

Kayla + Michael: Chadwick Wedding Photos

September 8, 2018 marks 8 years of Kayla and Michael’s relationship. What better way to spend their 8 year anniversary than to create a NEW anniversary - this one for their wedding day!

I’ve had the privilege of really getting to know Kayla and Michael over the last two years, since their engagement session nearly two years ago (Click here to see their photos!). I’ve seen ups and downs in their lives, but what remained steady: their relationship and their love for each other. These two have already lived out many of the vows they took on their wedding day, but hearing them confirm their vows in front of their closest friends and family even brought tears to my eyes!

Not only are Kayla and Michael amazing, but so was their bridal party and family, who welcomed us with the most open arms! We truly can’t thank each of you enough for making us feel like a part of the party (and for making me an honorary bridesmaid 😉). And Kayla and Michael - you two truly are amazing, and I am so blessed to know you! And without further ado - check out some of my favorite photos from Kayla and Michael’s wedding day!

Vendors:

Makeup: Allison Renock Makeup

Cake: Lincoln Bakery

Ceremony & Reception: The Chadwick

DJ: Jason Lacko

Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal

Bride’s Dress: Truly Zac Posen at Davids Bridal

Invitations: The Wedding Suite by Shutterfly

Officiant: Reverend Mark Dinuzzio

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

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

Elizabeth + Jason: The Pennsylvanian Wedding Photos

We arrived at the Pennsylvanian early the day of Elizabeth and Jason’s wedding to drop off our equipment. As we gathered our light stands and sandbags, I looked up into the rotunda of the Pennsylvanian and felt a familiar sense of wonder at it’s unique beauty. Built in 1900 as Pittsburgh’s Union Station, this building has remained a place that draws all types of people from all walks of life - then, as a train station, now, as an event venue (and apartment!). And, of course, this venue was THE perfect fit for Elizabeth and Jason, who currently live in Chicago, and had people from lots of different areas joining them to celebrate their marriage.

One of my absolute favorite touches from Elizabeth and Jason’s ceremony was the location of their ceremony. Right under the front rotunda in the photo you see below, there’s a pillar with the word “Chicago” written over top. To the left of the Chicago pillar, there’s a pillar that says “Pittsburgh” overtop, and to the right of the Chicago pillar, one that says “New York.” Elizabeth and Jason are from Chicago (as I mentioned before), both went to the same school (NYU) in New York (they didn’t know each other at the time - but what an amazing coincidence!), and tied the knot in Pittsburgh. So, of course, it was perfectly fitting to have their ceremony right under the Chicago pillar! It seems like that venue was made JUST for them! And it’s not only where they had their ceremony that paid homage to their journey - but the colors they chose for their wedding, too! Purple and silver are NYU’s colors, perfectly symbolizing a large point of connection in their relationship!

We had an absolute blast photographing these two (even in the crazy Pittsburgh heat and humidity!) and are so thankful to have been a part of their day! Congratulations, Elizabeth and Jason! 💛

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: The Pennsylvanian

Hotel Accommodations: The Westin Hotel

Catering: Rania’s Catering

Invitations: Minted

Bride’s Dress: Honey Bridal in Chicago; gown designed by Rebecca Shoneveld

Hair: Elisha Evans Styling

Makeup: Mock Makeup (Danielle Mock)

DJ: Jeremy Ganss Productions

Florist: Bloomer’s Floral

Videographer: Dorosh Documentaries

Pennsylvanian Wedding Photos provided by Jenna Hidinger Photography