Ashley & Nick: Robin Hill Park Wedding Photos

This was a wedding many years in the making! Ashley & Nick met through their mutual friend Matt (who was also their officiant on their wedding day).

Here's the short story: Nick was a childhood friend of Matt's, and Matt had just met Ashley at Robert Morris. He thought they would be a good match (Matt-ch? ) and introduced them... and the rest is history!

Ashley and I met at Robert Morris University - she was in the photography program (and is an incredible photographer!) and I was trying to sneak a photography minor into my schedule, so we had some overlapping classes together! I was so honored when she asked me to photograph her wedding day!

Their wedding day was probably the most perfect fall day you could imagine. The weather was just right, the sun was shining... and the venue was gorgeous! Robin Hill Park is such a beautiful gem. I can't believe I hadn't been there before!

Ashley & Nick, a huge congratulations to you both on your wedding day! Thank you so much for letting us be a apart of it!

Brielle & Stephen: The Heritage by Hayloft Wedding Photos

Their first date was in 2013. They got engaged five years later in 2018. They were married in a global pandemic in 2020. And this year, in the wedding you’ll see below, they recommitted themselves to one another, surrounded by their family and friends.

And friends, it was one heck of a day.

The Heritage by Hayloft hosted Brielle & Stephen’s huge one-year-married anniversary celebration, and it was an absolute BLAST. To be fair, we’ve known these two and their families for quite a few years now. Brielle’s dad is like a brother to my dad, so we’ve always considered them to be akin to extended family - aunts, uncles, and cousins that may not have the same blood, but who we adore and always wish we could see more of!

Throughout the years, I’ve had the immense privilege of photographing Brielle AND Stephen’s senior photos, so of course, getting these two back in front of my camera was such a treat!

We started the day at a hotel with getting ready and detail photos. After, we headed over to the barn to get Brielle in her dress, have a first look with her dad, and have a first look with Stephen! We were running 30-40 minutes ahead of schedule for the ENTIRE day (totally unheard of in the wedding world!), so we had plenty of time for photos of the two of them and their bridal party!

Their ceremony took place in the Heritage by Hayloft’s “Enchanted Forest.” Separated from the barn, away from road traffic, this quiet spot sits on the edge of the forest and served as the most beautiful location for Brielle & Stephen to renew their vows.

The reception that followed included a cake made of mini donuts (it was just as amazing as you think it would be!), ice cream, more donuts, and of course, a cookie table with TONS of boxed cookies! The night ended with a sparkler exit, and my heart left so very full and happy for these two people (and these two families) who I love so much!

Brielle & Stephen, we adore you two and we are so thankful to have been able to spend your second wedding day with you! ❤️ CONGRATULATIONS on a beautiful day, and a beautiful marriage!

And friends, you’ll just have to excuse this longer than usual blog post… there’s no way I could narrow these photos down any more! 😂 I just love way too many!!!! PS - we make an appearance right at the end! 😉

---

Vendors: The Heritage by Hayloft (venue, cake, DJ), Jenna Hidinger Photography, One Enchanted Evening (bride’s dress & bridesmaid dresses), Legendary Celebrations (videographer), Chuck Wagon (caterer), Steven Vance Entertainment (ceremony violinist)

5 Ways to Pamper Yourself for Your Engagement Photos

In a world of intense wedding planning, your engagement session is the perfect time to do a little bit of self-care. Below are a few of my favorite suggestions for brides who want to pamper themselves before their engagement session.

1. Have your nails done

Show off your new ring with confidence – typically, during engagement photos, I like to photograph the ring up close on the bride’s hand. Having well groomed nails can make a big difference in those close up ring shots! 

2. Have makeup done

Not many brides consider having their makeup done for their engagement session, but doing so is a great way to pamper yourself! If you are planning on having your makeup done for your wedding, ask your artist if you can schedule your wedding day makeup trial for the day of your engagement session. Typically, a pre-trial is included in your wedding makeup package, so most of the time it won’t even cost you an extra penny!

3. Treat yourself to buying (or renting) a new dress or outfit

This might be my favorite tip of them all! The right outfit makes a HUGE difference in the outcome of the photos. A fun way to treat yourself for your engagement photos could be by buying a new outfit, or by renting one. I recently learned about Rent the Runway and I’m OBSESSED! Rent the Runway has a huge variety of expensive clothing, allowing you to rent for a small fraction of the original price. Lyndsay, my soon-to-be-bride in the photo below, opted for a gorgeous floor length red dress that made her session come together perfectly. And the best part was, she didn’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to look fabulous!

4. Plan to go out to dinner together afterwards

One of my favorite things my husband and I did after our engagement session was to plan to grab a bite to eat after our session ended. Planning to go out to dinner gives you and your soon-to-be-husband something else to look forward to afterwards, and makes the whole evening feel like a date!

By using one (or all) of these tips, you’re sure to have a relaxing, pampered engagement experience!

Becca + Frank: Cathedral of Learning Engagement Session

There's something about freezing winter temperatures that make a shoot feel all the cozier! Becca and Frank's Pittsburgh engagement session started off inside the Cathedral of Learning, then gradually moved outside to the Mellon Institute (where they dealt with the cold like champs!). These two were so natural in front of the camera - I could've photographed them all day! They talked, laughed, and just enjoyed each other (plus, Frank is awesome at what I like to call the "tackle hug," which you will see below :) ). I loved working with these two and couldn't be more excited to photograph their wedding in 2017!

2016 Best of Weddings: Wedding Photographers Pittsburgh

It's such an incredible honor to be a wedding photographer in the city of Pittsburgh. Every year, I'm humbled by the amazing couples who put their trust in me to photograph one of the best days of their lives - I don't think I'll ever get over how honored I am to be a part of so many beautiful days! To each and every couple who has given me the privilege of photographing them this year: thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Without you, none of these photos would be possible. Thank you for the opportunity to love on and encourage you as you start (and continue) your journey together as husband and wife! And now, without further ado - here are some of my very favorite images from 2016!