Who Cares About Engagement Photos?

Remember the first time you rode a bike? Super. Scary. You might’ve had someone there to help you get your feet off the ground, but it probably took more than one try to get the hang of riding that thing!

Much like anything in life, usually the first time we do ANYTHING, it doesn’t come first nature. It feels weird – awkward, even – just because we’re not used to it or have never done it before.

The same is true for having your photo taken! You may have had experience having your photo taken when you were a senior in high school, or as a professional for a LinkedIn headshot, but if you’re getting married, more than likely you’ve never had your photo taken with someone else. And trust me, having your photo taken with someone else is totally different than having it taken by yourself!

But how? For one, an engagement/wedding photographer is looking to capture an interaction. So instead of you interacting with the camera, the goal is to get you and your fiancé interacting together. And while some couples are total naturals in front of the camera, most of us (yes, I’m raising my hand too!) need a little guidance and practice before we catch on.

So… let me ask, very boldly: if you’ve never had your photo taken with your significant other before your wedding day, do you want to go in without EVER having practiced, on one of the biggest days of your life?

If you do, I give you major props, because you’re much braver than I was! Even as a wedding photographer, I was a little uneasy getting in front of the camera for my own engagement photos. But once I did – I slowly started catching on. I started to see what our photographer was looking to capture, and I learned how to play into those moments to get the best interactions possible with my now-husband! And let me tell you – we LOVE those photos and have many of them hanging up around our apartment, because they capture who we genuinely are.

On my wedding day, I was able to go into the day worrying less about one thing. I knew that we had practiced having our photo taken before and that we were total naturals (well, maybe not TOTAL naturals, but not too bad ;) ), so I knew we were going to get awesome photos the day of our wedding, too.

And that, my friends, is one pretty awesome reason to have engagement photos taken. But just to recap and add a few more points – engagement photos…

1. …allow you to test out your wedding photographer before the wedding day to see how they work (and to see their work!).
2.  …allow you to get more comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.
3. …give you some photos of you and your husband or wife-to-be in your everyday clothes, looking like yourselves, which are great for save the dates, bridal shower decorations, Christmas gifts, wedding décor – the list is endless!
4. …give you an excuse to have a date night. Planning a wedding can be CRAZY. Trust me, I understand – I planned mine while I was starting a business, going to school full time, and working part-time! But the day of our engagement photos, my now-husband and I were able to relax and just enjoy being in the presence of each others company without worrying about anything else.

So really – what you are you waiting for?! Schedule that session today! And if you’re looking for a local Pittsburgh engagement photographer, I’d love to talk with you to hear more about you and your fiancé!

Gail + Jake: River Forest Country Club Wedding Photos

What to say about these two! Gail and Jake are an incredibly sweet couple who were both SO excited to finally tie the knot after many years of dating (and lots more years of knowing each other!). These two basically grew up together, but only started dating a few years ago. For their wedding, they decided to incorporate sunflowers (Gail's favorite flower) in honor of the sunflowers that Jake planted for Gail when they first started dating! I mean, come on - how much sweeter does it get?!

Because I wanted Gail's details to be a sunflower explosion, I purchased just a couple more sunflowers to use alongside her invitation suite and jewelry to make her details really pop! She also had the most beautiful pair of yellow heels to accent her sunflower and gray color scheme. I was in detail heaven!

In addition to gorgeous details, Gail and Jake were married in the church where Gail's grandparents AND parents were married. We recreated a couple of photos from her parent's and grandparent's wedding album, and then put our own twist for some new ones (PS - I love a bride and groom who are willing to lay on the floor for the perfect shot!!). I just love how much these two focused on the legacy of love that came before them. They even decorated the mantle behind their sweetheart table with wedding photos from generations past in their family - cue the happy tears!

All in all, Gail and Jake's wedding day was full of love, focused on family, and TONS of cookies (with a super robust cookie table averaging about 30 cookies per person!!). We are so excited for you both as you head into this next adventure, Jake and Gail! Thank you so much for allowing us to document your beautiful day and the start of your lives together!

Vendors:

Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal

Band/DJ: David McCollough

Flowers: Leechburg Floral

Cake/Desserts: Fenogliettos

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Suzy + Tim: Hyeholde Restaurant Wedding Photos

Suzy and Tim's intimate Hyeholde Restaurant wedding featured the cutest wedding party (full of ring bearers and flower girls!) along with a beautiful, light summer color scheme of lavender and peach. Suzy and Tim have been together for a couple of years and decided that a wedding surrounded by their closest friends and family would be the perfect way to celebrate their love and their new adventure together - and we were so honored to be a part of it! Check out a few favorites from their wedding day below!

Emily + Andrew: La Roche College Wedding Photos

Emily and Andrew's Kearns Spirituality Center wedding was one of three lavender weddings I photographed just in July alone (lavender photographs like a dream)! I met Emily and Andrew through Emily's cousin, John, whose wedding I photographed over a year and a half ago (check it out here!). One of the biggest compliments I could ever get as a wedding photographer is a referral from a past client, so I was stoked when Emily and Andrew booked me to photograph their wedding day!

Emily and Andrew's Pittsburgh wedding book place at the Kearns Spirituality Center on La Roche College's campus. Though Kearns is not often used for weddings, it has a beautiful, naturally lit chapel that overlooks a large wooded behind campus. After their ceremony, Emily and Andrew danced the night away at the West View Fireman's Banquet Hall, surrounded by friends, family, and LOTS of Pittsburgh wedding cookies!

And without further ado, here are a few highlights from their wedding day!

Vendors:

Florist: West View Floral

DJ: TK the DJ Entertainment

Catering: Remo’s Catering

Ceremony: Kearns Spirituality Center

Reception: West View Fireman's Banquet Hall

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Kaitlyn + Marshall: Renshaw Farms Wedding Photos

Kaitlyn and Marshall's July wedding day was gorgeous in every way! There are so many little touches that make this wedding incredibly special. For one - Kaitlyn assembled the flowers HERSELF! Literally right before her wedding day, she put together her bouquets. Talk about some serious commitment!! Her bouquets perfectly complimented the lilac and gray color scheme. Their outdoor ceremony took place at Renshaw Farms in Freeport, which has so many beautiful spots for photos! From a wheat field to a corn field to various barns, the possibilities for photo opportunities were endless! (And you can see that we took FULL advantage of as many spots as we could during their portrait time! ;) ).

One of my other favorite fun facts about Kaitlyn and Marshall's day is the story of how they met their DJ. Kaitlyn, while working at Magee Women's hospital, delivered DJ Loyal's first child - talk about meant to be!

But even more important than all of the details is Kaitlyn and Marshall's relationship. These two dated for quite a few years before finally tying the knot, which always makes a wedding day a little sweeter (but maybe as someone who dated her husband for a long time, too, I'm a little biased! ;). Congratulations again to you both, Kaitlyn and Marshall!

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Renshaw Farms

Caterer: Catering by Robin & Co.

DJ: DJ Loyal

Flowers: Arranged by the bride! (Florals from Sam's Club)

Hair & Makeup: Alyssa Carafang (Bespoke Beauty Bar)

Donuts: Freedom Farms

Gelato: Mercurios

Pies: Tin Man Sweets

Honeymoon: Jamaica by Kim Sharpless at Apple Vacations

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Photography Assistant/Second Shooter: Sara Dinwiddie

Abby & Ollie: The Inn at Stonecliffe (Mackinac Island) Wedding Photos

I think I went a little crazy with the number of photos I included from this wedding in this blog post, but I won't apologize! This wedding was so near and dear to my heart in so many ways. For one, I remember when Abby and Ollie started dating (we all attended the same middle school AND high school!) quite a number of years ago. Their personalities, ambitions, and values seemed to fit together seamlessly right from the start.

Then, a little over two years ago, I photographed their proposal AND engagement session (see it here!), and shortly thereafter, Abby asked if I would travel with them to Mackinac Island, Michigan to photograph the day they had waited years for. To say I was honored would be an understatement! Photographing someone's wedding is a huge honor, but being asked to travel nine hours to an island in Northern Michigan to photograph for my first destination wedding was a whole 'nother story!

So, two years after their engagement session, we traveled by car, ferry, and horse drawn carriage (no cars are allowed on the island!) to the beautifully quaint Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island - set two miles back into the island, away from the hustle and bustle of the main town. After spending the first few hours repeating over and over "I can't believe we're here!" to my husband, who joined me for the trip, we settled in for our first night in the mansion.

The next day (the day before the wedding), we photographed a day-before session (see it here!) on the coast of Mackinac because - why not?! When in Mackinac, you take all of the photos you can!

And finally it arrived - the wedding day. We began the day by photographing Abby's bridal details, moved on to a first look, then portraits around the Stonecliffe property, and then finally, the ceremony, which took place slightly overlooking the Mackinac bridge (which, fun fact, is 5 miles long). At the reception, Abby and Ollie incorporated some Mackinac favorites into their details - Mackinac Island is known for its fudge (they have nearly 15 fudge shops there!), so guests were treated to a box of fudge as a favor! Later that evening, we pulled the bride & groom out and stole a tandem bike (bikes are the main form of transportation on the island) to incorporate into their portraits. And then the evening ended with the most picturesque sunset!

This is a special one, and I think you'll be able to see why in the photos below. The love and joy these two have for each other radiated throughout their entire day, and I'm sure will continue to radiate throughout their married years together. Thank you for giving us the honor of photographing this day for you, Abby and Ollie! We love you guys!

Vendors:

Ceremony/Reception: The Inn at Stonecliffe

Hair/Makeup: Vintage Glam on Market

Florist: Weber's Floral & Gifts

Videographer: Scultped Films

Mackinac Island Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Rachel + Paul: Lingrow Farms Wedding Photography

If you follow along with the blog, you might remember Rachel and Paul from their summer engagement photos at Grove City College (if you haven't seen them, check them out here!). Their wedding day was indescribably beautiful, full of love and gorgeous details, and SO focused on their lifelong commitment of marriage. Their laid back attitudes and true love for their friends, family, and each other, radiated throughout their day and truly made us feel like part of the family!

Rachel and Paul's entire wedding day took place at Lingrow Farms in Leechburg, PA on a day that could've been a complete rain out! However - right as the ceremony began, the skies parted and the rain clouds disappeared into a perfect day! And just wait til you see Rachel's dress - it's from the Disney Princess line from Alfred Angelo. (A Disney fan's dream come true!!)

One of my favorite parts of Rachel and Paul's entire day were the toasts. The maid of honor, best man, and father of the bride wrote such heartfelt, funny, sincere words that made me love these two even more, and gave even more of a glimpse into their sincere love for one another. You might even see the best man (the bride's brother) standing on the head table in some of the shots below!

Rachel and Paul - it was a blessing to take these photos for you! Thank you for treating us not just as wedding vendors, but as friends! We love you both and pray all the best for your marriage as you begin your lives together as husband and wife!

Pittsburgh Wedding Vendors: 

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Lingrow Farm

Bride's Dress: Alfred Angelo Bridal  

Catering: Twisted Thistle

Cake: Oakmont Bakery 

Flowers: The Johnston House

Hair: The Salon at Saxonburg

Bridesmaid Dresses: AZAZIE  

Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Videographer: Robert Stanik

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Kathryn + Chase: Allegheny County Courthouse Wedding

Kathryn and Chase's Allegheny Courthouse wedding in Pittsburgh, PA was EPIC! (I tried to come up with a more eloquent word, but really, epic just describes the day as a whole!). Kathryn and Chase kicked off their day by getting ready at the Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh with their wedding party and family members. Kathryn's bridal suite was a DREAM, and so many of the details and accessories found in her room matched her bridal accessories, which made for so many interesting and unique detail photos (one of my favorite parts of the day!). Not to mention, the couple's grandmother handmade all of the bouquets, boutonnières, and flower arrangements seen in all of the photos below. Talk about a great connection!

Kathryn and Chase then had a first look in front of the hotel right next to the Roberto Clemente Bridge. From there, we traveled over to the Allegheny Commons Courthouse (Kathryn works in law, which made the venue a perfect choice) where these two had their ceremony and open-sky reception (one of the first wedding receptions ever at the courthouse!). One of my favorite parts of Kathryn and Chase's entire wedding day was how they incorporated their sweet pup and best friend, Cola, throughout the day! Cola had a pink bow collar purchased to match the blush and neutral color scheme, walked in with Chase at the ceremony (and sat quietly throughout the entire service - which completely blew my mind, because my dog would've done the complete opposite!), and even had a BIRTHDAY CAKE that sat right alongside the couple's wedding cake! Seriously one of the most adorable things, ever.

The couple's favors included beverages from Chase's family's company and guests were treated to a snack from the Franktuary Hot Dog Truck while leaving. I am so excited to share the images from Kathryn and Chase's beautiful day (as you might be able to tell from this incredibly lengthy blog post!!). Congratulations on your marriage, Kathryn and Chase!

[A huge thanks to my incredible second shooter for this wedding, Sara Dinwiddie of Sara Lynn Photography!]

Vendors:

Bride's Dress: Maggie Sottero from Exquisite Bride

Bride's Shoes: Tahari

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff

Hair: Metamorphosis

Makeup: Erin Zaborowski

Suits: Tommy Hilfiger

Getting Ready: Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh

DJ: DJ Colt

Flowers: Springdale Florist

Caterer: Big Burrito

Cake/Dresses: Bella Christie and Lil Z's Sweet Boutique

Food Truck: Franktuary Hot Dog Truck

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Second Shooting/Assisting: Sara Lynn Photography (Sara Dinwiddie)

Groom Wedding Day Detail Checklist

We’ve talked about what should be included in your bridal detail wedding day checklist, but what about the groom’s details? Many times, we try to take a few photos of the groom’s wedding day details, since many of them are so thoughtfully planned and executed! Having some photos of the groom’s details also looks great in an album spread! If you’re looking to have photos taken of your groom’s details, you might want to consider including the groom’s:

• Tie or Bowtie

• Cufflinks

• Socks (if they’re a fun pattern!)

• Watch

• Shoes

• Boutonnière (adds a little bit of color!)

• Belt

• Pocket Square

• Glasses

• Cologne Bottle

• Any notes or gifts from the bride

• Any gifts given to the groomsmen

And to help you organize your groom’s details even better, I’ve created a comprehensive PDF freebie that you can download straight to your computer! Print it out to put in your wedding binder, or simply keep it in a folder on your computer for your reference - simply fill out the form below to download it!

get your free GROOM DETAIL CHECKLIST here!

One GIANT Tip for Spending More Time with Loved Ones on Your Wedding Day

You might’ve read the title of this post and been a little confused (especially if you haven’t experienced a wedding day as a bride or groom first hand): isn’t it a given that you’ll spend the whole wedding day with your friends and family?

Well… yes and no.

Of course, you’ll be spending your wedding day with your family and friends in the same vicinity as you, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be actually spending time with them. And to be honest, sometimes wedding photography takes up a significant portion of a wedding day. And it’s challenging, because as a wedding photographer, I want to get the BEST images possible for my couples – and of course, getting the BEST images possible takes a little bit of time, between bridal party photos, family photos, and photos of the happy couple.

But what if I told you there was one magic way to spend more time with your family and friends on your big day? ONE thing that you can add into your day that will give you that time that you so desperately want?

That “thing” is a first look.

WAIT. Don’t go. Don’t click out of this post yet! A first look can evoke a lot of different emotions in a lot of different people. But before I go into why a first look might be the best thing you could do on your wedding day, let me explain what a first look is:

A first look is where the bride and groom have a private moment together before the ceremony. Yes, you read that correctly. The bride and groom will see each other before the ceremony even starts, but the beautiful thing is – they will get to have that moment together. They can talk together, laugh together, hug each other, kiss, and cry with just the two of them present.

I understand that a first look isn’t for everyone. Heck, my husband and I didn’t even do a first look at our wedding! But a few weekends ago, Nick and I photographed another wedding with a first look, and on our way home, he looked at me and said “I kind of wish we would’ve done a first look. Those two got to spend so much more time with their family and friends and shared in that moment together. I wish I would’ve been able to tell you how beautiful you looked and hugged you when you came down the aisle!”

Bingo! Though Nick and I decided to opt out of a first look for our wedding, looking back on our day – we realized that it might’ve actually been a better decision for us. We took our wedding photos right after our ceremony during cocktail hour (which is a normal time for photos!), so we didn’t get to spend that time with family and friends who had traveled so far to celebrate with us.

BUT – if we had done a first look before our ceremony, before all of the guests had arrived – we could’ve been a part of cocktail hour and would’ve had much more time to talk to our loved ones.

So the moral of the story is: if you want to spend more time with your guests, a first look might be the best option for you. We’ve heard time and time again how much more relaxed and at ease our couples have felt after having a first look on their wedding day, which is the most important thing.

Have a question about a first look? Feel free to email me at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com with any questions!