Krista & Brent: Early Fall Wedding at The Pennsylvanian

Krista and Brent’s wedding took place late September at one of my all time favorite Pittsburgh venues: the Pennsylvanian! From its naturally lit Rotunda ceremony space to its indoor Grand Hall, every space the Pennsylvanian offers to couples is spectacular in every way (and, fun fact, used to be a part of Pittsburgh’s Penn Station, and, per their website is “considered one of the great pieces of Beaux-Arts architecture in America”). If you live in Pittsburgh and have never visited the Pennsylvanian before, you must check it out for yourself!

Krista and Brent were introduced by their former roommates, specifically when IU was playing UNC in the Sweet 16 a few years ago! Though neither lived in Pittsburgh at the time, Krista says that a trip back to Pittsburgh (when she met Brent’s family for the first time) is when she knew Brent was “the one!” so of course (after they got engaged!) they decided that Pittsburgh was the perfect location to officially tie the knot!

One of my absolute favorite touches from Krista and Brent’s ceremony was the location of their ceremony under the outdoor Rotunda. The Rotunda has four large pillars, each with a different name of a city at the top. Krista and Brent chose to say their vows underneath the pillar that reads “Chicago,” which is where they currently live - talk about perfect!!!

Congratulations, Krista and Brent! It was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day - I hope these photos continue to remind you of this epic day and of the vows you made to each other for many, many, many years to come! 💛

Vendors: The Pennsylvanian (Ceremony & Reception), The Farmer’s Daughter (Floral Arrangements), Jeremy Ganss Productions (DJ), Beauty by Joy (Makeup), Hair by Kara Burnell, Marie Gabriel (Bride’s Dress), Adrianna Papell (Bridesmaid Dresses), Rania's Catering

Colleen + Brett: Riverfront Pittsburgh Engagement Photos

Oh my, this was a fun one for so many reasons! I had the pleasure of photographing Colleen and Brett’s engagement photos at two amazing locations (one of which was new to me!): Aspinwall Riverfront Park, and the North Shore!

Colleen and Brett are a laid back couple who were so much fun to photograph! Their whole session felt like we were old friends just hanging out, which made my job so easy!

We started out their session at Aspinwall Riverfront Park in their work outfits. Brett works in law enforcement, Colleen works in the medical field, and they’re both so passionate about what they do for a living! We incorporated Brett’s dog into a few photos, then headed down to the North Shore for some gorgeous golden light and epic bridge photos!

Colleen and Brett - you two are so much fun, and I can’t wait to celebrate you two on your wedding day!! ☺️ Congratulations again on your engagement!

Lauren & Michael: Downtown Pittsburgh Engagement Photos

The CRAZIEST thing happened at the beginning of October (I promise, it relates to Lauren & Michael!). I was photographing a wedding at Shady Elms Farm, and showed up early to get a few things set up. While I was carrying my gear into the barn, I noticed a couple walking around, checking out the space! I distinctly remember thinking “I wonder if they have a photographer for their wedding?!” Shady Elms Farm is one of my all-time favorite locations for photographing weddings, and I’m always trying to find ways to shoot there more!

While I was organizing my camera bag, I heard the voice of the venue owner say “do you two have a photographer yet?” To which the bride replied “we do!” To which the coordinator (ever so kindly!) replied: “I was going to recommend this one to you!” (Motioning to me). To which the bride said “I think she’s actually our photographer!”

I stood up, whirled around, and found myself standing in front of two vaguely familiar faces, whose names I recognized immediately. It just so happened that this couple (who currently lives in North Dakota and who I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting in person yet!) was one of my couples whose wedding I am photographing next year! And they were in town for their engagement session, which I was photographing that very week!

I mean, seriously?! How much do all of the stars need to align in order for something like that to happen?!? I really think that everything is meant to happen for a reason, and the fact that we all happened to be in the same place at the same time was just too crazy!

But anyways - on to more about this amazing pair! Lauren and Michael are two of the kindest human beings on the planet! They are the type of people who you instantly feel comfortable around, and, though you might’ve just met, feel as though you’ve known them for years!

They met at Penn State at a fraternity tailgate before a home football game - and the rest, as they say, is history! They totally hit it off. And Lauren even skipped an anatomy class to get ready for the date! A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! Michael later planned a sneaky/surprise proposal at Phipp’s Conservatory in a private room. Talk about perfection!!!

It’s so easy to tell how much these two love each other, and what a truly amazing pair they make together! Lauren and Michael, I could not be more excited to photograph your wedding day next year and to celebrate your love! Congratulations again on your engagement!!! 💛

Bella P: McConnell's Mill Senior Photos

Oh man, this was a fun one! Bella is a reader, Harry Potter lover (duh!), and just an all-around fun human to hang out with! She got a little extra creative with her senior photos, and decided to bring along some of her favorite Harry Potter gear to incorporate into her photos - which I was SO excited about, considering that I’m currently reading through the series for the first time ever!!

Congratulations on your last year of school, Bella! ☺️

Kayla & Donny: Romantic Garden Wedding at Phipp's Conservatory

Kayla and Donny’s romantic garden wedding was simplistic, laid back, and so much fun! We started the day with getting ready photos at the Hilton Garden Inn down the street with some incredibly special details: the jewelry Kayla wore on her wedding day was made by her late grandfather, and the purse she used was given to her by her mom, and made from the dress that was worn by Kayla’s grandma, her mom, and her aunt on their wedding days!

Kayla and Donny opted for a first look, followed by photos in the Broderie room at Phipp’s, as well as some bridal party portraits and family formals before the ceremony (so they could enjoy cocktail hour with their guests!). Their ceremony took place in the outdoor garden, overlooking Oakland, and was followed by a packed-dance floor reception!

Kayla and Donny, it was such an honor to be a part of your day! We are so thankful for you two, and so excited for you both as you begin this new chapter in your relationship! 💛 Congratulations!!!!

Vendors: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place, Bloom Brigade, Bethel Bakery, Steve Maffei (DJ), Salon at Saxonburg, Luna Boutique // Daughters of Simone (designer of Bride’s dress), Beholden (bridesmaid dresses), With Love Daily (invitations), Jenna Hidinger Photography (Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer)

Melissa & Matt: Fall Engagement Photos in Western Pennsylvania

I have been looking forward to Matt and Melissa’s session for months, and I am so excited to share my favorite photos from their session on the blog today!

This session in particular was extra special, because Matt is my cousin and Melissa is my soon-to-be… cousin-in-law? I don’t know if that’s a real thing, but we’ll just pretend like it is for now! 😉 These two traveled four hours in to have their photos taken, so of course, we had to hit all of the good spots - including two of my favorites, Historic Harmony and Soergel’s Orchard!* Soergel’s was a last minute add-on, and it was SO worth it!! Afterwards, we stopped at Arsenal Cider House and had some great family time around the bonfire. It’s always such a treat to spend time with family who live further away! 💛

Melissa and Matt met through the Penn State CrossFit club, and started dating in the spring of 2017. They love going to wineries and breweries, so Matt proposed at the end of 2018 in a wine cellar, followed by a five course meal! They are getting married next year, and we are so excited to get to celebrate them and their love! Congratulations, Matt and Melissa! We love you guys!

*Note that Soergel’s requires pre-planning and permission for photo sessions that take place on their property! A huge thanks to everyone at Soergel’s for letting us stop by!

Allison H: Hartwood Acres Senior Photos

Allison is a dog-loving, book-reading, Lion King-loving self proclaimed old soul, who is particularly fond of all things fall, and of her rescue pup, Kensie! Who we, of course, had to incorporate into her senior photos! 😍🐕

Congratulations on your last year of high school, Allison! 💛 You are a gem, and it was such an honor to capture this precious time in your life!

Annabel W: Mars Area Senior Photos

Sometimes, the perfect spot for your senior photos is right in your backyard - and this was definitely the case for Annabel! Her and her family live on a beautiful property with a stable for their horses just north of Pittsburgh. I stopped by the week before the session to visit their space and couldn’t believe how much there was to work with photo-wise! Their property truly made the perfect, most personal backdrop.

Annabel dances and hopes to become a teacher someday! She’s already started taking college credit courses (go girl!) and has the best hair color ever! (Definitely not biased, considering my husband is a red head 😉).

Congratulations on your senior year, Annabel! 💛 You are so sweet inside and out!

Rebecca M: McConnell's Mill Senior Photos

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Rebekah’s senior photos a few weeks ago at McConnell’s Mill! Rebekah's family recently moved fairly recently from Tennessee to Pennsylvania - she's a fan of German food, is the only sibling in her family (one of four!) not named after a book of the bible, and is an ice skater! ⛸ Congratulations on your last year of school, Rebekah!!

Rebekah’s family joined us for a “mini” family session after her senior photo session! A mini family session can be added on to any senior session for an additional fee. If you’re interested in adding a mini session to your senior session, email Jenna directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com for more details!

Olivia R: Hartwood Acres Mansion Senior Photos

Oh my, I had so much fun photographing Olivia! Not only is she beautiful and so easy to take photos of, but she’s such a genuine and kind person from the inside out! I actually had the privilege of taking Olivia’s brother’s senior photos a couple of years ago, so I was incredibly excited when her mom reached out to me about taking Olivia’s! Congratulations on your senior year, Olivia! 💛