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)

Fall Family Photos at Cleland Rock (McConnell's Mill)

Oh, fall - the best season of the year, but also the most unpredictable! You never know when the leaves are going to change and hit their “peak” color, and you never know when the weather might take a turn for the worst. Lucky for this sweet family, the location they had chosen for their family photos “peaked” with fall color the same week of their session (yay!). But, not so luckily, we had to deal with an unexpected rain shower that lasted for the entirety of their session!

But let me tell you - that didn’t stop them from stepping out into a damp field, rain sprinkling all over their fresh outfits and broad smiles, to get some photos with the epic fall colors! I am so, SO thankful for the perseverance of this incredible family, and their willingness to roll with the rain. I definitely think it was worth it for these gorgeous fall colors!

Fall Family Photos at McConnell's Mill

You might recognize Anthony (the oldest son) from his senior session at McConnell’s Mill! This sweet family opted for a “mini” family session following Anthony’s senior session, and they were all so incredible in front of the camera! And we had some absolutely gorgeous fall colors 😍 So thankful to know you all!

Anthony W: McConnell's Mill Senior Photos

We had the most gorgeous morning for Anthony’s fall senior photos at McConnell’s Mill! As you’ll be able to tell from the photos below, Anthony is a football player and has a pretty sweet ride! It was such an honor to take his photos around the park. Congratulations on your last year of school, Anthony! 🎉

Maria & Andrew: Westminster College Engagement Photos

I love EVERYTHING about this engagement session. First, the incredible couple themselves, Maria and Andrew, who were an absolute dream to work with (and sooo natural in front of the camera)! And second: this incredible location - Westminster College! I’ve had the privilege of photographing one engagement session and one wedding day here before, so it was so much fun to be back on such a beautiful campus!

Maria and Andrew are the type of couple who are SO incredibly easy to get along with - and the type that you can tell are truly meant to be together! They compliment each other so well, and already make such an incredible team.

Now, for a little bit of background history: these two met back in 2012 through the tennis team they both played on in high school! Their first date was at Dairy Queen in 2014, and Andrew popped the question in Aruba just this past summer! These two are patient, kind-hearted, selfless - and so many other things that I admire!

Maria and Andrew, I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate you two on your wedding day! 💛 Congratulations again on your engagement!!

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)