Julie & John: North Pittsburgh Wedding Photos

Couples getting married and wedding vendors alike have been through the ringer the last few months. Recommendations and regulations have changed on a dime - often times, days before weddings are set to take place! Many couples have been forced to downsize, postpone, or even cancel altogether (which just breaks my heart!). But Julie was determined to get married on her original wedding day, and she was ready to embrace whatever change was necessary to make her and John’s wedding day happen!

And, well, if you’re reading this blog post, you can guess the end of the story: it DID happen! They got married on their original date. Their guests wore masks, people spaced out, and cookies were boxed up in advance in lieu of a traditional Pittsburgh cookie table. It even rained for about the first half of our time together! But none of that stopped Julie and John from thoroughly enjoying their wedding day and saying “I do” to a lifelong commitment to one another. Honestly - I think Julie is one of the chillest brides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with!

The day started off at the most beautiful farmhouse I think I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph! Julie had eyed up the farm where this farmhouse sits for years, dreaming of possibly getting married there… or at least, getting photos there? Any way she could incorporate it into her wedding day was a must! And her mom made it happen. Julie and her bridesmaids were able to do their final preparations for the wedding day there, and we were able to use the beautiful property for portraits! The wrap around porch ended up being the perfect plan B for portraits in the rain. Score!

Julie wore her mother’s veil & chose her wedding colors based on her grandmother’s favorite colors. The wedding had a subtle movie theme, with different movie posters decorating tables and place settings! One of my favorite details, though, was the large “movie” poster made from one of Julie & John’s engagement photos that hung towards the entrance of their reception venue. Such a fun and personal touch!

Julie & John, it was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day. Wishing you many years of joy within your marriage!

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Vendors: Getting Ready & Photo Location at a Private Residence in Valencia, Adams Township Park (Ceremony), General Butler Vagabonds (Reception), Just Hitched Films (Videographer), Macri Floral (Florist), DJ John Stepansky, Blanc de Blanc Bridal Boutique (Bride’s Dress), Show Me Your Mumu (Bridesmaid Dresses), Zazzle (Invitations), Simply Catered (Catering)

Lani & Ouwen: Oakland Engagement Photos

From the moment I met these two outside of Phipp’s, I knew we were in for a great evening! Lani & Ouwen started dating in 2013, but were friends for a number of months first! They both work in the medical field - and Lani says she fell for Ouwen when they served together on a service trip to Costa Rica together! She saw how giving, funny, and resourceful he was, and knew he was the one. Talk about sweet!

We had the best time running around Oakland, finding all of the best spots for their session! Lani & Ouwen, thank you so much for the honor of taking these engagement photos for you! Congratulations on your engagement! 💛

Mary Beth & Patrick: Blush Backyard Wedding

You might remember Mary Beth and Patrick from their engagement session around Oakland a few months ago - these two sweet people were one of the many couples whose wedding was affected by the pandemic. But - they were one of the few who chose to pair down their original day to make their marriage still happen!

Crazy enough, I wasn’t available for their original wedding date (which was a huge bummer, because we had the best time at their engagement session!). But with many schedule changes since they had inquired with me about their original date, when they reached to me a second time a few weeks before, I realized that I was able to photograph their backyard wedding celebration at Mary Beth’s dad’s home!

And seriously, it was the most beautiful day. Blue skies, shining sun, and one of the sweetest couples surrounded by their closest friends and family. They held the ceremony in the backyard (officiated by the bride’s brother!), cocktail hour around the pool, photos on the front porch, and the reception in the pool house. Does it get any more personal than that?! I am BEYOND thankful that I was able to be a part of this wedding day. Though 2020 has been full of many ups and downs - photographing this day was one of my favorite “ups” so far!

Mary Beth & Patrick, congratulations on your marriage. We are so thankful for you both and for your beautiful example of what a wedding day really revolves around - a marriage!

Vendors: Bistro To Go (Caterer), Blossoms by Jilliann (Florals), Jenna Hidinger Photography (Photographer)

Taylor & Chris: Pittsburgh Engagement Photos

This blog post feels like a blast from the past in the absolute best way possible! I’ve known Taylor for quite a few years - we went to the same school for a period of time (before her family moved to Texas!) and my sister was a friend of hers, but her and I were about six years apart in age!

Taylor and Chris BOTH went to the same school as I did, actually - and that’s where they met, all the way back in high school! They’ve been together for quite a few years, and much of their dating relationship has been long distance. But starting next year after their wedding day, they’ll be together full time here in Pittsburgh! Even though they’re tying the knot in Texas, they wanted their engagement photos done in the city where they met, as a way to incorporate the ‘Burgh into their wedding day! Which, I thought, was an absolutely brilliant idea!

We had the most fun EVER walking around the Mexican War Streets, hanging out at Allegheny Commons Park, and catching the soft evening light on the North Shore, near the Roberto Clemente Bridge. These two are full of love, TONS of laugher, and I am just so stinkin’ excited for them to be husband and wife!

Taylor & Chris, congratulations on your engagement, and thank you SO much for the honor of taking these photos for you!

Meghan & Ed: Bethel Park Wedding Ceremony

First, I just have to say how much I admire Meghan and Ed, the stars of today’s blog post. As you can probably imagine - these two were thrown quite a curve ball, with their wedding date falling right in the midst of a pandemic! But they persevered and were willing to be flexible with each new set of recommendations and regulations that came their way. And, because of that, we were able to join them on their original wedding date for their first look and wedding ceremony! (Even though their reception was pushed back!)

And, to be honest - from a vendor perspective, I so so SO enjoyed photographing their wedding day! It was so laid back, and just so fun! That’s not to underscore the fact that there have been lots of anxieties and fears for my lovely couple and their families leading up to this day, wondering what it would be like. But to see a glimmer of beauty and love in the midst of this storm that the world is currently fighting through was good for the soul.

We started off Meghan and Ed’s wedding day at their church, beginning with a first look! They opted to complete their Bride & Groom portraits prior to the ceremony, so they could focus on family formals afterwards! We watched the radar all morning leading up to their first look - and, while it looked hairy for a period of time, we were able to beat the rain by literally less than a minute! As soon as I said “we’re done with photos!” I felt the first drop. And then it started pouring. The Lord always provides - this time, he provided just the right amount of time for us!

Anna E: Mellon Park Senior Photos

We had THE absolute most beautiful evening for Anna's Mellon Park senior session a few weeks ago!

Anna flew into Pittsburgh for a few short days all the way from Texas to visit family, and is graduating this year! I was SO excited that we were able to sneak in her session while she was here, and have some beautiful light.

Congratulations on your senior year, Anna - you are just the sweetest!!!

Chelsea & Zach: Point State Park Engagement Photos

I can barely contain my excitement to share this downtown Pittsburgh engagement session!! Towards the beginning of Chelsea & Zach’s session, it started to rain - out of no where! But thankfully, it left just as quick as it came, and we were rewarded with the most beautiful evening for their photos!

Chelsea & Zach met in a Finance class in Mervis Hall on Pitt's campus during their 2015 Fall semester! They got this winter in front of the red doors at the Cathedral of Learning - the perfect, most personal spot. Their first date was a Penguin’s game, and they currently live on Mount Washington - you could say that they’re a true Pittsburgh couple, through and through!

We started off their engagement session at Point State Park, then headed over to the North Shore area to get some photos with the skyline and bridges. They brought some champagne (such a great prop!) and were brave enough to dip in the middle of the Roberto Clemente bridge! (Don’t worry - we had someone watching for cars!!!).

Chelsea & Zach, I am SO excited to be a part of your wedding day! Congratulations on your engagement, again!

Erica & Rio: Mint & Plum Greystone Fields Wedding Photos

The last few months have had many twists, turns, and uncertainties leading up to Erica and Rio’s wedding day. Plans have changed once, twice, then again as new information and restrictions have surfaced for businesses in the wedding industry, and for couples planning a wedding amidst it all. But I can’t tell you how excited I am to be writing this post and sharing their photos with you today!

Erica and Rio’s wedding day ended up being one of the most beautiful days so far this summer! Though rain was initially in the forecast throughout the week leading up to their Saturday wedding, they were blessed with a sunny, somewhat cloudless day!

One of my favorite parts about Erica & Rio’s wedding were all of the personal, meaningful, sentimental details woven into each portion of the day. A chair with photos of Rio’s late mother at the ceremony, along with a blue cancer ribbon in Erica’s dress (used as her “something blue”) to honor his mother, and a meaningful “remembrance dance” at the reception all pulled on guests heart strings, and reminded the couple and their families throughout the day to remember those who were unable to be in attendance with love.

Being avid golfers, Erica & Rio also incorporated many golf themed details into their wedding day and reception decor! But I have to say, one of my favorite details came from a family vacation tradition. Before dinner on vacation, Erica’s family has always loved getting an ice cream as a special treat. What better way to incorporate this little tradition into their wedding day than to serve ice cream before dinner on their wedding day! This is just me talking personally… but I think every summer wedding should make that a tradition! ;)

All in all, Erica & Rio’s wedding day was so beautiful, so fun, and so meaningful. We cried, we laughed, and we truly felt like a part of the family. Congratulations on your marriage, Erica & Rio! We are so thankful for you, and so thankful to have been able to be a part of your wedding day!

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Vendors: Greystone Fields (Ceremony & Reception), Weischedel Florist (Florals), Bethel Bakery (Cake), Carlisle Bridal (Bride’s Dress), Men’s Warehouse (Men’s Attire), Porky’s (Caterer)

Summer Mini Sessions at Moraine State Park

Mini sessions have become some of my favorite sessions ever! Especially my mini session “events,” where I schedule multiple sessions back to back (to back!) at a specific location. I’ve hosted Spring mini sessions (click here to see!), and Christmas Tree Farm mini sessions (click here to see!), but never Summer mini sessions - so I thought, with many people spending more time at home due to the pandemic, this would be the perfect summer to do so!

PLUS, it’s super easy to social distance while having your photo taken. I typically use “longer” length lenses at my “regular” sessions, which means I can stay back 6 to 10 feet anyways!

One of my favorite things about mini session days is getting to see so many people I know (and often have worked with in the past!), and to meet new faces, even if it’s just for a short time! This round of sessions was full of familiar faces, and truly, I can’t thank each family enough for trusting me to document this season of their lives! I am so thankful for you all, and so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with you.

If you are someone who might be interested in a JHP mini session in the future, I’d love to encourage you to sign up for my email list! People on my email list are the first to know about upcoming mini sessions, and when my full session time slots are released, seasonally. Plus, I only send a few emails per year (I promise! 👏). Click here to join the mailing list!

And without further ado - enjoy a few of my favorites from the JHP June Summer Mini Sessions below!

Sam P: North Park Senior Photos

Sam is a North Allegheny senior who plays soccer, loves Burgatory (same 🙌) and is planning to study business post-high school. We had so much fun taking his photos around North Park!

Congratulations on your senior year, Sam!