Ed & Meghan: Sheraton Station Square Wedding Photos

I have had the huge honor of celebrating Ed & Meghan on so many milestones of their relationship - from the proposal, to engagement photos, to their 2020 wedding ceremony, and now to their wedding reception at the Sheraton Station Square!

They had originally planned for a 1920’s themed wedding, as a nod to the year they were getting married, 2020, so they forged ahead with their original plan for their 2021 reception! They had lots of 20’s themed details (one of my favorites was their gorgeous cake by Bethel Bakery!) incorporated into the day, and their reception took place in a beautiful room full of windows overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline. It’s a tough view to beat!

Because Meghan & Ed are already married, they had a small overlap of “getting ready” photos instead of seeing each other down the aisle, and instead of a first look. Ed even helped Meghan put her red heels on… which ended up being such a sweet moment from their wedding day!

After getting ready, we headed out to the surrounding Station Square area for some photos. The aesthetic of Station Square in Pittsburgh has some nods to the 20’s (industrial looking, trains, etc.), which made it a great spot for their photos together and with their bridal party!

I won’t lie, I’ve worked with Meghan & Ed so many times over the last two years that I am super sad to not have anything else on the calendar to look forward to with them! Meghan & Ed - congratulations on your marriage, and thank you so much for letting me be a part of this sweet season of your lives!

Vendors: 2nd II None Productions (DJ), Bethel Bakery, Sheraton Station Square, Flowers by Terry, Marjorie Bezilla (bride’s hair & makeup, sister of the bride)

Madison P: Sunrise Mellon Park Senior Photos

Sunrise senior sessions have always, and forever will be, a favorite of mine.

Madison’s session was supposed to take place on a Friday evening at Mellon Park, but when the forecast called for rain, we chatted and switched our start time to a morning timeframe instead. And even though it was early… really REALLY early, we beat the rain, got some beautiful light, and had Mellon Park almost completely to ourselves (except for a few joggers and dog walkers!). Mellon Park is typically super busy in the evenings, so it was a fun treat to be able to have allllll of the spots to ourselves! ;)

And what a blessing it was to spend the morning with this lovely lady! Madison is a 2021 senior who is planning on pursuing pre-med post-high school graduation! She loves her pups - so of course, we had to incorporate them both into her photos. She was a pro in front of the camera and a true joy to photograph. We laughed so much (maybe that was the tired delirium setting in! ;) ), which made for some super fun and relaxed shots!

Congratulations on your senior year, Madison! I am so thankful to have been able to celebrate this season with you!

Mellon Park Extended Family Photos

Incredible evening, gorgeous light, and the most fun family?! Check, check, & check.

When you're a photographer who loves their family, hardly any gift makes nearly as much sense as some photos with the people you love most... especially when the last "professional" family portrait was taken before you were born!

I was so honored when Amelia, who is also a photographer (talk about an honor to take a photographer's family photos!!), reached out to me about taking some photos of her family. Who, after this session, I completely adore! They were so much fun, laughing and chatting the entire evening together, which made my job SO EASY! I love when families come to sessions ready to have a good time.

A HUGE thanks to this sweet family (and to Amelia!) for allowing me to be a part of this season!

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! 😉

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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)

Alex M: Succop Nature Park Senior Photos

Succop Nature Park may be becoming a new favorite spot of mine for senior photos! There are SO MANY great spots to use - a beautifully lit wooded/grassy area, piles of logs, a newly renovated barn, a willow tree and pond… the possibilities are endless! And for a one hour senior session, it can be so helpful to choose a location that has so much variety within such a short walking distance.

Another perk of this location specifically for Alex is that it is right down the road from his family farm! Yes, his family has a sweetcorn farm that the whole family helps out with. Isn’t that amazing? How many high school seniors in the year of 2021 can say that they help out on the family farm?!

In addition to helping out on the farm, Alex is very involved at his church, where he plays guitar and sings. He also has a plethora of other activities he’s involved in at school (honestly - so many that I can’t even remember them all! 😂 Sorry, Alex!!)

When I chat with seniors during their session, I’m always reminded of what a busy time of life the last year of high school is - and, in turn, I’m always thankful to give the seniors (and their parents!) the opportunity to slow down for even a short period of time to reflect on the significance of this season, and the significance of the new season ahead.

I am honored to be the one who was able to capture the significance of this season for you, Alex! Congratulations on your senior year!

Kele + Maxwell: Classic Black Tie Southpointe Golf Club Wedding Day

Kele & Max’s wedding day was a beautiful Spring black tie affair at Southpointe Golf Club, featuring classic details, a stunning ballon arch, and a stunning outdoor reception! I’m so excited to share the images from their wedding day. Congratulations on your marriage, Kele & Max!

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Vendors: Southpointe Golf Club, Hannah Conard Beauty, PJ the DJ, Elizabeth Lombardi's Memories in Bloom, Luna Boutique (dress), Vera Wang (bridesmaid dresses), Signature Desserts (cake), Steven Vance Entertainment (ceremony violinist), A Simple Vow (officiant)

Isabella L: Hartwood Acres Mansion Senior Photos

I had the pleasure of taking Isabella’s sister’s senior photos (almost three years ago to the day!), and when Isabella’s mom emailed me to chat about her second daughter’s senior session, I was so excited! And, of course, Isabella was a dream to photograph. Her outfit choices stood out so well against the Hartwood greenery and architecture, and blended so well with the florals!

Isabella, it was such an honor to celebrate this season with you! Congratulations on your senior year!

Joey Forster: Pittsburgh Senior Photos

Sometimes the best spot for senior photos is in your own front yard!

Joey's family invited us onto their property to use their HUGE variety of picture perfect backdrops for his senior photos. There was an unbelievable amount of great spots to choose from, from old sheds to piles of logs to beautiful staircases... along with some amazing light! And, maybe even better, their family dog (Mimsy) was quite interested in what was happening and did her best to photo bomb a number of Joey’s photos (dogs always welcome - especially well behaved ones like this lady!). You’ll be sure to see her in a few of the photos below ☺️

Congratulations on your senior year, Joey!

Harrison S: Downtown Pittsburgh Senior Photos

Harrison is a soccer-playing, musically minded senior who is graduating with the class of 2021! For his session, we sought after a blended natural/city scenery vibe - the best of both worlds, really. And I think we were able to achieve that look in his final images!

We started off our time together at Mellon Green, then walked over to Mellon Square, then ended at the Terminal in the Strip District with some great light, some vibrant painted steps, and a great view of the city. Harrison brought his drum sticks for a subtle nod to his percussionist roots, which paired perfectly with his suit. We were even able to catch the first flickers of the string lights at the Terminal for a great last look!

Harrison, it was an honor to take your senior photos. Congratulations on your senior year!

Adriana C: Oakland Senior Photos

Adriana brought her A-game for her senior photos in Oakland on a chilly April evening in Oakland!

This accomplished lady plans to follow in her family's medical footsteps to become a cardiac surgeon! She loves the heart, and no, surgery doesn't make her squeamish. She also loves scary movies and - as you can see from her photos - is obviously a natural in front of the camera!

Congratulations on your senior year, Adriana!