A Beautiful Surprise Proposal on Pittsburgh's North Shore | Ram & Naina

As a Pittsburgh surprise proposal photographer, I've learned that sometimes the most memorable moments happen when everything seems to be working against you.

In the week leading up to Ram's surprise proposal to Naina, the weather forecast for Pittsburgh was anything but promising. Reports called for severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and even the possibility of tornadoes throughout the area. Like many couples planning an outdoor proposal in Pittsburgh, we kept a close eye on the forecast and prepared a backup plan just in case.

When the morning of the proposal arrived, we had an alternate location ready to go. However, after carefully watching the weather, we decided to take a chance and stick with our original plan on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Thankfully, it turned out to be the perfect decision.

The storm clouds stayed away, and we were treated to gorgeous sunshine and beautiful views of the Pittsburgh skyline. The setting couldn't have been more perfect as Ram got down on one knee and asked Naina to spend forever with him.

After the surprise proposal and engagement photos on the North Shore, my assistant Dani and I acted as though our job was finished and we'd be heading our separate ways. But the surprises weren't over yet.

What Naina didn't know was that Ram had planned an engagement celebration with their closest friends and family at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto on Mt. Washington. As one of Pittsburgh's most iconic restaurants with breathtaking city views, it was the perfect location to continue celebrating such a special occasion.

Watching Naina's reaction as she walked into a room full of loved ones was every bit as emotional as the proposal itself. It was such a joy to document not only their engagement but also the love and excitement shared by everyone who came together to celebrate them.

Ram and Naina, thank you for allowing me to be part of such an unforgettable day. Congratulations on your engagement! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness as you begin this exciting new chapter together.

Looking for a Pittsburgh proposal photographer to help plan and capture your surprise engagement? I'd love to help you create and document a moment you'll never forget.

Clark & Kailey: Pittsburgh Proposal Photographer

Meet Kailey & Clark!

It has been a busy year around here for proposal photos at Phipp's, and I am so grateful that I was able to photograph Kailey & Clark for theirs!

Kailey & Clark have been together for five years and met while in college at WVU. As a part of the proposal, Clark arranged to have both his and Kailey's parents there to surprise them (and for a champagne toast ) after the big moment!

Can you believe that Kailey's dress complimented the Broderie Room perfectly?! I could not get over it!

Congratulations on your engagement, you two!

As always, thank you Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for the best backdrops!

Aidan Proposes to Hannah: Phipp's Conservatory Surprise Proposal Photography

Meet Hannah & Aidan!

Aidan proposed to Hannah in the Broderie Room at Phipp’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens on a cold February morning. But it didn’t matter that it was cold outside… the Broderie Room was warm, bright, and bursting with color!

Since the proposal took place before Phipp's was even open, there was a question as to how it wouldn't seem suspicious... but the staff at Phipp's was incredible at pulling the surprise off! They all manned their different locations (ticket counter, ticket scanning, etc.) to make it look like everything was open & normal. It was perfect!

And the proposal itself was so sweet! The Broderie Room was filled with beautiful light, and we even were able to use some other locations within Phipp's, since it wasn't technically open yet. Definitely a perk to a pre-opening proposal!

Towards the end of our time together, Hannah’s friends surprised her with balloons and champagne. It was so sweet!

Congratulations, Hannah & Aidan!

Eric Proposes to Kristie: Phipp's Conservatory Surprise Proposal

Yes, it's another sweet Phipp's proposal! 🌸

This one took place a couple of weeks ago and included the bride-to-be's long time good friend as a part of the surprise!

I am amazed at how many people find me for proposals from my blog posts on my website. Blogging is sometimes considered an outdated method of marketing, but Google still seems to like it, and therefore so do I! 😉

Also how did these four friends unknowingly all wear coordinating outfits that not only went well with each other, but also with the flower display in the Broderie Room at Phipp's?! It was meant to be!

Alex Proposes to Sophia: Phipp's Conservatory Proposal Photos

Sophia & Alex grew up 10 minutes apart from each other AND went to the same high school and college, but never met until their senior year at Penn State. They dated for three years after they met

And this past weekend, Alex proposed, and Sophia said yes!

You know I love a good Phipp's proposal, and this one was so much FUN! Alex dropped off a bouquet of flowers earlier in the day and did a walk through of Phipp's (since he had never been before... such a good idea!). The day of the proposal, he led Sophia into the Broderie Room, got down on one knee, and cue the tears - she said yes!

I'm so thankful to have been a part of such a sweet moment on such a cold, rainy, dreary day.

Congratulations on your engagement, Sophia & Alex!

Pittsburgh Surprise Proposal Photographer

Hey there, lovebirds! Planning to pop the question in Pittsburgh? First of all, congrats! Proposing is one of the most nerve-wracking and exhilarating moments of your life. And as a photographer who’s captured countless proposals in the Steel City, I’m here to share some insider tips to make your special moment truly magical—and run as smoothly as possible.

1. PICK THE PERFECT SPOT

Pittsburgh is filled with dreamy backdrops for your proposal. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic cityscape view from Mount Washington, the romantic ambiance of Phipps Conservatory’s gardens, or the charming cobblestone streets of the Strip District, there’s a spot that’s just you. Think about places that hold sentimental value or align with your partner’s interests. Love sports? Heinz Field or PNC Park could be your go-to. Into nature? Mellon Park or Point State Park might be calling your name.

2. TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) is the secret sauce for jaw-dropping photos. The soft, warm light is flattering and adds a magical glow to your moment. But don’t forget to check the weather! Rain can add a romantic touch, but if that’s not your vibe, have a backup plan ready.

3. GET CREATIVE

Make it personal! Incorporate inside jokes, shared hobbies, or cherished memories into your proposal. Maybe it’s a scavenger hunt through the city, leading to the spot where you first met. Or a casual walk in the park that turns into a flash mob (if your partner loves surprises). The more it reflects your unique story, the more unforgettable it will be. (Click here to see some prop ideas for something simple to incorporate!)

4. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER (HI, THAT’S ME!)

Let’s face it: you’ll want to relive this moment over and over. That’s where I come in. A professional photographer will not only capture the big moment but also those raw, emotional reactions that make your proposal so special. Plus, I’ll help you scout the location, plan the best angles, and communicate with you all the way up until the big moment to make sure we are both on the same page!

5. PLAN YOUR WARDROBE

Coordinate your outfits subtly. You want to look your best while staying true to your style. A little tip: avoid busy patterns and opt for solid colors that complement each other. Bonus points if your outfit matches the vibe of your proposal location (think casual chic for a park proposal or a bit dressier for a city rooftop). Click here for a blog post with some additional tips!

6. KEEP IT A SURPRISE - BUT NOT TOO MUCH

Surprises are amazing, but they’re better when they don’t stress your partner out. If you’re planning an elaborate setup, make sure they’re dressed for the occasion (without giving away the whole plan). Maybe you enlist a friend to casually suggest a "nice dinner" or a "cute photo session."

7. CELEBRATE AFTERWARDS

You did it! After the big “Yes,” keep the celebration going. Plan a surprise dinner with close family and friends or a private picnic for two. And don’t forget to share the amazing photos with everyone—they’ll want to see the magic unfold too!

READY TO CAPTURE YOUR BIG MOMENT?

If you’re planning to propose in Pittsburgh, let’s chat! Together, we’ll make sure your proposal is as unique and special as your love story. Plus, you’ll have stunning photos to treasure forever. Can’t wait to help make this moment unforgettable!

Reach out to me at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com to get the conversation started!

Spring Phipp's Conservatory Proposal

There's nothing quite like a Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Broderie Room proposal!

This one took place on a very special weekend for these two, who came into Pittsburgh from out of state for the Pittsburgh Marathon!

JD planned this beautiful proposal from afar on 1) the weekend his now-fiance was running the Pittsburgh marathon, and 2) on the weekend of her birthday! Talk about having a lot to celebrate!!

JD and Isabel have been dating for almost 6 years. And let me tell you, they are the sweetest! So easy to talk to, and so much fun. We had a blast on a beautiful, sunny Pittsburgh morning at Phipps! and oh my goodness, I still can't get over how beautiful the Broderie Room looked with the bright florals. And that Isabel wore a shirt that complimented it so well, without even knowing!

Congratulations on your engagement, you two!

Jay & Swetha: Phipp's Conservatory Surprise Proposal

It's hard to beat a Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens proposal... especially when it's at golden hour, the proposee drove in from DC to surprise his girlfriend, and their friends & family from out of town came in to be a part of the surprise, too!

If you couldn't tell already... this was an epic proposal!

Jay contacted me a few months ago to be a part of capturing this special moment for he and his now-fiancé, Swetha! Because he's currently residing in DC, he planned this entire surprise with the help of their friends & family from afar.

When I showed up to the Broderie Room this past Saturday, I had never seen it looking so good (and I've photographed quite a few Phipp's proposals)! Jay & his brother were scattering rose petals along the ground and placing framed photos and envelopes (each containing a poem, written by Jay), marking each year they had been together (four years this summer!).

Swetha's friends played the crucial role of guiding her to the room where Jay was waiting (and of bringing some press on nails for after the proposal to make sure her hands were ring ready). After she read each poem, Jay got down on one knee, and of course... the rest is history! She said yes, and after we took a few photos of the two of them together, their immediate families and friends surprised Swetha by walking through the door. It was such a sweet moment!

It was a joy to be a part of such a sweet moment for these two... congratulations to Jay & Swetha on your engagement!

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PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Interested in having me photograph your proposal? Feel free to reach out by clicking here, or email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com. I would love to work with you!

PITTSBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: WEDDING PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS 2022

What a beautiful year FILLED with amazing couples it has been! These highlight posts are always some of my personal favorite blog posts from the entire year, because I get to see not only all of the beautiful couples I’ve worked with, but also because I get to see highlights from my full body of work throughout the year – that in itself is so rewarding!

It’s hard to believe that I photographed my first wedding 10 years ago this year… so much has changed since 2012! At the time, I never thought that photography was something I would do full time. In fact, I was pursuing two degrees at the time in Graphic Design & Web Design, and was using any photo gigs I booked as a means to pay for them! I am so grateful that God has allowed my business to grow to the point of being able to support my family as my full time job. It is a blessing to get to serve so many people and explore so many beautiful places – and to get to work for myself!

Today, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite photos from my 2022 weddings and engagements. Some might seem like obvious favorites (because they’re of beautiful people or details, or technically beautiful!), but some are my favorites simply because of the emotion they show, and others because of what I had to overcome technically to make the shot happen. Weddings can be quite unpredictable, and often put photographers in situations where they need to make “magic” happen out of less than ideal lighting and timing situations (among other hurdles!). While that part of the job can often be stressful (especially when someone’s memories of the best day of their life are on the line!), that pressure has also given me the opportunity to produce work that I am proud to share with my clients!

So, without further ado – here are some highlights from 2022!

This image was created using a $1.25 mirror from the Dollar Tree… this was the first time I used this little trick to add a bit of visual interest to a detail shot, and I love how it turned out!

This was our first wedding of the year in January - it was like, 6 degrees outside, but our couple still trekked down to the Hot Metal Bridge for photos!

In March, it can be difficult to find good backdrops for photos - I was so excited that the light and backdrop of this venue (the Camelot) lined up and that we were able to use it for bridal party photos! It was honestly a proud moment for me, since there weren’t a ton of backdrops to work with at this particular venue, and we didn’t have enough time to drive to a different spot!

Such a sweet sister moment ❤️

I love the joy, shock, and excitement that comes during proposals. This Phipp’s Conservatory proposal was such a highlight!

We had the whole Broderie room to ourselves!

I love Disney Pixar’s “Up” - Matt & Maria’s “Up” themed wedding day was so much fun to photograph! I got to get a little creative with their details, too!

Possibly one of my favorite bridal party photos of the whole year!

This couple flew in all the way from Seattle for their engagement photos!

Walking around Kennywood with these two was a huge highlight from this year! They met here, so it made the perfect backdrop for their engagement session!

Jackie & Gerald are literary lovers who incorporated so many books into their wedding day. I decided to borrow a few from their reception area to incorporate into their details photos - and I’m so glad I did! I am so excited about how these detail photos turned out!

This backdrop gave me major Lord of the Rings vibes. Which was perfect… considering the fact that Jackie & Gerald incorporated some subtle LOTR details throughout their day!

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll appreciate this little potato sign! 😉

Firework photos have always been a bit tricky for me. I love how these ones turned out! And that “Love” sign?! Adorable!

Love this photo that Nick got of the groomsmen!

This wedding took place at the White Barn… one of my all time favorite wedding venues! Nick and I got married here back in 2015, too!

One of the sweetest mother-son dances.

No window light and in a small room? Create your own light with a speedlight by bouncing it into the corner of the room (so the light falls back onto your subject) to create soft, flattering, directional light!

This foot washing ceremony was so sweet, and so emotional.

Champagne pop at sunset?! It doesn’t get much better than that!

Maybe I shouldn’t have favorites… but this bouquet was one of my favorites of the entire year! I love a good fall textured bouquet. It was SUPER heavy, but super gorgeous in all of the photos!

This was one of those tougher lighting situations! It was a super bright day, and the first look took place right in the middle of the day (when the sun is highest in the sky). It’s notoriously the toughest time for natural light photography! I was thankful that we were able to find a place in this location to place the couple where we were able to control the light a bit more, to make sure it was flattering on our couple’s faces.

Something I LOVE about this walkway is that it has white cement… which acts as a great natural reflector, effectively “popping” soft light back into my couple’s faces, creating a flattering look for their skin. This wasn’t a location we had originally planned on using, but when we were driving by, I had to stop and take a few portraits of them there because I knew the light would be great!

This couple had a beautiful clear roof tent, which let in SO MUCH LIGHT! It was the best of both worlds - tented in case of rain, but also it sort of felt like you were completely outside because there was so much light!

I can’t get over the lights they have in the tent at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. They are so gorgeous!

Let me tell you about these confetti poppers! The confetti streamers that come out stay attached to the poppers themselves - making for super easy clean up! Which was great, considering that we popped them on a church altar!

It ended up being pretty cold on Jen & Brandon’s wedding day… so we did the majority of their portraits inside Heinz Chapel. And it was AWESOME. They left us enough time in their timeline to create some really special portraits for them… all while staying warm! 10/10 would do again!

This may be one of my favorite wedding portraits of the whole year!

Engagement photos in a (somewhat surprise) snow storm! We knew it was going to snow, but I don’t think any of us knew how heavy that snow would be. Thankfully - these two went for it! And thankfully I had a willing husband to hold an umbrella over my head while I was taking photos!

Chelsea & Anthony: Kennywood Park & Rose Garden at Renziehausen Engagement Photos

Meet Chelsea & Anthony ❤️ I had the pleasure of taking their engagement photos at Kennywood Park and the Rose Garden at Renziehausen just a few weeks ago!

I have always wanted to take engagement photos at a theme park… so this was a session that I have been looking forward to for quite some time!

If you're from Pittsburgh, you're probably familiar with Kennywood! Chelsea & Anthony met while working as ride operators at Kennywood park a few years ago, so of course for their engagement session, we had to go back to where it all began!

Because the park is closed on Thursdays, we had the whole place to ourselves the evening of their session! It was so much fun to get to revisit all of the places they had frequented early in their relationship, and such a unique experience to get to take photos there!

We also stopped at the Rose Garden at Renziehausen for a few more photos in the glowy evening sunlight. I had never heard of this location before, but it certainly had some beautiful spots for us to work with! I think it worked really well that we paired it with another location, since it’s a bit on the smaller side!

Chelsea & Anthony, I am so excited to photograph your wedding day next year! A huge congratulations to you both on your engagement!!!