My Funniest / Most Embarrassing Moments: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

Wedding photography (and photography in general) can sometimes be seen as a glamorous “picture perfect” profession (pun intended). Sure, there a lot of fun, glamorous parts of wedding photography - like the out-of-this-world venues, perfect light, cookie tables, and fantastic cakes (I’m hungry, can you tell?). But nothing is perfect, even if the photos might make things look that way. So today, I want to share my top embarrassing/funny moments from my photography career thus far – the not so picturesque side of what I do. But really, I just want to promote the fact that we’re all human. We all make mistakes, we all have embarrassing stories, and we all have moments we can look back on and (now) laugh at! So without further ado, here are my top 6 funniest/most embarrassing moments on the job:

1.  A Bird Pooped on my Head

Once, right before one of my engagement sessions was going to begin, a bird pooped on my head. And this wasn’t just a little bit of bird crap. This was a giant, heaping, hot pile of bird crap. That’s right, folks – this is real life.

2.  Laid in Goose Poop

During an engagement session last summer, while I was trying to lay down on the ground to get a different perspective, and laid right in a heap of goose poop. It was all over my pants.

3.  Got Caught Facebook Creeping

When I schedule a consultation with a couple to discuss the possibility of photographing their wedding, I usually look them up on social media so I know what they look like (and can flag them down) before the meeting. On this particular occasion at this particular meeting, I looked up the bride at our meeting location, then clicked the lock button and set my phone on the table. During our meeting, I went to open my phone to look up a photo to show, and BAM – there was the bride’s Facebook page, open on my phone… and they, without a doubt, saw that I had been creeping, because my phone was face up on the table between us!

4.  Stepped on the Dress

During a beautiful bubble ceremony exit from the church, I accidentally stepped on the tail edge of bride’s dress. In front of all of her guests.

5.  Walked into an Invisible Wall

The other day, right after a meeting with one of the sweetest couples at one of my favorite wedding venues (the Omni William Penn Hotel), I walked straight into a glass wall, face first… with my couple still sitting there watching it unfold!

6.  Fell Victim to a Groomsmen Prank

Every once in a while, I photograph weddings with other photographers as a “second shooter” – basically, to aid the main photographer on the wedding day. Typically, while the main photographer is photographing the bride and the bridal party, the second photographer photographs the groom and the groomsmen. Once, when I was working with another photographer and had arrived to photograph the groom and groomsmen in their hotel suite, the groomsmen introduced me to the “groom” and let me believe that he WAS the groom for 15 minutes… before the actual groom walked in. -_-

So there they are. My top 6 most embarrassing / funny moments that have happened to me on the job! Other photographers & wedding vendors – don’t leave me hanging, bearing my embarrassed soul alone. What is one of your most embarrassing / funniest moments from a wedding, event, or photo session?!

5 Ways to Accommodate for Rain on Your Wedding Day

I recently was in a great debate with a friend about whether Pittsburgh is rainier than Seattle. Initially, I thought that there was no way in heck that any other place in the United States could come close to Seattle’s reputation for being rainy, dreary, and overcast. But, as it turns out, Pittsburgh is only 9 days shy of having just as many precipitation days as Seattle (Seattle having 155, Pittsburgh having 146 – source). With 146 rainy (or snowy) Pittsburgh days, a couple of precipitation days are bound to fall on a wedding day now and again. So, what do you do if there is a chance of rain on YOUR wedding day? Or if you’re a wedding photographer, how do you go about finding locations to accommodate for the rain? Here are my top 5 tips for accommodating for rain on a wedding day:

1.  Look for coverage.

In case of rain on a wedding day, it’s helpful to know if there is any large space to shield a bridal party from the rain. This could include: porches, park pavilions, bridges, doorframes, garages, or the like. Some of my personal favorite photos have been taken in spite of the weather - check out a few shots below that were all taken under coverage!

2.  Have a secondary indoor location on stand-by.

If there’s a chance of rain on a wedding day, I always like to try and have a secondary photo location or a section of the church or reception hall where indoor photos can be taken. When looking for an indoor location for photos, take into consideration the amount of natural light in the building or room. Will the photographer need to bring artificial light? If you’re a bride, be sure your photographer has ideas for naturally lit spaces or can rock some off camera flash in case of a rain out!

3.  Bring umbrellas!

The second wedding I ever photographed called for a 100% chance of rain – which scared the crap out of me, because at that point in my career, I wasn’t very comfortable shooting with artificial light (which, thankfully, has totally changed)! So, the night before the wedding, I went out and bought $100 worth of clear, see through umbrellas. Now, I bring those same umbrellas to every single wedding I photograph (yes, even if there’s no chance of rain) - just in case! I’ve only needed to use them a handful of times, but when I’m in a pinch and don’t have an overhang or secondary location to take bridal party and bride & groom portraits, my umbrellas always save the day!

4. Order camera rain gear.

This tip is specifically for photographers – a few years ago, I found out that some kind soul created rain gear for cameras! (Before that point, I used to wrap my camera in Giant Eagle bags – classy, I know!) I’ve heard horror stories of many a DSLR and lens meeting its demise during a hectic wedding day due to water logging. Be sure to protect your camera in some fashion or form, whether it be with a “cost effective” method of wrapping trash bags around your gear, or with some fancy rain gear (here’s a link to a pack of cheap camera covers).

5. Embrace it!

There's something truly beautiful about embracing and finding joy in whatever circumstances are sent your way. As they say, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." This is especially true on a wedding day! If you're feeling brave, embrace that rain and use it to as a springboard to create something beautiful.

What are your best tips for dealing with rain on a wedding day? Leave a comment below!

Catherine + Aaron: New Year's Eve Wedding Photographer

There's nothing quite like a New Year's Eve wedding, and Catherine and Aaron's date wasn't randomly chosen. These two met 6 years ago on New Year's Eve and tied the knot exactly six years later in the church where Catherine's late maternal grandma was baptized. Catherine wore her paternal grandma's rings for the ceremony as a sweet sentiment, and had plenty of meaningful (and beautiful) details planned throughout the wedding day! Photographing these two in Ridgeway, PA was a joy and I'm so excited for them as they begin their adventure as husband and wife! Congrats, Catherine and Aaron!

How Do I Clean My Engagement Ring at Home?

The morning after I got engaged, I remember going for a run and being distracted by my new glittering engagement ring. I also remember wondering how long the shine would last – and the answer, of course, was not very long! Within a few weeks, I noticed my ring wasn’t sparkling quite so brightly and needed a bit of a cleaning. If you’re a do-it-yourself person like me, you might be wondering if there is a way to clean your engagement ring at home. And lucky for you, there is! Here are the steps to safely cleaning your engagement ring on your own time:

1.     Fill a cup or bowl with warm water.

2.     Add a few drops of dish soap.

3.     Soak for 5 minutes.

4.     Scrub gently with an unused toothbrush.

5.     Rinse the ring in warm water.

6.     Use a soft cloth to wipe dry.

7.     Repeat every six or so weeks.

And voila – your ring is back to distracting you on your morning run! Have a tip for cleaning an engagement ring at home? Leave it in the comments below! 

Best Wedding Desserts 2016: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

If you follow any number of wedding photographers, you might've noticed a trend: wedding photographers love to put out a "best of" blog post at the end of the year, highlighting favorite photos of amazing couples, beautiful venues, stunning florals and personal details.  I LOVE "best of" blog posts, especially from other photographers, and as I was creating my annual "best of wedding photography" blog post, I came to a realization: I was including a TON of photos of dessert (what does this say about me? ;) ). Cakes, cookies (Pittsburgh cookie table, anyone?), candy, smores, pies - you name it, I love to photograph it. So in addition to an annual "best of wedding photos" blog post, I decided to create a "best of desserts, 2016" post highlighting all of the best cakes, cookie tables, and unique desserts my awesome couples incorporated into their weddings this year! ENJOY.

2016 Best of Weddings: Wedding Photographers Pittsburgh

It's such an incredible honor to be a wedding photographer in the city of Pittsburgh. Every year, I'm humbled by the amazing couples who put their trust in me to photograph one of the best days of their lives - I don't think I'll ever get over how honored I am to be a part of so many beautiful days! To each and every couple who has given me the privilege of photographing them this year: thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Without you, none of these photos would be possible. Thank you for the opportunity to love on and encourage you as you start (and continue) your journey together as husband and wife! And now, without further ado - here are some of my very favorite images from 2016!

Taylor + Gannon: The Pennsylvanian Wedding Photographer

One of the best parts about being a Pittsburgh wedding photographer is having the opportunity to work with couples like Taylor and Gannon and having the opportunity to photograph weddings at pittsburgh wedding venues like the Hotel Monaco and the Pennyslvanian. Taylor and Gannon's wedding was FULL of gorgeous details and pure joy!

Way back when, I actually attended elementary school with Taylor, and now, my husband works at the same church as her parents. So, as you might've guessed, it was a huge honor to be photographing her and Gannon's wedding day! We started off the day at one of my favorite pittsburgh wedding venues - the Hotel Monaco. Themed after Pittsburgh, the Hotel Monaco is packed full of bright, beautiful details, including lots of yellow (one of Pittsburgh's signature colors) and lots of bird-themed decor (inspiration was taken from the Pittsburgh Aviary, another great Pittsburgh wedding venue). After detail shots, we made our way up to the rooftop of the Hotel Monaco for group photos (with the family pup, Digsby, of course!), and for a prayer between the bride and groom.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Pennsylvanian, one of the most beautiful Pittsburgh wedding venues I've ever had the privilege to photograph! Every wedding photographer has a bucket list of venues they dream of photographing a wedding at, and the Pennsylvanian just so happened to be one of mine before Taylor and Gannon asked me to be their photographer. Its Beaux-Arts style of architectural decoration makes it the perfect fairytale venue! Everything from the interior ballroom to the rotunda screams elegance and class, and I'm so honored to have been a part of this day! Congratulations again, Taylor and Gannon - I pray you have many happy years together!

Vendors:

Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero

Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle

Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy After Six

Hair: Sara Reichenbach

Makeup: ModelBride - Lori Dunn (Gannon’s aunt)

Tuxes: Vera Wang

Band/DJ: Chris Beeler from Rockin’ Bob’s

Flowers: Pisarcik Greenhouse and Flower Farm

Caterer: Rania’s Catering

Cake/Desserts: Rania’s Catering (cookies by family members)

Videographer: Gonzalez Videography

Part 1: Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer {Answered}

Wedding photography is an extremely personal endeavor from start to finish. There are few other wedding vendors who spend the entire length of a wedding day with a couple from makeup and hair to the grand exit, which is why it's so important to really know who you're hiring - to know the why behind what they do! 

Often, when I have an initial meeting with a bride, we begin by talking about the relationship - how the couple met, how they got engaged, what they've planned so far for their wedding day, etc., and then jump straight into packages and looking at photo albums. Every so often, I'll find an extremely prepared bride with a list of questions from "The Knot," titled "Questions to Ask Photographers Before You Book." Let me be honest for a moment - I LOVE these brides... seriously. Staying prepared and organized with a list of questions is the best way make sure I don't miss any important information that should be shared about photographing your wedding day, and it lets brides get a good feel for all facets of what I have to offer.

However -

While many of these questions cover important logistics, such as shooting on film vs. digital and what's included in my packages, none of the questions seem to take things a step further. None of them seem to probe for things that are just as important - like how I help my couples feel relaxed in front of my camera, or even why I do what I do. None probe for a why. And though, if you're meeting with me, I'll be sure to tell you my why, it's so important to ask your other vendors their why, too. And why is that? Because you want someone who cares about your wedding day. (Well, maybe I can't speak for everyone. But I know I wanted people surrounding me on my wedding day who truly cared for Nick and I! Not just people who were showing up to perform a job and leave.)

I recently came across an article titled "Ten REAL Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Written by a Real Wedding Photographer," written by Kay from Kay English Photography. I love the idea of answering these questions so much for my brides that over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to release a weekly blog post answering a few of these questions, plus a few of my own, and a few from "The Knot" article! (Just to keep things interesting ;) ). My heart through this segment is to give my current brides (and future brides) the ability to get to know me, my services, and my heart behind what I do a little better! So without further ado - here is the first question and answer!

1: What is your heart behind wedding photography? Why do you photograph weddings? 

[Question by Jenna]

Firstly, I am a huge believer in marriage. There is something so precious about a commitment between two people to spend the rest of their lives together, learning how to better love each other every step of the way. I honestly hadn’t realized my true heart behind it until I married my best friend back in August of 2015. I know it sounds cliché, but when we received our images back from our engagement photographer, and later from our wedding photographer, I realized what I was really providing for my clients: I was providing reminders of our commitment, encouragement for the not-so-easy days, and mementos of the love we share – and those three things are truly priceless.

Secondly, I love the opportunity I have to serve and encourage my brides throughout the wedding process and throughout the wedding day. I LOVE the opportunity I have to love the crap out of my couples and to find ways to make their experience (and their day) extra special.

Lastly, I love capturing the story of the relationship and of the day. While every wedding has the same general framework and timeline, each is so unique in its own way, and I love the challenge and excitement of figuring out the best possible way to showcase a couple’s day through the photographs.

Stay tuned for more answered questions next week! If you'd like to submit a question to have answered, feel free to leave it in the comments below!

Trina + Jeff: Cranberry Highlands Golf Course Wedding Photographer

It's a beautiful thing, to meet people who radiate love and joy from every piece of their being. Trina and Jeff are not just people, but a couple that people are drawn to because of their selfless qualities. We were so honored to be a part of their wedding day and to get to know their family and friends who shared their joy so fully with them. 

Trina and Jeff incorporated so many beautiful details into their wedding. Trina's favorite color - yellow - was incorporated into her invitations (and into her wedding ring with a yellow stone). She also opted for a brooch bridal bouquet, made from brooches collected throughout the years, as well as those collected from her bridal shower. It was gorgeous, and she got quite the workout holding it all day - it was so heavy, but so beautiful! In addition to her own brooch bouquet, Trina spent time finding brooches for each member of her wedding party, parents, and pastor that were personal to them - what an incredibly thoughtful way to honor them! Other fun details included a pie bar at the reception in lieu of cake, and an exit with a firetruck (Jeff is a firefighter)! 

Praising God for these two and their commitment to serve God together!

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." - Pslam 37:4-5

Vendors:

DJ: Mark Zini

Centerpieces and Flowers: Farmer's Daughter

Invitations & Ceremony Signage: Jessi Evans

Brooch Bouquet: Ritzy Rose

Videography: Jonathan Merkel

Chairs: Elegant Chair Cover Designs

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Cranberry Highlands Golf Course (Wedding Coordinator, Brenda Kerr)

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn, Cranberry Township

Makeup: A Touch of Makeup by Denise Nedev

Hair: Platinum Hair Studio in the Hilton Double Tree by Stacy Hirth

Bride's Dresses: Mary's Bride and Formal (Beaver Falls, PA)

Ring: Mathew Jewelers 

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography, Jenna & Nick

Kristin + Tom: Roselea Farm Wedding Photographer

There are SO many things I love about this gorgeous Roselea Farm fall wedding. First off, Kristin and Tom were amazing to work with! Their love for each other dominated every part of their day. The venue, Roselea Farm, was outstanding! The Farm has so many beautiful details and little spaces bursting with light and color. And the catering was out of this world! Fabled Table makes some of the best food I've ever experienced as a wedding vendor. The whole day, from beginning to end, was an absolute joy to be a part of! Congratulations on your marriage, Kristin and Tom!

Vendors

Ceremony & Reception: Roselea Farm

Coordinator: Devoted to You Events

Caterer: Fabled Table

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography