Lyndsay + Justin: Shady Elms Farm Wedding Photos

I have to be honest. I had an incredibly hard time narrowing down the photos for this blog post from Lyndsay and Justin's wedding day because 1) they are an insanely photogenic couple and 2) their day (literally every detail) was BEYOND stunning!! What is a photographer to do?! Naturally - post as many as I possibly can! ;)

You may remember Lyndsay and Justin from their winter McConnell's Mill engagement session with Lyndsay's iconic red dress in the snow! These two not only make for a beautiful couple from the outside, but from the inside. Their love and joy for one another, along with their deep desire to share their wedding day in a memorable way with their friends and family made photographing their wedding day feel so intimate!

I am beyond thankful to work with people who feel more like friends than clients, and Lyndsay and Justin definitely are two people who make me feel insanely thankful for the career I've been given. So without further ado - here are some of my favorites from Lyndsay and Justin's Shady Elms Farm wedding day! We love you guys!!!

Vendors:

Bride’s Dress: Morilee by Madeline Gardner, purchased at One Enchanted Evening (Zelienople, PA)

Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff, #LEVKOFF Collection, purchased at One Enchanted Evening (Zelienople, PA)

Hair: Mallory Puniak and Marie Puniak, Copacetic Beauty Lounge

Makeup: Beauty by Joy (Joy Lager of JL Makeup Studio)

Tuxes:  Generation Tux

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Shady Elms Farm

Band/DJ: Mike Willis, Modern Era Weddings

Flowers: Shady Elms Farm

Caterer: PW Catering

Cake/Desserts: Cake and cupcakes by the groom's sister, Jessica Brown, and Pittsburgh cookie table cookies baked by family & friends

Videographer: Dorosh Documentaries

Honeymoon: Secrets Maroma Riviera Maya (with the help of Sue Kitsemble of Apple Vacations)

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Janelle + Josh: Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh Wedding Photos

There are so many things to love about this couple and about this day! From the moment I first met Janelle and Josh at Panera quite a few months ago, I could tell they were meant to be. Then, last December, I had the same thought as they sipped coffee together and stood (and danced) in freezing temperatures for their engagement session - not one complaint from either one about the weather - they were just happy to be together! And then, last month on their wedding day, after meeting their family and friends, I was truly in awe of these two wonderful, gracious people!

I recently listened to a podcast series titled "What Happy Couples Know" by Andy Stanley, and one of the BIG takeaways was that happy couples "understand that relationships are a race to the back of the line" - they understand the idea of being selfless with one another, and that they "know that they owe each other everything, but are owed nothing in return." Really, it comes down to putting the other person's needs and desires ahead of your own - and I noticed these two putting each other ahead of the other frequently throughout their engagement session and throughout their wedding day. One thing that really stuck out to me was Josh's willing attitude for photos - all day. Sometimes guys aren't as interested in having their photos taken as much as ladies, but Josh was so eager to make sure we were capturing all of the photos that his bride had envisioned, which totally blew us away (along with Janelle's absolutely stunning beauty and joyfulness throughout the day!). As you can imagine, we had SO MUCH FUN working with these two! How could we not?!

I really believe that we were able to capture Josh and Janelle's day in a way that really captures their love and joy for each other, and I am so thankful that we were asked to be a part of their wedding day! Congratulations, you two - here's to a lifelong love!

Vendors:

Bride’s Dress: Fiore Couture, Exquisite Bride (Murrysville)

Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mishka

Bridesmaid Dresses: Kenneth Winston

Hair: Above All Grande Salon

Makeup: Hannah Conard Makeup

Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

Band/DJ: Jeremy Ganss

Flowers: Posies by Patti

Caterer: Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh

Cake: Grandview Bakery

Videographer: Just Hitched Wedding Films

Beth + Dave: Mingo Creek Park Wedding Photos

Ohhhh I am so excited to share this wedding with you! Beth and Dave are just all around fun people to be around, which made photographing their day a walk in the park (literally ;) ). These two have been dating, as I heard a member of their bridal party say "basically a million years," so their day was well worth the wait and was FULL of joy and love!

Beth started off the day getting ready at Dave's grandma's house, then we moved to Mingo Creek Park for a first look between the bride and groom, and portraits before the ceremony! It was definitely a hot one, but we were thankful for lots of shade from the surrounding forest - which also provided us with the perfect light, even in the middle of the day! One of my favorite parts of the whole day was their dog, Hershey, being featured in the ceremony. She was possibly the most well behaved dog I've ever worked with! (Plus, you can't go wrong with a name like Hershey!)

After a petal-throwing exit from the ceremony, we headed over to the reception venue for one of the most uniquely decorated spaces I've seen this entire year! Beth's forest vision graced all areas of the social hall with the most beautiful details - everywhere I turned, there was another little detail I hadn't noticed before! One of my favorite details was the trail mix bar - complete with pretty much any type of trail mix ingredient you could think of in carved out logs, tin buckets, and lanterns. Literally the cutest thing ever!

Beth and Dave - we loved being a part of your day and are so excited as you start this journey of marriage! Congratulations!

Vendors:

Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Ceremony: Mingo Creek Park

Videographer: ShoFilms

Suits: Cavani

Jackie + Mike: Succop Conservancy Wedding Photos

Jackie and Mike's Succop Conservancy wedding was all kinds of gorgeous! Succop Nature Park is home to a 19th century mansion, originally home to an Irish immigrant back in the 1800's. Though the mansion has been through renovations, the beauty and charm of the 19th century design remains and continues to be (in my opinion) one of the best wedding venues around the area! With so many beautiful little nooks and crannies for photos, it was so hard to choose just a few favorites from Jackie and Mike's wedding day.

Jackie and Mike's wedding day started off inside the mansion for getting ready and detail photos, then outside the greenhouse for a first look! We made our way around the property, hitting all of the best scenic spots on the way. One big reason I love Succop is for all of its location variety - there are endless amounts of spots to choose from! After bridal party and family photos, the ceremony was held right outside of the mansion, with the surrounding park serving as a backdrop. The cocktail hour happened throughout the house and grounds, which led straight into a reception full of cookies, candy, and dancing! We absolutely LOVED being a part of your day, Jackie and Mike! Congratulations on your marriage!

Vendors:

Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Succop Nature Park

Makeup: Valarie Panei

DJ: First Class Entertainment

Bethany + Phil: University Club (Pittsburgh) Wedding Photos

Bethany and Phil met while Bethany was trying out for Phil's band, Balloon Ride Fantasy, which they are both a part of to this day! These two had an epic day, beginning at Bethany's childhood home for detail and getting ready photos, then to Heinz Chapel, then to University Club (Pitt) for a gorgeous reception!

There were so many beautiful, unique details included in Bethany and Phil's day to represent the two of them! One of my favorites was Bethany's handmade cardbox (made from a guitar - check it out in the reception photos). Talk about skill!! Another one of my favorite details (or, well, main center-stage items) was Bethany's dress. Oh. My. Gosh. Have you ever seen anything like it?! The way the fabric is draped is so unique - I'm in love with her effortless bridal style!!

Congratulations, Bethany and Phil! We were so honored to be a part of your day!

Vendors:

Bride's Dress: Lindee Daniel

Ceremony: Heinz Chapel

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

Flowers: Karrie Hlista Designs

Reception: University Club (Pitt)

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Chelsea + TJ: Irons Mill Farmstead Wedding Photos

What an absolute JOY it was to be a part of Chelsea and TJ's wedding day, from start to finish! These two threw a wedding as beautiful as their sweet relationship and I could not be more excited to share these images!

For a little background, I actually worked at my local YMCA as a lifeguard with the bride's twin sister for several years, so when Chelsea reached out to me to photograph her wedding, I was over the moon excited! You might remember these two from their spring McConnell's Mill engagement photos a few months back (see them here!).

For their wedding day, Chelsea and TJ incorporated so many beautiful, bright colors and unique details! My favorite of all of Chelsea's bridal details were her shoes, which, coincidentally, she bought on super sale for six dollars at Macy's (you would never EVER be able to tell!!). You'll also notice some antlers incorporated into the bridal details and reception details - those were added as a nod to TJ's love for hunting, which was the perfect addition to their rustic barn wedding!

Chelsea's twin sister's daughter, Alivia, made her way into quite a few photos, too! She was one of two incredibly sweet flower girls who were a part of the wedding ceremony.

Reception details included the most beautiful cake stand and cupcake stand (all made by the groom himself!), along with lots more antlers, wild flowers, and even a #Nine lit up sign behind the head table. After a little bit of dancing, we took this dynamic duo out into a field for sunset photos at the perfect time. We're so thankful to have been a part of this wedding day! Congratulations on your marriage, Chelsea and TJ - we love you guys!

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: Irons Mill Farmstead

Bride’s Dress: Mary’s Bridal (Beaver Falls)

Bride’s Shoes: Macy's

Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstroms; Eliza J (Ross Township)

Hair & Makeup: LUSH Custom Spray Tanning and Makeup

Tuxes: Men's Warehouse (Cranberry Township)

DJ: Faraone Brothers (New Castle)

Flowers: Posies by Patti (Ellwood City)

Caterer: Medure's Catering

Cake/Desserts: Tin Man Sweets (Zelienople)

Honeymoon: Maine; Bar Harbor; Acadia National Park

Irons Mill Farmstead Photos by: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Chelsea + Shamus: Phipps Conservatory Wedding Photos

How honored we were to be a part of Chelsea and Shamus' beautiful wedding day! These two opted for eloping in lieu of a traditional wedding and it fit them to a T! Nick and I were actually the only two to witness the ceremony, which was a HUGE honor! Their self-uniting ceremony took place outside of Phipp's Conservatory, and from there, we walked around to the lock bridge, Oakland, and finished up portraits at the Roberto Clemente bridge! Congratulations on your marriage, Chelsea and Shamus!

Who Cares About Engagement Photos?

Remember the first time you rode a bike? Super. Scary. You might’ve had someone there to help you get your feet off the ground, but it probably took more than one try to get the hang of riding that thing!

Much like anything in life, usually the first time we do ANYTHING, it doesn’t come first nature. It feels weird – awkward, even – just because we’re not used to it or have never done it before.

The same is true for having your photo taken! You may have had experience having your photo taken when you were a senior in high school, or as a professional for a LinkedIn headshot, but if you’re getting married, more than likely you’ve never had your photo taken with someone else. And trust me, having your photo taken with someone else is totally different than having it taken by yourself!

But how? For one, an engagement/wedding photographer is looking to capture an interaction. So instead of you interacting with the camera, the goal is to get you and your fiancé interacting together. And while some couples are total naturals in front of the camera, most of us (yes, I’m raising my hand too!) need a little guidance and practice before we catch on.

So… let me ask, very boldly: if you’ve never had your photo taken with your significant other before your wedding day, do you want to go in without EVER having practiced, on one of the biggest days of your life?

If you do, I give you major props, because you’re much braver than I was! Even as a wedding photographer, I was a little uneasy getting in front of the camera for my own engagement photos. But once I did – I slowly started catching on. I started to see what our photographer was looking to capture, and I learned how to play into those moments to get the best interactions possible with my now-husband! And let me tell you – we LOVE those photos and have many of them hanging up around our apartment, because they capture who we genuinely are.

On my wedding day, I was able to go into the day worrying less about one thing. I knew that we had practiced having our photo taken before and that we were total naturals (well, maybe not TOTAL naturals, but not too bad ;) ), so I knew we were going to get awesome photos the day of our wedding, too.

And that, my friends, is one pretty awesome reason to have engagement photos taken. But just to recap and add a few more points – engagement photos…

1. …allow you to test out your wedding photographer before the wedding day to see how they work (and to see their work!).
2.  …allow you to get more comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.
3. …give you some photos of you and your husband or wife-to-be in your everyday clothes, looking like yourselves, which are great for save the dates, bridal shower decorations, Christmas gifts, wedding décor – the list is endless!
4. …give you an excuse to have a date night. Planning a wedding can be CRAZY. Trust me, I understand – I planned mine while I was starting a business, going to school full time, and working part-time! But the day of our engagement photos, my now-husband and I were able to relax and just enjoy being in the presence of each others company without worrying about anything else.

So really – what you are you waiting for?! Schedule that session today! And if you’re looking for a local Pittsburgh engagement photographer, I’d love to talk with you to hear more about you and your fiancé!

Gail + Jake: River Forest Country Club Wedding Photos

What to say about these two! Gail and Jake are an incredibly sweet couple who were both SO excited to finally tie the knot after many years of dating (and lots more years of knowing each other!). These two basically grew up together, but only started dating a few years ago. For their wedding, they decided to incorporate sunflowers (Gail's favorite flower) in honor of the sunflowers that Jake planted for Gail when they first started dating! I mean, come on - how much sweeter does it get?!

Because I wanted Gail's details to be a sunflower explosion, I purchased just a couple more sunflowers to use alongside her invitation suite and jewelry to make her details really pop! She also had the most beautiful pair of yellow heels to accent her sunflower and gray color scheme. I was in detail heaven!

In addition to gorgeous details, Gail and Jake were married in the church where Gail's grandparents AND parents were married. We recreated a couple of photos from her parent's and grandparent's wedding album, and then put our own twist for some new ones (PS - I love a bride and groom who are willing to lay on the floor for the perfect shot!!). I just love how much these two focused on the legacy of love that came before them. They even decorated the mantle behind their sweetheart table with wedding photos from generations past in their family - cue the happy tears!

All in all, Gail and Jake's wedding day was full of love, focused on family, and TONS of cookies (with a super robust cookie table averaging about 30 cookies per person!!). We are so excited for you both as you head into this next adventure, Jake and Gail! Thank you so much for allowing us to document your beautiful day and the start of your lives together!

Vendors:

Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal

Band/DJ: David McCollough

Flowers: Leechburg Floral

Cake/Desserts: Fenogliettos

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Suzy + Tim: Hyeholde Restaurant Wedding Photos

Suzy and Tim's intimate Hyeholde Restaurant wedding featured the cutest wedding party (full of ring bearers and flower girls!) along with a beautiful, light summer color scheme of lavender and peach. Suzy and Tim have been together for a couple of years and decided that a wedding surrounded by their closest friends and family would be the perfect way to celebrate their love and their new adventure together - and we were so honored to be a part of it! Check out a few favorites from their wedding day below!