I have a confession: I disliked planning my own wedding. Granted, the year we got married I was finishing my last year of undergrad with a double major, working part-time, building a business, and holding down an internship (while I slowly drove myself insane). I thought planning would be all cookies and taste testings, but for someone who isn't the best decision-maker on the planet (raise your hand if you can relate 🙋) , wedding planning turned into a constant wearing down of my patience. One decision after another - flowers, seating charts, tuxes, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, hair, makeup - the list went on and on, and sometimes it felt completely endless. Maybe you're in the same boat.
I remember complaining about all of the decisions I had to someone, and then it struck me: the only decision that REALLY matters at all is the decision I've already made: to marry Nick. The toughest, most important one was already done. And somehow, that one realization brought so much peace into my life, not because it made any of the other decisions go away, but because it shrunk down the importance of any other decision I WOULD make from then on out when it came to anything wedding related.
So if you're a bride and you're in a similar season, remember: your choice of venue, direction of details, and even your appearance on the day of your wedding all pales in comparison to the man you've chosen to spend the rest of your life loving, serving, and respecting.
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Weddings
One thing I hear most from people when talking about wedding photography is their fear of choosing vendors who care only about booking more jobs, not about the couple themselves. But I truly believe that couples deserve more than just a vendor - they deserve a friend and encourager who can come alongside them before, during, and after the wedding planning process - not just on the day of!
"Jenna is absolutely AMAZING. I can't imagine any aspect of my wedding without her. From the minute I found her, to meeting with her in person, to our engagement photos, to my endless emails and her very speedy, friendly, knowledgeable responses, to her meeting me at a local coffee shop and helping me create a wedding day timeline, to my wedding day itself. Also, can we just take a minute to go back to that day at the coffee shop when Jenna met with me? Yes, this wonderful, talented photographer took an hour and a half out of her extremely busy schedule to buy me coffee and help me create a detailed wedding day timeline. Jenna is the most genuine, thoughtful, positive person. Her passion for both photography and people is very apparent. It was a true joy working with her and her husband, Nick. My husband and I consider ourselves very lucky and blessed that they captured so many special moments for us. I would hire her again in a heartbeat. We're so grateful for everything, Jenna and Nick! We truly can't thank you enough." - Lyndsay, 2017 Bride
You know what's amazing? When people aren't afraid of a little cold weather on their wedding day! Brittany and Jason eloped OUTSIDE on the North Shore of Pittsburgh in the dead of winter, which pretty much makes them my heroes. And let me tell you, it was AMAZING! I always feel so honored photographing elopements where I am one of the only witnesses. Afterwards, we spent a couple of hours around the North Shore, Point State Park, and Market Square taking photos, taking a pit stop at The Foundry Table & Tap for a champagne toast!
I really can't even begin to say enough good things about these two. By the end of our session, they felt like old friends who we had known them for years (even though we just met them that day!). Congratulations, Brittany and Jason! You two are truly something special - thank you so much for the honor of capturing these memories for you!
Ceremony by: Integral Weddings
Shelter from the Cold: The Foundry Table & Tap































If you've worked with me (or have seen my work!) you can probably guess that I LOVE photographing bridal wedding details! And this year I photographed some absolutely STUNNING bridal details with a variety of different color palettes and themes! I love how styled detail photos can pull a whole wedding gallery together - so without further ado, here are a few of my favorite bridal details from 2017 weddings!
A Pennsylvania late-November wedding can sometimes take a turn for the worst in regards to weather, but Katie and Nate's November day is what every couple prays and hopes for! Katie and Nate tied the knot at Westminster College (where they met!) in Wallace Memorial chapel on a beautifully sunny day. They incorporated SO MANY personal details into their wedding day, from the flowers to the cocktail hour food! Some of my personal favorite details include:
- Flowers by her uncle, who just so happens to be a florist!
- Photos in front of the residence hall (Shaw) where they first met (adorable)!
- Nate (the groom) wore his grandfather's cuff links and watch.
- Katie wrapped a piece of her childhood blanket around her floral bouquet.
- Each groomsman had his favorite sports team on his socks!
- The kielbasa at the reception was made by Nate’s family and the applesauce is Katie’s grandfather’s recipe.
- Nate knew from the first time he tasted the pepperoni rolls Katie made him while watching a Steeler game together, that he was in trouble - they were served during the cocktail hour!
All parts of their wedding day were absolutely beautiful and so heartfelt! Congratulations on your marriage, Katie and Nate! We were so honored to be a part of your day!





















































Vendors:
Ceremony: Wallace Memorial Chapel (Westminster College)
Reception: Palermo Center
Getting Ready Location: The Jacqueline House
Bride's Dress: Morilee
Bridesmaid Dresses: Morilee
Hair & Makeup: Rebecca's Salon
Tuxes/Suites: Joseph A. Bank
DJ: Andy Borts
Flowers: Mike Zimmerman (bride's uncle!)
Caterer: Monica's Catering
Cake: Jessica Kennedy
Desserts: Hermitage Bakery & Garder Pie Company
Videographer: Peter Chace
Honeymoon: Sunday Night Football - Steelers vs. Packers
Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography
You might remember Amy and Mike from their sweet summer engagement session at Phipp's Conservatory earlier this year, but if you don't, you can check it out here! Amy and Mike tied the knot on a rainy November day, but these two were so focused on the joy of the day that it seems they barely noticed! (Also - there were LOTS of great little nooks that hid us from the rain around Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian!)
These two had an intimate first look before their wedding ceremony between just the two of them, then a ceremony at the church and a reception at Cool Springs Banquet Hall! Every part of their day was infused with joy and love, not to mention tons of cookies and dancing! Congratulations on your marriage, Amy and Mike! It was an honor to be a part of your day!















































Vendors:
Bride’s Dress: The Winner
Hair and Makeup for the Bride: (cousin of the bride) Alyssa Stipanovich
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Ceremony: Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Reception: Cool Springs Banquet Hall
Band/DJ: Carroll DJ Services
Flowers: Donati Florist
Caterer: Ches Anthony
Cake/Desserts: Bethel Bakery
Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography
Second Photographer: Sara Dinwiddie
It's no secret that one of the best parts of the wedding day to any photographer is the bride & groom portrait section of the day! Often times, that's when the magic happens and when we get to connect with our clients, giving them images to cherish for a lifetime together. This year's "Best of Wedding Couple Photos" from JHP includes photos from 25 different weddings, featuring 25 very different and wonderful couples in 4 different states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan)! I have been blessed by each and every couple who has given me the honor of being a part of their wedding day. Thank you for the incredible blessing of photographing one of the most important days of your lives!
And without further ado - here are a few of my favorites from this year!
This wedding is a killer venue combination - St. Bernard's Church in Mt. Lebanon paired with Phipp's Conservatory & Botanical Garden made for the most beautiful match for this true Pittsburgh wedding! As did Ashley and Rob, of course, who make such a sweet pair! Ashley and Rob actually found me through Ashley's mom, Elaine, who I used to serve weddings with at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township! For someone to trust me with their child's wedding photos is a HUGE honor, and one I don't take likely, so first I have to thank my sweet friend Elaine for the opportunity to document this incredible wedding day, and to Ashley and Rob for trusting me with their photos!
Ashley and Rob had a sweet, emotional first look, which allowed them to see each other and talk before the ceremony (first looks are always one of my favorite parts of a wedding day!). After a beautiful ceremony at St. Bernard's we headed right over to Phipp's Conservatory to catch the last of the evening light before cocktail hour and a reception with a classic Pittsburgh cookie table! Congratulations on your wedding and on your marriage, Ashley and Rob! Here's to many more years of happiness!
















































Vendors:
Ceremony: St. Bernard Catholic Church
Reception: Phipp's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung
Hair: Salon Vivace
Makeup: Salon Vivace
Tuxes: Jos. A. Bank
Band/DJ: 2nd II None
Flowers: Mt. Lebanon Floral Shop
Caterer: Sodexo Catering – Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Cake/Desserts: Bella Christie and Lil Z's Sweet Boutique
Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography
Honeymoon: Italy & Germany
These two epically celebrated their wedding by tying the knot in New York City surrounded by their closest friends and family, then came back to Pittsburgh to celebrate with extended family and even more friends! I was so honored to document part two of their wedding celebration in Pittsburgh at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in McCandless.
There were so many heartfelt details included in their wedding reception! My absolute FAVORITE thing about their reception was Victoria's surprise for her groom, Anthony. Anthony's friend from the Air Force was unable to make it to their NYC wedding, and as far as Anthony knew, unable to make it to their Pittsburgh Reception. But Victoria surprised Anthony by organizing a surprise homecoming - and his reaction was just the best!! It was a complete surprise - there was barely a dry eye in the room!
And of course, there's hardly a wedding that includes a dog in bridal portraits that I don't love!! Stella, Victoria's dog of nine years, made a guest appearance for photos, and she was just the sweetest thing.
Victoria and Anthony, it was an honor to photograph this reception for you! Thank you both for the incredible honor of capturing part two in your wedding story!



























Vendors:
Reception Venue: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography
Where to begin with these two?! I am beyond thankful for the time I was able to spend with Becca and Frank on their wedding day in October! They had one of the most BEAUTIFUL fall days of the entire year, and without a doubt, the bright sun matched their joyful love to a T!
Becca started out the day getting ready at her parents house in Cranberry Township, with Frank and the groomsmen getting ready at a nearby hotel. After, they both headed over to St. Ferdinand's Catholic Church for a ceremony, then we stopped at the Cranberry Township park for some photos with killer light, then headed over to the Camelot Banquet Hall in Warrendale for a reception full of dancing! I love the fact that everything took place within Cranberry Township - I know the area super well because those were my stomping grounds growing up (and let's be real, now too!).
One of my favorite parts of Becca and Frank's wedding day was during the ceremony. The priest mentioned that Becca and Frank's NFL football teams, the Saints and the Lions, were playing each other the very next day, which I thought was too amazing to be a coincidence! I always view those "coincidences" as little confirmations that what's happening is most certainly supposed to be.
Becca and Frank, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wedding day! It was truly an honor to take these images for you!




















































Vendors:
Bride’s Dress: Casablanca bought from Mary’s Bridal in Beaver Falls
Bride’s Shoes: Elegant Park (from Amazon)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff and Christina Wu (maids of honor)
Custom Invitation Suite: Paper by JLee
Hair: Profiles Salon
Makeup: Rachel Dadey (bridesmaid and amazing makeup artist!)
Tuxes: Top Hat Tuxedo in Fox Chapel
Ceremony Venue: St. Ferdinand's Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Camelot Banquet Hall
Band/DJ: Kevin Burkholder from First Class Entertainment
Flowers: All Occasion Silk Creations
Caterer: The Camelot Banquet Hall
Cake/Desserts: Lincoln Bakery
Honeymoon: Disney World
Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography
Second Shooter: Ashley McLaughlin Photography