Katie + Shane: Vibrant Fall Laube Hall Wedding

If there’s one thing that we can be certain about when it comes to weather in Pittsburgh, it’s that you really can never EVER know what to expect. The week of Katie and Shane’s wedding, the weather was all over the place! At some points, it wasn’t supposed to rain at all. At others, it was supposed to be a complete rain out. And while it did end up being quite rainy throughout their wedding day, that most definitely did not dampen any part of their day - including their amazing, upbeat attitudes throughout the entire thing!

Shane and Katie met at Westminster College in the fall of 2010 and were friends for quite a few years before their first date in 2016. They got engaged in January of 2018, and officially said “I do” near the end of October in 2019 at Laube Hall in Freeport, PA. Their ceremony space was cozy and beautifully decorated, with string lights spanning the entirety of the covered patio area. It was so dreamy, as were all of Katie’s thoughtfully curated bridal details. She even brought me a vintage tray/mirror that complimented all of her details just perfectly! 😍

Katie and Shane, thank you for the immense honor of documenting your wedding day! You two, your friends, and your family were so kind and made us feel like a part of the family. We are so thankful to know you both!! 💛

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Vendors: Laube Hall, Leechburg Floral, Connor Hochbein (videographer), Oakmont Bakery, Brian Barberi (DJ), Allison Renock (makeup), Headlines by Jackie (hair), Bridal Beginning (bride’s dress by Justin Alexander; bridesmaid dresses by Watters), A Grand Affair Catering, EF Lighting, Steve Ehrlich String Quartet

HD + Jeff: Pittsburgh Grand Concourse Wedding Photos

I’m not sure HD and Jeff could’ve asked for a more perfect fall day for their Grand Concourse wedding. Not too cold, not too hot - beautiful and bright! Oh, and what a joy they were to celebrate with from beginning to end!

If you’ve never been to the Grand Concourse in Station Square (and you live in Pittsburgh), you simply must check it out! A few weeks before their wedding, I stopped by to have a look around the train station turned restaurant (and wedding space!) for the first time ever - and couldn’t help but stand in awe of such a spectacular, historic building! The Grand Concourse has been on my wedding photography bucket list for some time, so getting to finally photograph a wedding here was a dream come true!!

HD and Jeff opted for a first look before their wedding ceremony, which worked out perfectly and allowed us to have more than enough time for photos in daylight prior to their sunset 6:15PM ceremony! After their first look, we headed over to Point State Park (after stopping for a snack at Subway! 😉) for some bridal party and bride & groom portraits!

My (personal!) favorite part of their entire wedding day took place during their ceremony. Have you heard of a traditional unity candle ceremony, or a sand pouring ceremony? Well, a few weeks before the wedding, HD told me that in lieu of a candle or sand ceremony, they would be having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich unity ceremony. And it was literally the best thing EVER! The mother of the bride and mother of the groom had absolutely no idea, so when they came up to “unveil” the ingredients out of their coverings, their reactions were priceless! HD and Jeff even took a bite of the sandwich together to symbolize their unity. It was amazing! (And Mark DeNuzzio, their officiant, was the best person for such a fun unity ceremony!)

Besides the unity sandwich, HD and Jeff had other fun elements mixed in their day, including adorable signage featuring their pup, Zelda, and a cookie table for DOGS, where dog owners could take a treat home for their pet, as well as fresh made donuts, featuring the Grand Concourse’s famous donut maker!

All in all, their day was magical and so much fun from start to finish. HD and Jeff, it was such an incredible honor to be a part of your wedding day! Thank you so, so much for letting us celebrate with you and capture the story of your love!

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Vendors: The Grand Concourse, Bella Sposa Bridal (Bride’s dress), Bridal Beginning (Bridesmaid dresses), Philip Pelusi in the South Side (hair & makeup), Steven Vance Entertainment (Violinist, DJ), Cakes by Tammy, Only by Invite (Invitations), A Simple Vow (Mark A. DeNuzzio, Officiant), Alex’s East End Floral Shoppe, Lux Photobooth, Jenna Hidinger Photography (Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer)

Alyssa & Ben: Vibrant Autumn Shady Elms Farm Wedding

Alyssa & Ben first met in December of 2016, but didn’t start dating each other exclusively until New Years Day, 2017 - the perfect day to start something new 💛Shortly after they started dating, they just “clicked,” and, a few months into 2018, Ben popped the question while the pair was on a trip to Tennessee!

Though they currently live in Florida, Alyssa & Ben came back up to Pittsburgh to exchange I do’s and celebrate their wedding day with their friends and family! Personally, I think there are few better places than Shady Elms Farm for couples who want a laid back, family-oriented wedding day. And Shady Elms Farm definitely delivered for this incredible couple!

Alyssa & Ben, I am SO thankful to have been a part of your wedding day. You two are a picture of kindness and are so comfortable to be around. Congratulations again on your marriage! 🎉

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Vendors: Shady Elms Farm (Ceremony, Reception, Florals), Bethel Bakery (Cake), Michael Thomas Entertainment (DJ), Styld Hair Salon (Hair & Makeup), PW Catering, Zazzle (Invitations)

Krista & Brent: Early Fall Wedding at The Pennsylvanian

Krista and Brent’s wedding took place late September at one of my all time favorite Pittsburgh venues: the Pennsylvanian! From its naturally lit Rotunda ceremony space to its indoor Grand Hall, every space the Pennsylvanian offers to couples is spectacular in every way (and, fun fact, used to be a part of Pittsburgh’s Penn Station, and, per their website is “considered one of the great pieces of Beaux-Arts architecture in America”). If you live in Pittsburgh and have never visited the Pennsylvanian before, you must check it out for yourself!

Krista and Brent were introduced by their former roommates, specifically when IU was playing UNC in the Sweet 16 a few years ago! Though neither lived in Pittsburgh at the time, Krista says that a trip back to Pittsburgh (when she met Brent’s family for the first time) is when she knew Brent was “the one!” so of course (after they got engaged!) they decided that Pittsburgh was the perfect location to officially tie the knot!

One of my absolute favorite touches from Krista and Brent’s ceremony was the location of their ceremony under the outdoor Rotunda. The Rotunda has four large pillars, each with a different name of a city at the top. Krista and Brent chose to say their vows underneath the pillar that reads “Chicago,” which is where they currently live - talk about perfect!!!

Congratulations, Krista and Brent! It was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day - I hope these photos continue to remind you of this epic day and of the vows you made to each other for many, many, many years to come! 💛

Vendors: The Pennsylvanian (Ceremony & Reception), The Farmer’s Daughter (Floral Arrangements), Jeremy Ganss Productions (DJ), Beauty by Joy (Makeup), Hair by Kara Burnell, Marie Gabriel (Bride’s Dress), Adrianna Papell (Bridesmaid Dresses), Rania's Catering

Kellie + Adam: J. Verno Studios Wedding Photos

It all started when Kellie, while on a walk with her son, asked Adam if she could pet his dog. Later, Kellie found a note on her car with Adam's number on it, one thing led to another, and at the end of August, Kellie and Adam officially tied the knot at J Verno Studio in a destination here in Pittsburgh, PA!

Oh, and Adam's dog, Kimber, served as the "best dog" for their wedding day  🐶 Talk about the perfect role for the pup that brought them together in the first place!

You’ll also see quite a hilarious “fake” first look in the photos below, which was absolutely hilarious and so much fun to photograph!

All in all, we had the very best time hanging out with these two and their incredible friends and family! Congratulations to you and your sweet family, Kellie & Adam! It was such an honor to be a part of your day! 🎉

Vendors: J. Verno Studios, Plush Salon and Spa, Bistro To Go Café & Catering, Today's Bride and Formal Wear

Molly + Ryan: Shady Elms Farm Wedding Photos

Molly and Ryan are a Pittsburgh sports loving, family-oriented couple who had the most beautiful wedding day at Shady Elms Farm in early August!

After these two got engaged on the front steps of Molly’s parents’ house on Thanksgiving day of 2018, they planned their wedding in less than a year (which, nowadays, is a huge feat!) and made sure to keep the day focused on what really matters: their relationship, along the new beginning of their life together, and their family, who they treasure and admire so much (and it’s so easy to see why!).

What I found most intriguing about working with Molly and Ryan was how different, yet perfect they are for each other. Molly’s free-spirited, bubbly personality, perfectly balances Ryan’s sincere, analytical, and organized approach to life (his minute-by-minute wedding day timeline spreadsheet was a big hit in the wedding day toasts!!). They truly make the perfect pair, and it was such an honor to be a part of their day! 💛 Congratulations on your marriage, Molly and Ryan!!

VENDORS: Shady Elms Farm (ceremony, reception, flowers), My Bakeress (Cake), Fireside Events (DJ), Fluhme Glam Bar (makeup & hair), Bridal Beginnings (bride’s dress), BHLDN (bridesmaid dresses), Minted (invitations), PW Catering, Rosemary Ardner (violinist), Graham Standish (minister), Jenna Hidinger Photography (Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer)

Becca + Dino: Duquesne University Power Center Wedding Photos

Becca and Dino's summery, light blue and blush romantic wedding day was something out of a fairytale (and not just because her dress had some serious Beauty & the Beast vibes 💛). Their Mexican-Catholic wedding ceremony took place at the very place where they met - Duquesne University, followed by a reception in the Duquesne University Power Center, overlooking campus and the city. They had so many incredible details, including Becca’s bouquet, which was wrapped in a sleeve from her mother’s wedding gown with her rosary beads wrapped around the stems, as well as Mexican wedding traditions, including the placing of a double rosary (or Lasso) over their shoulders during the ceremony, as well as the exchange of 13 gold coins (or Arras). Not to mention their epic maraca exit at the end of the evening where they danced their hearts out as they left the party as husband and wife!

I couldn’t begin to speak more highly of these two and their incredible friends and family - I’ve been counting down to their wedding since their engagement session a little over a year ago, and it was even more incredible than I thought it would be!!

Congratulations on your wedding day and on your marriage, Becca & Dino! We are so thankful to have been a part of your beautiful day!! 💕

VENDORS: Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh (Getting Ready), Duquesne University Power Center (Reception), Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Duquesne University (Ceremony), See Jane Blush (Makeup), Captured Memories by Allison (Videographer), Blossoms by Jilliann (Florist), Prantl’s Bakery (Cake), DJ Crush, Tiffany Crissman (Hair), This Magic Moment Bridal Studio: Maggie Sottero (Bride’s Dress), Bridal Beginnings (Bridesmaid Dresses), Men’s Wearhouse (Men’s Wear), Parkhurst Catering, Lendable Linens, Elegant Events by Andrea (Chair Rentals), Father Nathanael (bride’s Uncle) and Father Zaccagnini (Priests), Sasha Cardenas (Violinist, groom’s cousin), Aaron Sproul (organist), Jakob Hayes (Cantor), Lux Photobooth, Soiree Partners and Dreadnought Wines (Alcohol), Pittsburgh Trolley Works (Transportation), Jenna Hidinger Photography (Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer)

Tamra & Chad: The Grand Estate at Hidden Acres Wedding Photos

Chad and Tamra’s summer pink and navy wedding took place at the Grand Estate at Hidden Acres on one of the most beautiful, summer July days! These two Office loving, dog parents had one of the most FUN wedding days we’ve seen from beginning to end!

Some of my favorite details included some subtle Office details - like the signature drinks, named after two main characters in the show, Jim & Pam - and the entrance into their reception, which was taken from Jim & Pam’s wedding (in the show)! Not to mention the beautiful invitation suite & signage, designed by the groom himself!

Chad and Tamra, it was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day! I hope these photos serve you well for many years to come! 💛

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Vendors: The Grand Estate at Hidden Acres (Ceremony & Reception), Posies by Patti (Florist), Debi Maker (Makeup), Cheri Parise from Profiles Salon (Hair), Sorelle Bridal (Bride’s Dress), Oakmont Bakery (Cake), DJ Steve Maffei Jr., Nate Cully (Ceremony Music, Violin), Chad Parise (Invitations), David’s Bridal (Bridesmaid Dresses), Men’s Warehouse (Menswear), Hoffstot's Café Monaco (Caterer), Classic Tent Rentals (Linens & Ceremony Decor), Adorkable Weddings (Officiant)

Alyssa & Billy: Bella Sera Wedding Photos

Alyssa and Billy met on the University of Pittburgh’s campus in January of 2014, and during a trip to Vegas in November of 2017, Billy asked Alyssa to spend the rest of her life with him - and in June of 2019, they finally said “I do” on one of the most beautiful Pittsburgh days!

From the very first phone call I had with Alyssa, I knew these two were an incredible pair. Both Alyssa and Billy are the type of people who you immediately feel comfortable with - you know, the ones that are so kind and who go out of their way to make sure everyone around them feels like an old friend! So, as you can imagine, their wedding day was a dream! Their friends and family made us feel like a part of the family, and we had the pleasure of working with an incredible vendor team that kept the whole day running ahead of schedule (which is no easy feat on a wedding day!).

Alyssa and Billy, it was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day. Wishing you two all of the very best as you start your married lives together! 💛

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VENDORS:

Planner - Shayla Hawkins Events, Ceremony - St. James Church Sewickley, Reception - Bella Sera Event Villa, Videographer - Traveling Heart Productions, Florist - greenSinner, Cake - Bethel Bakery, Violinist - Steve Vance Entertainment, Makeup Artist - Jae Lee Paredes, DJ - mobileMIX, Hair - Alora Salon, Bride’s Ceremony Dress - Bridal Beginning, Bride’s Reception Dress - Sorelle Bridal, Bridesmaid Dresses - Bridal Beginning (Dessy Dresses), Menswear - Men's Warehouse Rentals, Invitations - Ink & Ivory (Kaitlin Sockman), Rentals - All Occasion Party Rentals, Linens - MOSAIC, Lighting - EF Lighting

Valerie & Matt: NOAH's Event Venue Cranberry Township Wedding

When two graphic designers decide to get married, you better believe it’s going to be one absolutely gorgeous celebration - and Val and Matt’s wedding did not disappoint (hence the detail overload that you’ll see below!! 🙈) Val and Matt’s day featured shades of emerald, hunter green, champagne, merlot, and touches of brighter pink with lots of florals alongside varied metals and industrial elements (including cement blocks and hand-poured cement hearts, made by the bride!). Their entire day took place at NOAH’S Event Venue in Cranberry Township, PA, which served as a lovely backdrop for their soft/romantic meets industrial vision.

Of course, being graphic designers, Val and Matt designed their invitations together, which was one of my favorite details of their day! Another favorite detail was their ceremony, which included a unique element that I hadn’t seen at a wedding ceremony before. Val and Matt had an “Oathing Stone Ceremony,” where they each held a stone in their hand while saying their vows. Originally practiced in Scotland, the Scottish believed that a vow given near a stone or water was more binding. Over the years, this ceremony has evolved from seeking out a stone or water to the wedding couple physically holding a stone in their hand while saying their vows. Some think this is where the saying “set in stone” originated from.

Val and Matt, thank you for the incredible honor of being a part of your wedding day. It’s so easy to see how much you two love each other, and how loved you are by your friends and family! Congratulations on a beautiful wedding day and on your marriage! 💛

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: NOAH’s Event Venue in Cranberry Township, PA

Florist: The Farmer’s Daughter

Cake: Bev at Tasty Bakery

DJ: Chad Burner & Brandon Flannery

Makeup: Antonette Medved

Hair: Katrine Cahill

Bride’s Gown: Exquisite Bride

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Menswear: Top Hat Tuxedo

Caterer: Bistro to Go

Ceremony Violin: Steve Vance Entertainment

Officiant: Weddings Without Worry

Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography