Emily & Jared: The Atrium (Butler) Winter Wedding Photos

Ah, my first wedding blog of 2020! 🎉 It feels good to be back! And truly, I couldn’t think of a better couple to kick it off with. Emily and Jared were married at the end of February at the Atrium in Butler on one of the most beautiful February, Pittsburgh days I could’ve imagined. The skies were blue, the temperature was unseasonably warm, and there were just so many things about this wedding and this couple that made my wedding-loving heart so full!

An important (yet not defining) piece of this wedding day story: Emily and Jared were displaced from their wedding venue nearly two weeks before they were to exchange “I do’s.” They were slated to get married at another venue, which was shut down due to bankruptcy. There are so many reasons why Emily and Jared could’ve been upset, why they could’ve let it ruin their wedding day, but they did not. To them, the important thing was that they were getting MARRIED! Not even a bankrupt wedding venue could spoil their joy - and, let me tell you, there was so much joy on their wedding day.

We started out the day at Emily’s parents’ beautiful home for getting ready photos, then headed off to the Atrium. Emily wore a necklace Jared had given her, featuring blue gems from his grandmother’s engagement ring. The first event upon arriving was a first look between Emily and her dad in the ceremony space, right in front of the wooden cross he made for her and Jared to exchange their vows in front of. It was hard to imagine a better spot!

The ceremony took place in the greenhouse-turned-ceremony-space at the Atrium, and that room has THE most beautiful, natural light. I could’ve shot all day in there! They were gifted some Chick-fil-A goodies during the ceremony, too, which was a fun twist to a traditional wedding ceremony! Photos below ;)

The rest of the day went how most weddings do: photos, ceremony, reception, exit. But something special happened during the reception: Jared played and sang a song he wrote just for Emily, just for that very moment (click here to listen!). It was a beautiful moment, with few dry eyes throughout the crowd!

What I love most about this wedding day was this: it was extremely, incomprehensibly apparent that these two love each other beyond measure - that they were focused on each other, being joined before God, and that THAT is what truly mattered when it came to this day. Don’t get me wrong - this was one beautifully designed and coordinated day, but the physical beauty of the day in no way took over the most important piece as focus: the marriage. And that is what I’ll continue to pray for each and every one of my couples: that they will have a marriage and a relationship far more beautiful than their wedding day, and that they will never let the obstacles leading up to their wedding day take the place of what truly matters.

I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite images from their wedding day below!

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Vendors: The Atrium (Ceremony & Reception Venue), Laura Theme (Wedding Planner, greenery, archway), Posies by Patti (bouquets & boutonnières), 2ND II NONE PRODUCTIONS, Sorelle Bridal Salon, Bistro To Go Café & Catering, Eventioneers Event Rentals

The White Barn (Prospect, PA): Favorite Pittsburgh Wedding Venues

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE

In this venue feature, I’m excited to introduce you to one of my all-time favorite venues: The White Barn (in Prospect, PA)! This venue is especially special to me because it’s actually where my husband and I got married in August of 2015! 💕 It is SO fun to know the venue so well, not just from a vendor/photographer perspective, but from a bride’s perspective, too!

In this venue highlight, I hope to share some of my favorite attributes of the White Barn when it comes specifically to photos – mainly, why I love shooting there, how picturesque the venue is from a photographer’s point of view, and how rain could affect your wedding photos here! My hope is to help you see the potential of this wedding venue (specifically from a photography perspective) so you can ensure that your photos will be gorgeous!

PICTURESQUE

One of the things I love most about the White Barn is the wide variety of opportunity for tons of different types of portraits! The barn itself is a beautiful backdrop - the white paneling makes for clean, bright photos! The area behind the barn (the ceremony space, pond, and field) also provide ample variety for tons of beautiful photo ops! If you’re brave, you could even use their row boat to get some portraits on the lake! (I’d recommend doing this post-ceremony, though, just in case 😉). I’ve included a few of my favorite spots for portraits below!

RAIN PLAN

• Ceremony: One thing that sold the White Barn to me as a bride was that everything could be done inside, if needed. Typically, ceremonies at the White Barn are held behind the barn, in front of the pond, but if it’s too cold, too hot, or too windy or rainy, the ceremony can easily be held indoors in the same space as the reception.

• Portraits: As far as a rain plan for portraits at the White Barn goes, there are a few different options that provide great coverage! On the back and lower level of the barn, there is an overhang area with natural light and a white backdrop that could work in the case of rain! The ceremony space arbor is also covered and could shield people from the rain (while also having some natural light to work with!), while still getting an outdoor “look.” And, if the reception space is clear of guests, the interior of the barn could be used for portraits, too! (Below are a few sample images of potential rain spots! From left to right: (1) the covered ceremony arbor, (2) the inside of the reception space, and (3 + 4) the covered area on the lower level back of the barn).

OTHER MENTIONABLES

When I was a bride here back in August of 2015, one of the non negotiable items when choosing where to have our ceremony and reception was that everything had to happen on the same property. I wanted to get ready where my ceremony and reception would be because I had seen from photographing weddings how much more at ease my couples were when everything happened in the same place! No need to worry about driving from one place to the next, losing people in traffic or being late, because everything was right in the same place! That is yet another reason why I LOVE White Barn. The bride, groom, and entire bridal party can all get ready ON property, then just walk outside to the ceremony and into the barn for the reception. Talk about convenient!

If you are a bride who is looking into the White Barn as a potential wedding venue, I would love to chat with you more! Feel free to email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com with any questions you might have!

FEATURED WHITE BARN WEDDING IMAGES

WANT TO SEE MORE WHITE BARN WEDDINGS?

Look no further than the links below!

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JHP Wedding Photo Highlights 2019

All I can say is WOW! Another wedding season is in the books, and boy was it an absolutely AMAZING one!!! This year, my first wedding of the year was the very first week of January, with a long break for a few months before starting back up in April and going through the end of October!

This was the first year I put a cap on the number of weddings I took, clocking in at a max of 21! Truthfully, with the 70 other portrait-style sessions I took this year, putting a cap on the number of weddings I took allowed me to really focus in on each one and give each couple my full attention and creativity on their big day!

Below, I’ve put together a loooong blog post of some of my favorite photos and moments from each of the weddings I photographed this year, starting with my last wedding, and ending with my first.

But first, to each and every couple (including their family and friends!) who gave me the honor of documenting their day: thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting me with the immense honor and privilege of photographing your wedding day! It was my absolute privilege to come alongside you and serve you during your day. There is no shortage of amazingly talented photographers in the Pittsburgh area, and the fact that you put your trust in me blows my mind. Every one of you is an answer to prayer, and I praise God for our time together! Thank you, thank you, thank you! 💛

Without further ado, some of my favorite wedding moments from 2019. All glory to God for these moments and for these beautiful people and their life-long commitments to each other!

If you’re looking for more information about wedding packages or would like to inquire for a specific wedding date, visit my pricing page here, and my contact page here!

Let me let you in on a little secret: it rained Katie and Shane’s ENTIRE wedding day, but that did not stop us from getting some epic portraits!

Katie brought me this absolutely GORGEOUS tray to style with her details. I was in detail heaven!!!

Quite possibly the best natural light I’ve ever had in a getting ready space! I could shoot here every weekend!

This was their ceremony space 😍

Bright and colorful weddings are always some of my favorites! Alyssa and Ben had THE most beautiful details. Bouquet is by Shady Elms Farm!

They had the most beautiful, glowy light for portraits, too!

Possibly one of my favorite first looks to date! Nick and I cleared this ENTIRE balcony of tables and chairs after realizing that the spot we had originally planned for HD and Jeff’s first look was being used in a race where 2,000 people were going to run through 😂

HD’s sisters were here bridesmaids! 💕 They were just the sweetest!!!

We snagged this shot right before the ceremony. The light was just too perfect!

It was HOT in this room, but it was so worth it for Kayla and Donny’s portraits!

The sweetest father daughter first look, ever. I cried.

Thankful these two let us steal them away for some epic night shots!

We lucked out and the bridge was closed on Krista and Brent’s wedding day! 🎉

The most beautiful ceremony space in all of Pittsburgh. I’m convinced.

This shot is a MUST if you have a wedding at the Pennsylvanian! So thankful that these two made this a priority!

When a rug makes the perfect backdrop for the invitation suite 😍

The getting ready space at Shady Elms Farm is just too beautiful!

A fake first look with the best man!

Ohhhh these two were naturals! 😍

The Grand Estate at Hidden Acres has THE most picturesque staircase!

How absolutely perfect is this bridal party? And these colors?!

One of the most fun exits from any reception ever!

It rained and it poured for this wedding day - but epic photos were still made! 🎉 And these two had the best attitudes about it all!

Literally can’t get over this wedding. It was too beautiful!

White Barn coming in clutch with some clean backdrops!

I am so thankful that these two trusted me - they jumped in fields and walked all over the White Barn’s property to find the best light and locations! Cait and Brian, you two are champs!!

The couple who eats tacos together, stays together 💕

My second shooter took this shot and it’s one of my favorites from Val and Matt’s day! (Photo cred to my husband, Nick!)

Megan brought me this tray for her details and I almost cried tears of joy when I saw it!

Um HELLO! Megan you are stunning!

Loved getting to play with perspective here!

We adore these two! 💕

We had the best day ever with these two fellow Disney lovers! 😍

And they had a fun visitor at their reception!

Photos in the museum with the dinosaurs - a fun challenge!

Becca with the perfect veil hold!

The sweetest downtown courthouse elopement 💕

And last but not least, a January wedding with one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen!

And some of the most beautiful details!

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)