Amy & Anthony: Indiana, PA Wedding Photos

Possibly the most popular wedding date of the year (or of the decade?!), 10.10.20 was a date many couples planned years for - including Amy & Anthony. And while their wedding may have looked a bit different than what they had originally planned, these two had all of the joy you would expect on a wedding day (and more!) - even through some unexpected twists and turns.

These two met at IUP, so it was only fitting that they shared a “first look” on campus, specifically at IUP’s Oak Grove! And, lucky for us, we found the most beautiful spot with so many beautiful fall colors! 😍

After a ceremony at the school’s University Parish, then a cocktail hour at Anthony’s parent’s home, we visited Grandpa at his nursing home, who was unable to make the wedding due to Covid restrictions. Their visit was so sweet, and was definitely one of my favorite parts of their wedding day!

Following Grandpa’s visit, we headed over to Nap’s Cucina Mia for their intimate open air reception. Though we didn’t stay for the reception due to pandemic restrictions, we had so much fun photographing all of Amy & Anthony’s details before their guests arrived, including some Spanish-themed items, reflective of Amy’s love for teaching Spanish!

Amy & Anthony, I am so thankful for you two! Wishing you all of the best as you begin your married lives together - and I am SO excited to get to celebrate you AGAIN next year!!!!

Vendors: Jodi of White Lace Design (Invitations), Heather at University Stylists (Hair Stylist), Bella Spa and Beauty (Makeup), St. Thomas More University Parish (Reception), Nap's Cucina Mia (Reception), Flower Gallery and Balloons of Indiana (Florals), Jenna Hidinger Photography (Photographer)

Brett & Colleen's Epic Early Fall Wedding Day

This was an EPIC wedding day from start to finish.

Brett & Colleen tied the knot late September in one of the most beautiful, unique wedding days I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of! Every piece of this wedding day was thoughtfully planned to dazzle guests, and create an atmosphere filled with whimsical details and unexpected surprises.

From the photos below, you probably couldn’t even guess that Brett & Colleen were forced to moved their wedding reception to a private estate in Sewickley just months before their date, due to Covid. MANY of their original plans changed - then changed again. But these two never lost heart! While Colleen pushed forward in her intensive medical program, Brett took the reigns with planning and simply gave Colleen the (fun!) job of finding a dress, and showing up the day of - then to simply enjoy the magic of their wedding day! And if you’ve ever been a bride, you know what a gift something like that would be!

What stands out to me most about these two is the fact that they never let the “dazzle” of their day outshine their love for each other. It’s easy to get lost in the glitz and glamour of a wedding day - but, truly, these two were able to focus on each other and enjoy their day, very much thanks to all of Brett’s planning, and to the team of professionals below.

Brett & Colleen, we are SO THANKFUL to have been a part of your wedding day. What a blessing it was to celebrate with you both!

Vendors: All in Good Taste Productions (Caterer, Planner, Forist, Cake Artist), St. Mary’s Sharpsburg (Church), Dorosh Documentaries (Videographer), Modern Era Weddings (DJ), Marie Michlot (Makeup), Katrina Kahill (Hair), Luna Boutiqe by Daalarna Couture (Bride’s Dress), BHLDN (Bridesmaid Dresses), Surmesur (Menswear), Nota Bene (Invitations), Party Savvy

Lauren & Nick: Southpointe Golf Club Wedding Photos

Plans changed, but love remains the same ❤️

Congratulations to Lauren & Nick on their absolutely stunning wedding day back in September! From getting ready in their newly purchased home to a reception at the nearby golf club, Lauren & Nick's day was personal, light hearted, & full of joy the whole way through! I’m so excited to share a few of my favorites from their stunning wedding day!

Vendors: Bridal Beginning Pittsburgh, Southpointe Golf Club, ShoFilms, Glam To Go, Wenning Entertainment, Fields of Heather Floral & Gift Shop, Antonette Medved Makeup, and a huge thanks to Taylor Dymond for second shooting!

Rebecca & Anthony: Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh Wedding

I always feel grateful for the weddings I get to photograph - but this year, more than ever, I feel grateful to still have weddings to photograph, despite everything going on in the world right now!

Rebecca & Anthony downsized their wedding from their original plans, but much of the format remained the same: they were still able to say their vows in the church they had planned and have photos with the Pittsburgh skyline in the background, followed by a small reception for their family & bridal party at the Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh! It was sweet, intimate, and full of lots of joy and laughter.

Rebecca & Anthony, thank you a million times for having me document your wedding day! It was an honor to witness the beginning of your marriage!

Vendors: Church of Epiphany, Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh, TYL Video, One Happy Floral Shop, Bethel Bakery, See Jane Blush, Hair by Wendy Vario, Sorelle’s Bridal Salon (Bride’s Dress)

Sam & Brian: The Fez Wedding Photos

I am so thankful to have been a part of this wedding day.

Like many couples getting married this year, Sam and Brian were unsure what would happen in the months leading up to their wedding day. But, very thankfully, they were able to get married on their original date and have their wedding day, surrounded by friends and family!

Sam and I grew up on the same street, just a few houses down from each other - when she was a senior, I even took her senior portraits (back in 2014)! She just so happens to be the first senior of mine who’s wedding I’ve also had the privilege to photograph (I so hope that happens more in the future! 💛It is so fun to see everything come full circle!)

While I had photographed Sam before, but had never photographed Brian, much less Sam and Brian together. I was so excited to find that both Sam AND Brian were incredibly natural in front of the camera - separate, and together! Getting genuine expression and emotion out of them both was so easy, and helped us capture the joy of their wedding day! And on top of that… their bridal party and families were so kind, and so much fun to work with!

We were able to stop by a friend’s house in Beaver for some portraits between the ceremony and reception in front of their beautiful gate, on the edge of their property. It made for the perfect backdrop for both bridal party and bride & groom photos, before we headed over to the Fez for the reception!

Sam and Brian, it was such an honor to be a part of your day. We just love you both and wish you all of the best in your marriage!

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Vendors: Grace Lutheran Church (Ceremony), The Fez (Reception), Dana Lynn Photography (Videographer), Mussig Florist, Cakes by Brenda McGee, Stylin’ with Sherri, The Winner (Bride’s Dress), David’s Bridal (bridesmaid dresses), Minted (Invitations), Cable Creations (Menswear), Jenna Hidinger Photography

Julie & John: North Pittsburgh Wedding Photos

Couples getting married and wedding vendors alike have been through the ringer the last few months. Recommendations and regulations have changed on a dime - often times, days before weddings are set to take place! Many couples have been forced to downsize, postpone, or even cancel altogether (which just breaks my heart!). But Julie was determined to get married on her original wedding day, and she was ready to embrace whatever change was necessary to make her and John’s wedding day happen!

And, well, if you’re reading this blog post, you can guess the end of the story: it DID happen! They got married on their original date. Their guests wore masks, people spaced out, and cookies were boxed up in advance in lieu of a traditional Pittsburgh cookie table. It even rained for about the first half of our time together! But none of that stopped Julie and John from thoroughly enjoying their wedding day and saying “I do” to a lifelong commitment to one another. Honestly - I think Julie is one of the chillest brides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with!

The day started off at the most beautiful farmhouse I think I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph! Julie had eyed up the farm where this farmhouse sits for years, dreaming of possibly getting married there… or at least, getting photos there? Any way she could incorporate it into her wedding day was a must! And her mom made it happen. Julie and her bridesmaids were able to do their final preparations for the wedding day there, and we were able to use the beautiful property for portraits! The wrap around porch ended up being the perfect plan B for portraits in the rain. Score!

Julie wore her mother’s veil & chose her wedding colors based on her grandmother’s favorite colors. The wedding had a subtle movie theme, with different movie posters decorating tables and place settings! One of my favorite details, though, was the large “movie” poster made from one of Julie & John’s engagement photos that hung towards the entrance of their reception venue. Such a fun and personal touch!

Julie & John, it was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day. Wishing you many years of joy within your marriage!

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Vendors: Getting Ready & Photo Location at a Private Residence in Valencia, Adams Township Park (Ceremony), General Butler Vagabonds (Reception), Just Hitched Films (Videographer), Macri Floral (Florist), DJ John Stepansky, Blanc de Blanc Bridal Boutique (Bride’s Dress), Show Me Your Mumu (Bridesmaid Dresses), Zazzle (Invitations), Simply Catered (Catering)

Mary Beth & Patrick: Blush Backyard Wedding

You might remember Mary Beth and Patrick from their engagement session around Oakland a few months ago - these two sweet people were one of the many couples whose wedding was affected by the pandemic. But - they were one of the few who chose to pair down their original day to make their marriage still happen!

Crazy enough, I wasn’t available for their original wedding date (which was a huge bummer, because we had the best time at their engagement session!). But with many schedule changes since they had inquired with me about their original date, when they reached to me a second time a few weeks before, I realized that I was able to photograph their backyard wedding celebration at Mary Beth’s dad’s home!

And seriously, it was the most beautiful day. Blue skies, shining sun, and one of the sweetest couples surrounded by their closest friends and family. They held the ceremony in the backyard (officiated by the bride’s brother!), cocktail hour around the pool, photos on the front porch, and the reception in the pool house. Does it get any more personal than that?! I am BEYOND thankful that I was able to be a part of this wedding day. Though 2020 has been full of many ups and downs - photographing this day was one of my favorite “ups” so far!

Mary Beth & Patrick, congratulations on your marriage. We are so thankful for you both and for your beautiful example of what a wedding day really revolves around - a marriage!

Vendors: Bistro To Go (Caterer), Blossoms by Jilliann (Florals), Jenna Hidinger Photography (Photographer)

Meghan & Ed: Bethel Park Wedding Ceremony

First, I just have to say how much I admire Meghan and Ed, the stars of today’s blog post. As you can probably imagine - these two were thrown quite a curve ball, with their wedding date falling right in the midst of a pandemic! But they persevered and were willing to be flexible with each new set of recommendations and regulations that came their way. And, because of that, we were able to join them on their original wedding date for their first look and wedding ceremony! (Even though their reception was pushed back!)

And, to be honest - from a vendor perspective, I so so SO enjoyed photographing their wedding day! It was so laid back, and just so fun! That’s not to underscore the fact that there have been lots of anxieties and fears for my lovely couple and their families leading up to this day, wondering what it would be like. But to see a glimmer of beauty and love in the midst of this storm that the world is currently fighting through was good for the soul.

We started off Meghan and Ed’s wedding day at their church, beginning with a first look! They opted to complete their Bride & Groom portraits prior to the ceremony, so they could focus on family formals afterwards! We watched the radar all morning leading up to their first look - and, while it looked hairy for a period of time, we were able to beat the rain by literally less than a minute! As soon as I said “we’re done with photos!” I felt the first drop. And then it started pouring. The Lord always provides - this time, he provided just the right amount of time for us!

Erica & Rio: Mint & Plum Greystone Fields Wedding Photos

The last few months have had many twists, turns, and uncertainties leading up to Erica and Rio’s wedding day. Plans have changed once, twice, then again as new information and restrictions have surfaced for businesses in the wedding industry, and for couples planning a wedding amidst it all. But I can’t tell you how excited I am to be writing this post and sharing their photos with you today!

Erica and Rio’s wedding day ended up being one of the most beautiful days so far this summer! Though rain was initially in the forecast throughout the week leading up to their Saturday wedding, they were blessed with a sunny, somewhat cloudless day!

One of my favorite parts about Erica & Rio’s wedding were all of the personal, meaningful, sentimental details woven into each portion of the day. A chair with photos of Rio’s late mother at the ceremony, along with a blue cancer ribbon in Erica’s dress (used as her “something blue”) to honor his mother, and a meaningful “remembrance dance” at the reception all pulled on guests heart strings, and reminded the couple and their families throughout the day to remember those who were unable to be in attendance with love.

Being avid golfers, Erica & Rio also incorporated many golf themed details into their wedding day and reception decor! But I have to say, one of my favorite details came from a family vacation tradition. Before dinner on vacation, Erica’s family has always loved getting an ice cream as a special treat. What better way to incorporate this little tradition into their wedding day than to serve ice cream before dinner on their wedding day! This is just me talking personally… but I think every summer wedding should make that a tradition! ;)

All in all, Erica & Rio’s wedding day was so beautiful, so fun, and so meaningful. We cried, we laughed, and we truly felt like a part of the family. Congratulations on your marriage, Erica & Rio! We are so thankful for you, and so thankful to have been able to be a part of your wedding day!

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Vendors: Greystone Fields (Ceremony & Reception), Weischedel Florist (Florals), Bethel Bakery (Cake), Carlisle Bridal (Bride’s Dress), Men’s Warehouse (Men’s Attire), Porky’s (Caterer)

Katie & Paul: Acme Wedding Photography

Friends, I have to admit, I didn’t think I would be writing a wedding blog post so soon since everything shut down in March due to Covid, and Pennsylvania’s regulations to combat it. But man does it feel good to be sharing this new beginning with you up on the blog!!

Katie and Paul’s wedding day was a complete whirlwind! When Katie first contacted me (less than 2 weeks before her wedding date!), she wasn’t sure where her wedding would be taking place (it was supposed to be out of state, originally), because no one was sure what would be allowed at that point in terms of a wedding ceremony! But everything quickly fell into place the week-of, and Polymath Park in Acme, PA was kind enough to host Katie, Paul, and their friends and family for their beautiful wedding ceremony!

The house where the ceremony took place (built by Frank Wright) ended up being the perfect space - there was an outdoor patio, where the ceremony was held, and an indoor space with lots of natural light in case of rain (which thankfully, stayed away!). The rings had been left behind at home, so the pair used a sharpie to draw rings on each other’s ring finger in lieu of the exchange of rings. It was so sweet (and so creative!). The pair even had matching masks made out of the train from Katie’s wedding dress (SO smart!), so of course, we had to stage a few photos in those!

I am so thankful to have been a part of this wedding day, and I am so happy that these two were able to celebrate their relationship and union on the date that they had originally planned. It may not have looked how they had originally thought, but it was beyond beautiful, nonetheless, and so very personal!

ALSO, they had one of my favorite details I’ve ever seen: a “Pittsburgh cookie table book,” featuring the recipe of each cookie that was going to be at their original wedding! Pittsburgh people - isn’t this an amazing idea?! I just had to share!

Anyways - Katie and Paul, a HUGE congratulations to you on your marriage. Thank you a million times for letting me be a part of it! 💛