Elena K: Phipp's Conservatory Senior Photography

I love a good challenge. Anything that forces me to problem-solve or find a solution makes me excited. Upon arriving to Phipp's for Elena's session, we encountered lots of traffic and nightmarish parking. Why? Because we had unknowingly chosen to photograph Elena on Phipp's "free day," where Phipp's gave complimentary admission to anyone who walked through their doors. The place was packed, for good reason. But I had my challenge, and Elena was willing to face it with me. We avoided pedestrians, spectators, and grazers, and came up with some beautiful photos for her senior photo session.

Fun fact: Elena won free Moe's burritos for an entire year (one per week), starting just a couple of weeks ago. Congratulations on your last year of high school and your many burritos to come! ;)

Laura + Dan: Heinz Chapel Wedding Photography

Laura and Dan's intimate Heinz Chapel wedding made my heart melt! With 20 of their very closet friends and family, Laura and Dan exchanged heart-felt vows (I might've teared up a bit) on a gorgeous, sunny Pittsburgh morning. The bride's gorgeous ensemble was inspired by Kate Middleton's wedding day look (stunning, right?) - the perfect look for this black tie affair. I loved working with you two, Laura and Dan! Thank you for the honor of capturing your love!

Laura and her mom's very similar engagement rings.

Maryann + Kevin: Backyard Woodland Engagement Photography (Cranberry Township Photographer)

Acres of land, owned by Kevin's family for over one hundred years, were our stomping grounds for Maryann and Kevin's engagement session. These two were naturals in front of the camera, posing themselves on the bridge Kevin built and picking apples from one of the many apple trees dotting the farmland. You might even spot of a photo of us from one of the tree cameras on their property. :) We loved hanging out with these two and can't wait for the wedding!

Jacob M: North Shore Senior Photography

There are so many things I love about photographing people on Pittsburgh's North Shore. The mean reason: so much diversity! I love being able to photograph my subjects in so many different environments and settings, all within a short walking distance. Between the Andy Warhol bridge, the river, and PNC Park, you really can't go wrong with a North Shore session. Here are a few of my favorites from Jacob's senior shoot!

Mason Zadan: Oakland Senior Photography (Pittsburgh)

We met up with Mason, an Eden Christian Academy senior, on a bright summer evening in Oakland. We had a great time exploring the Mellon Institute, the Cathedral of Learning, and Heinz Chapel. Thanks for a great shoot, Mason! Best of luck to you during this last year of high school!

Becky + Joe: Mellon Park Engagement Photography

I have been so excited to share this session! Everything about this evening was perfect. Awesome location, beautiful light, and fellow Chipotle addicts (did I ever mention that our rehearsal dinner was catered by Chipotle?) make this night a memorable one. We loved photographing you two, Becky and Joe! Congratulations again!

Sarah + Steven: Shady Elms Farm Wedding Photography

How we loved this wedding and these people! Sarah and Steven's beautiful blush wedding took place at Shady Elms Farm (one of my favorite venues!) on a sunny August afternoon. While Nick (who is now my second shooter and husband) took photos of the guys getting ready at a nearby hotel, I had the privilege of documenting the gorgeous bride with her girls at the farm. Before getting into their wedding attire, the girls sat down for a picturesque lunch in their floral robes (adorable, right?) ...And the rest of the day is history. We felt so honored to be a part of this wedding. Thank you to Sarah, Steven, and all of their friends and family who made us feel so welcome!

Fun fact: the groom's name is Steven Nicholas (first and last names), and my new husband's name is Nicholas Steven (first and middle names). Crazy, right?! And now, on to the main event:

Mother and daughter then, mother and daughter now.

Praying before the ceremony.

Vendors:

Venue: Shady Elms Farm

Officiant: Jamie Kendrew

Hair: Phoenix 5000

Make-up: Vivace

DJ: Royal Grandeur

Florist: Shady Elms Farm

Caterer: PW Catering

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Ceremony musician: Rochelle Agnew

Leah B: Cathedral of Learning Senior Photography

Leah's senior session took place in Oakland at the Cathedral of Learning - one of my favorite places to shoot! We hit it at just the right time, too - there were so many beautiful flowers and greenery for this gorgeous girl's photos! And check out her last dress (from Altar'd State). Talk about great style! Thanks for an awesome time, Leah - we loved taking your photos!

Lauren G (Molly): North Park Senior Photography

Five years ago, my high school (Eden Christian Academy) put on a production of the musical "Annie." Somehow, I landed the part of Miss Hannigan: a mean, crazy lady who ran an orphanage for girls in New York. During the musical, I was able to bond with a small group of middle school girls who were cast as my orphans. Lauren G. was cast as "Molly," the youngest orphan and Annie's best friend. Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of taking senior photos for quite a few of my orphans who I love, but it's hard to believe I'm finally taking photos for the youngest (Molly), who's a graduating senior this upcoming year! Besides being "Molly" many years ago in "Annie," Lauren is an extremely accomplished runner (check out her sweet shoes below), so we decided to take photos at one of her favorite running spots - North Park! 

It was an honor to take your senior photos, not-so-little Molly! You are a wonderful human being and you are going to do awesome things.

Debra + Zach: Butler Atrium Wedding Photography

Debra and Zach's Butler Atrium wedding was fit for royalty. Their subtly themed Disney wedding included so many elegant details, including a "Bibbity bobbity blue" (Cinderella inspired) signature drink, to a head table fit for royalty, to a lantern send off (tangled inspired) - everything about this wedding seemed to jump straight from the pages of a fairytale storybook - including Debra and Zach's love for each other. It was an honor to photograph this beautiful chapter of your story, Debra and Zach!

One of the most beautiful head tables I've ever seen! Fit for royalty.

Photo by Sara Dinwiddie

We were able to sneak Debra and Zach outside for a second round of photos during golden hour - the light was killer!

Debra and Zach's signature drink was the "Bibbity Bobbity Blue."

Vendors:

Ceremony: The Atrium in Butler, PA

DJ: Second II None Productions (Eric Whiteman)

Officiant: David Anderson

Ceremony Music: Carol Vogeley

Hair Design: Secrets of Hair Design

Cake: Pennie's Bake Shop & Espresso Bar

Florist: The Bloomery, Inc. (Kathy Dudley)

Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Second Shooter: Sara Dinwiddie