Behind the Scenes Photos, 2017 Edition

December 14, 2017

One of my goals for this year was to collect as many behind the scenes photos as possible throughout 2017 to share and I am SO excited because we have some real gems here! You'll see quite a few faces - lots of Nick, my husband, who second shoots about half of my weddings with me every year, along with Sara, Ashley, Alisha, and Nikki, who have been so helpful in second shooting and assisting with sessions in the 2017 season! I have to give a HUGE shout out to these sweet people (along with Kim, who isn't pictured but also helped me out a few times!) for their support of this business. It wouldn't be possible without you six and all of your help! I love you all. Without further ado, here are my favorite behind the scenes photos from the 2017 season!

I swear this was totally candid!

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The men and their murses.

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Sara being excellent, per usual!

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A lot of dancing is involved with testing light.

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Alisha has been my right hand woman for senior sessions this year! Love her!

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Photo by Kim Tryon!

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This is Nick's favorite shot. Every. Time.

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I really have no idea what was going on here.

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When we work with DJs who instantly become friends!

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Standing in a fountain. Nbd.

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The lovely Elisabeth from Dorsoh Documentaries being the best test model!

We were pretty pumped about this drone.

He also made for an excellent test model!!

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Nazari from Dorosh Documentaries, winking at Nick

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Ashley is the BOMB!

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Dancing, maybe??

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I am truly so thankful to be able to do what I do!

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Ashley + Rob: Phipp's Conservatory Wedding Photos

December 12, 2017

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!

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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

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Jones Family: Christmas Tree Farm Family Photos

December 6, 2017

Oh my goodness, how I love these three! You might recognize Brianna and Brandon from their new home session!

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Megan H: Hartwood Acres Senior Photos

December 6, 2017

I can't believe this is my very last Hartwood Acres session of the year! We had an absolutely gorgeous November day for Megan's senior photos - it didn't feel like November at all...

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Carly + Nick: Historic Harmony Engagement Photos

December 4, 2017

If you are a fan of Christmas time, Historic Harmony is THE place to be! Bakeries, gift shops, local food stores, restaurants, and cafes line the street of this little old German town - and during Christmas, it's even more magical! I was so excited when Carly and Nick opted for a "Christmas" engagement session in Historic Harmony and Lake Forest Gardens (a local tree farm!). What a perfect combination!! I am so excited to share these images and have so much love for this sweet couple!!!

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Victoria + Anthony: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Wedding Reception

November 30, 2017

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!

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Vendors:

Reception Venue: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

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Morgan H: Hartwood Acres Senior Photos

November 30, 2017

I have to give Morgan MAJOR props. The morning of her session, it was just about 16 degrees outside. To be honest, if it was me, I probably wouldn't have been able to be out in the cold that long, but Morgan was such a trooper!! Not only did she rock her chilly session, but she did so with a smile the entire time! Lucky for us, the restrooms at Hartwood were toasty during her session - so we took a couple of close up headshot style photos in there while Morgan was warming up - haha!! That is definitely one of my all-time favorite senior photo memories! (Also, the last photo in this blog post is from our bathroom break! ;) ) Thank you so much for being such a trooper, Morgan! You are a champ - congratulations on your last year of school!

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Becca + Frank: Camelot Banquet Hall Wedding Photos

November 24, 2017

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!

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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

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Sharon J: Hartwood Acres Senior Photos

November 20, 2017

Sharon was a champ at her senior session in the cold! This girl brought her A-game (and the most beautifully colored outfits) to her session just a few weeks ago! We were even able to catch some gorgeous golden light right near the end of her session. This girl was an absolute blast to work with, and I'm so excited to share some of my favorites from her session with you today!

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Sara L: Pittsburgh Field Club Senior Photos

November 20, 2017

Sara's senior session took place on one of the most beautiful fall days we had this year! And, lucky for us, the view at the Pittsburgh Field Club highlighted all of those changing fall colors PERFECTLY! I photographed one of Sara's best friends, Conner, earlier this year at Hartwood Acres and was honored when she asked me to take her senior photos, too! We had so much fun checking out all of the beautiful little spots for photos at the Field Club, and let me say - this girl's style is on point! Congratulations on your last year of school, Sara!! :)