Jenna + Tom: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

The quote that kept playing in my mind throughout Jenna and Tom’s wedding day: "Gatsby looked at Daisy in a way that every young girl wanted to be looked at." Not because their wedding had anything at all to do with The Great Gatsby, but because that’s the only way I could think to describe the way Tom kept looking at Jenna throughout their wedding day: just completely in love!

I think it’s safe to say that those who know Jenna and Tom know how well they light up a room together. Their day was packed FULL of laughter, and full of people from all over the world. With Tom being from England, and Jenna being from Pennsylvania, their wedding day was the most beautiful mesh of customs and details from both cultures - and had some of the kindest people in the world! Everyone spent a TON of time out on the dance floor, dancing the night away with the Bachelor Boys Band - which is why you’ll see so many reception photos near the end. What a party!

Jenna and Tom, it as a total honor to be a part of your wedding day! Thank you so much for having us, trusting us, and just for being so kind. You both are wonderful, and we wish you all the best!

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Coordination: Your Big Day

Bride’s Dress: Bridal Beginnings

Makeup Arist: Janneth Avila

Hair Artist: Liz Macey (Gallery Salon)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Menswear: Dobell (UK)

Invitations: Minted

Flowers: Budget Blossoms by Jillian

Catering: Hazelnut Catering

Band: Bachelor Boys Band

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Tent, Linens, Light: Ambassador Tent Rental

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding Photographer: Jenna Hidinger Photography

Reva + Alex: McConnell's Mill Engagement

Reva and Alex traveled all the way from Philadelphia for their engagement session and will be tying the knot at Succop Nature Park next year! These two met online, and one of their first initial conversations was about how he could juggle and she could do cartwheels (two things that impressed me because I totally can’t do them! ). And now for a little more background:

How did he pop the question?!

It was the weekend of my 30th birthday and we already had plans to go out to dinner with my friends. Alex wouldn't tell me where we were going and kept telling me to stop asking questions (I like to know the plans at all times). The two of us went to get a drink by Jefferson's campus first, then we walked onto campus when Alex pointed out this large lantern/monument thing that we had walked by many times. He wanted to go over and look at it, and little did I know he had a photographer planted there. He got down on one knee and promptly started laughing! Once he found his words, he asked me to marry him. We have beautiful pictures in front of that lantern (and also in the spot nearby where we had our first kiss) to look back on now!

What do you admire about your significant other?

Reva: Alex is always educating himself and open to talking with others, which allows him to have very informed opinions on things rather than jumping to conclusions.

Alex: I admire how strong and dependable Reva is. She has always been there for me, and so many other people in her life, through thick and thin.

And now, without further ado, here are a few of my favorites from their session!

The B Family: Historic Harmony Family Photos

Recently moved from North Carolina, I had the pleasure to taking photos of the “B” family in one of my favorite locations - Historic Harmony! Aren’t the girls’ dresses adorable?! You’ll also notice that we worked in the “bakery” sign, which is a little nod to the girls’ love of baking! 💛

Ryan W: McConnell's Mill Senior Session

Ryan is a football-playing, Seneca Valley senior who we’ve had the privilege to know for quite a few years now! We had so much fun hanging out with Ryan and taking his photos around McConnell’s Mill - it was just about the perfect day! Congratulations on your senior year, Ryan - we know you will do great things!!

Sarah S: Succop Nature Park Senior Photos

Sarah is a senior swimmer at Seneca Valley (try saying that five times fast!) who was an absolute joy to photograph! Her outfit choices were totally on point, from more casual black and white t-shirt and jeans to her yellow floral sun dress, to her TWO floral maxis! Whenever in doubt, ALWAYS go with the floral maxi - those ended up being some of my favorite photos from her session!

Sarah, you are a wonderful human being and it was my pleasure to take these photos for you! Congratulations on your senior year!!

Megan + Richard: Hartwood Acres Engagement Photos

These two amaze me, and I am SO thankful I was able to spend a Saturday evening getting to know them at Hartwood Acres while taking their engagement photos! But why the amazement, you might ask? Megan and Richard are planning a wedding while being on TWO different CONTINENTS!

Richard is from Wales, and Megan is from Pittsburgh. They met in an online chat room for the Paramore Fan Club years ago, and even though they’re technically already married, they are planning a big ceremony and celebration to celebrate with their friends and family here in the states! Richard is still in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, so they’ve had to do much of their planning long distance, which gives me the utmost respect for them. Wedding planning is hard enough when you’re living in the same city, but living with an ocean between you?! Seriously!

They got engaged at Highclere Castle in the UK (which is where Downton Abby was filmed for any super fans out there!), which is why they settled on Hartwood Acres Mansion for their session - as a little nod to where Richard proposed!

I also had the pleasure of meeting their adorable pups, who we incorporated into a few of their engagement photos! Megan’s maid of honor was the real MVP of the shoot who watched the dogs between their turn in front of the camera (thanks, Megan! ☺️)

So excited to be a part of your wedding day, Megan & Richard! 💛

Logan W: Adams Township Park Senior Photos

Logan is a Mars High School senior with a passion for reading (fiction, to be exact!) and a love for sports. What I love about the location we photographed Logan’s senior photos in is that it turned out to have tons of great little nooks for beautiful shots, lovely light, and was SUPER close to their home! (Perfect for a school night!) Never feel like you have to travel 45 to 60 minutes for a great location (although, there are some pretty great locations throughout the burgh!). You never know what’s just down the road!

Congratulations on your senior year, Logan, and thanks for the honor of taking these photos for you!

Katie + Shane: McConnell's Mill Engagement Photos

Katie and Shane - what can I say about these two?! Oh my, did we have so much fun adventuring through McConnell’s Mill with them - they felt like old friends almost instantly! Katie and I discovered that we share a mutual love of fall and dislike for summer clothing (sweaters are sooo much better!) and I also learned that Katie is allergic to pumpkin! I know it’s not relevant to their photos - but I have never in my life met anyone who is allergic to pumpkin! And yes, that does mean pumpkin spice lattes are out of the question 😔

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. Instead of going out for a fancy dinner (like you might expect on a first date), these two went to the movies, and after, went to Eat’n Park for coffee and breakfast (that’s my kind of first date!!). In January of 2018, Shane proposed to Katie in New York on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art - and the rest is history! They love Starbucks runs, a good trip to Home Goods and TJ Maxx (same) and eating at some of their favorite local restaurants! And truly, I couldn’t be more excited to hang out with them again on their wedding day! We love you guys!!!!

Check out a few (or… more than a few!) of my favorite images from their session below!

Arielle A: Barberry Horse Farm Senior Photos

My goal during every session: get at least a few photos of some genuine, natural smiles. Arielle made it sooooo easy to hit my goal with her naturally bubbly and bright personality! This sweet senior is in the midst of her senior year at Eden Christian Academy, and one of her favorite hobbies is horseback riding! So, of course, it was only natural that we would utilize the beautiful location where she rides (Barberry Horse Farm in Sewickley) for her senior session!

Arielle - you are beautiful inside and out, and it was such a pleasure to get to know you (and Ferrari! ;) ) Congratulations on your senior year!!

Elizabeth + Jason: The Pennsylvanian Wedding Photos

We arrived at the Pennsylvanian early the day of Elizabeth and Jason’s wedding to drop off our equipment. As we gathered our light stands and sandbags, I looked up into the rotunda of the Pennsylvanian and felt a familiar sense of wonder at it’s unique beauty. Built in 1900 as Pittsburgh’s Union Station, this building has remained a place that draws all types of people from all walks of life - then, as a train station, now, as an event venue (and apartment!). And, of course, this venue was THE perfect fit for Elizabeth and Jason, who currently live in Chicago, and had people from lots of different areas joining them to celebrate their marriage.

One of my absolute favorite touches from Elizabeth and Jason’s ceremony was the location of their ceremony. Right under the front rotunda in the photo you see below, there’s a pillar with the word “Chicago” written over top. To the left of the Chicago pillar, there’s a pillar that says “Pittsburgh” overtop, and to the right of the Chicago pillar, one that says “New York.” Elizabeth and Jason are from Chicago (as I mentioned before), both went to the same school (NYU) in New York (they didn’t know each other at the time - but what an amazing coincidence!), and tied the knot in Pittsburgh. So, of course, it was perfectly fitting to have their ceremony right under the Chicago pillar! It seems like that venue was made JUST for them! And it’s not only where they had their ceremony that paid homage to their journey - but the colors they chose for their wedding, too! Purple and silver are NYU’s colors, perfectly symbolizing a large point of connection in their relationship!

We had an absolute blast photographing these two (even in the crazy Pittsburgh heat and humidity!) and are so thankful to have been a part of their day! Congratulations, Elizabeth and Jason! 💛

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: The Pennsylvanian

Hotel Accommodations: The Westin Hotel

Catering: Rania’s Catering

Invitations: Minted

Bride’s Dress: Honey Bridal in Chicago; gown designed by Rebecca Shoneveld

Hair: Elisha Evans Styling

Makeup: Mock Makeup (Danielle Mock)

DJ: Jeremy Ganss Productions

Florist: Bloomer’s Floral

Videographer: Dorosh Documentaries

Pennsylvanian Wedding Photos provided by Jenna Hidinger Photography