Brielle & Stephen: The Heritage by Hayloft Wedding Photos

Their first date was in 2013. They got engaged five years later in 2018. They were married in a global pandemic in 2020. And this year, in the wedding you’ll see below, they recommitted themselves to one another, surrounded by their family and friends.

And friends, it was one heck of a day.

The Heritage by Hayloft hosted Brielle & Stephen’s huge one-year-married anniversary celebration, and it was an absolute BLAST. To be fair, we’ve known these two and their families for quite a few years now. Brielle’s dad is like a brother to my dad, so we’ve always considered them to be akin to extended family - aunts, uncles, and cousins that may not have the same blood, but who we adore and always wish we could see more of!

Throughout the years, I’ve had the immense privilege of photographing Brielle AND Stephen’s senior photos, so of course, getting these two back in front of my camera was such a treat!

We started the day at a hotel with getting ready and detail photos. After, we headed over to the barn to get Brielle in her dress, have a first look with her dad, and have a first look with Stephen! We were running 30-40 minutes ahead of schedule for the ENTIRE day (totally unheard of in the wedding world!), so we had plenty of time for photos of the two of them and their bridal party!

Their ceremony took place in the Heritage by Hayloft’s “Enchanted Forest.” Separated from the barn, away from road traffic, this quiet spot sits on the edge of the forest and served as the most beautiful location for Brielle & Stephen to renew their vows.

The reception that followed included a cake made of mini donuts (it was just as amazing as you think it would be!), ice cream, more donuts, and of course, a cookie table with TONS of boxed cookies! The night ended with a sparkler exit, and my heart left so very full and happy for these two people (and these two families) who I love so much!

Brielle & Stephen, we adore you two and we are so thankful to have been able to spend your second wedding day with you! ❤️ CONGRATULATIONS on a beautiful day, and a beautiful marriage!

And friends, you’ll just have to excuse this longer than usual blog post… there’s no way I could narrow these photos down any more! 😂 I just love way too many!!!! PS - we make an appearance right at the end! 😉

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Vendors: The Heritage by Hayloft (venue, cake, DJ), Jenna Hidinger Photography, One Enchanted Evening (bride’s dress & bridesmaid dresses), Legendary Celebrations (videographer), Chuck Wagon (caterer), Steven Vance Entertainment (ceremony violinist)

Alex M: Succop Nature Park Senior Photos

Succop Nature Park may be becoming a new favorite spot of mine for senior photos! There are SO MANY great spots to use - a beautifully lit wooded/grassy area, piles of logs, a newly renovated barn, a willow tree and pond… the possibilities are endless! And for a one hour senior session, it can be so helpful to choose a location that has so much variety within such a short walking distance.

Another perk of this location specifically for Alex is that it is right down the road from his family farm! Yes, his family has a sweetcorn farm that the whole family helps out with. Isn’t that amazing? How many high school seniors in the year of 2021 can say that they help out on the family farm?!

In addition to helping out on the farm, Alex is very involved at his church, where he plays guitar and sings. He also has a plethora of other activities he’s involved in at school (honestly - so many that I can’t even remember them all! 😂 Sorry, Alex!!)

When I chat with seniors during their session, I’m always reminded of what a busy time of life the last year of high school is - and, in turn, I’m always thankful to give the seniors (and their parents!) the opportunity to slow down for even a short period of time to reflect on the significance of this season, and the significance of the new season ahead.

I am honored to be the one who was able to capture the significance of this season for you, Alex! Congratulations on your senior year!

Kele + Maxwell: Classic Black Tie Southpointe Golf Club Wedding Day

Kele & Max’s wedding day was a beautiful Spring black tie affair at Southpointe Golf Club, featuring classic details, a stunning ballon arch, and a stunning outdoor reception! I’m so excited to share the images from their wedding day. Congratulations on your marriage, Kele & Max!

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Vendors: Southpointe Golf Club, Hannah Conard Beauty, PJ the DJ, Elizabeth Lombardi's Memories in Bloom, Luna Boutique (dress), Vera Wang (bridesmaid dresses), Signature Desserts (cake), Steven Vance Entertainment (ceremony violinist), A Simple Vow (officiant)

Isabella L: Hartwood Acres Mansion Senior Photos

I had the pleasure of taking Isabella’s sister’s senior photos (almost three years ago to the day!), and when Isabella’s mom emailed me to chat about her second daughter’s senior session, I was so excited! And, of course, Isabella was a dream to photograph. Her outfit choices stood out so well against the Hartwood greenery and architecture, and blended so well with the florals!

Isabella, it was such an honor to celebrate this season with you! Congratulations on your senior year!

Joey Forster: Pittsburgh Senior Photos

Sometimes the best spot for senior photos is in your own front yard!

Joey's family invited us onto their property to use their HUGE variety of picture perfect backdrops for his senior photos. There was an unbelievable amount of great spots to choose from, from old sheds to piles of logs to beautiful staircases... along with some amazing light! And, maybe even better, their family dog (Mimsy) was quite interested in what was happening and did her best to photo bomb a number of Joey’s photos (dogs always welcome - especially well behaved ones like this lady!). You’ll be sure to see her in a few of the photos below ☺️

Congratulations on your senior year, Joey!

Harrison S: Downtown Pittsburgh Senior Photos

Harrison is a soccer-playing, musically minded senior who is graduating with the class of 2021! For his session, we sought after a blended natural/city scenery vibe - the best of both worlds, really. And I think we were able to achieve that look in his final images!

We started off our time together at Mellon Green, then walked over to Mellon Square, then ended at the Terminal in the Strip District with some great light, some vibrant painted steps, and a great view of the city. Harrison brought his drum sticks for a subtle nod to his percussionist roots, which paired perfectly with his suit. We were even able to catch the first flickers of the string lights at the Terminal for a great last look!

Harrison, it was an honor to take your senior photos. Congratulations on your senior year!

Adriana C: Oakland Senior Photos

Adriana brought her A-game for her senior photos in Oakland on a chilly April evening in Oakland!

This accomplished lady plans to follow in her family's medical footsteps to become a cardiac surgeon! She loves the heart, and no, surgery doesn't make her squeamish. She also loves scary movies and - as you can see from her photos - is obviously a natural in front of the camera!

Congratulations on your senior year, Adriana!

Jackie & Josh: Hartwood Acres Mansion Engagement Photos

I absolutely LOVED getting to spend a beautiful (slightly chilly) Spring evening with Jackie & Josh at Hartwood Acres Mansion!

These two met in 2018 when they were both deployed. Neither are originally from the Pittsburgh area, and are getting married in Detroit this summer! We had so much fun getting to know them, their story, and how they ended up in the beautiful 'Burgh. Congratulation on your engagement, Jackie & Josh! I’m so honored to have been the one to take these photos for you!

Rachel + Peter: Southpointe Golf Club Wedding Photos

Rachel & Peter’s wedding day was filled to the brim with so much love and fun! I had the pleasure of meeting Rachel at her sister’s wedding almost 2 years ago, along with the rest of her incredible family. To say that we were honored to be a part of BOTH of these incredible weddings is an understatement!

With an emphasis on love and family, Rachel and Peter’s wedding day was nothing short of amazing - but their wedding day didn’t happen without some setbacks. These two were forced to move their date from spring of 2020 to spring of 2021 (due to you know what), and while many of the details (both small and large) changed from one year to the next, the celebration of the most important piece of the day did not: the celebration of a marriage. While, yes, weddings are beautiful and fun and meaningful, the marriage is what we come to celebrate - the union of a man and a woman, under God’s design. And truly, you could see that that was what led Rachel and Peter’s hearts into their wedding day! Not the absence of what could have been, but the plenty of what WAS able to be.

These are the best wedding days to be a part of - the ones that fill the soul and focus on what matters most. And, Rachel and Peter, I can’t thank you enough for allowing us to be a part of this beautiful celebration! We pray perseverance and dedication within your marriage for all of the years to come!

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Vendors: The Renaissance Hotel, Southpointe Golf Club (Reception), St. Mary of the Mount (Ceremony), Prantl’s Bakery, Captured Memories by Allison (Videographer), Birdy Grey (Bridesmaid Dresses), This Magic Moment Bridal, House of Couture Designs, Blossoms by Jilliann, Dj Bryan Hoover, Beauty Justified by Justine, Brooks Brothers (Groom’s Tux), Minted, Greenvelope, Fr Nathanael Polinski (Officiant), Jenna Hidinger Photography

Lutherlyn Equestrian Center Horse Portraits

I had the best time with these four young ladies at Lutherlyn Equestrian Center! We spent a beautiful, early spring afternoon taking some photos with their horses and had a blast doing so!

Enjoy a few of my favorites from our time together below!