Jovanna & Troy | An Oakland Engagement

Written By Kathryn Hyslop

Jovanna & Troy | An Oakland Engagement

When we met to plan out Jovanna & Troy's engagement session, they had an idea in mind.  They wanted snow, and they especially wanted a shot in front of Soldiers & Sailors with snow falling around them.  The day before their shoot, Pittsburgh had perfect snow flurries falling down.  The day of their shoot - nothing.  Even the snow that was on the ground started melting!  Pittsburgh weather is notoriously fickle.

Even though we couldn't capture that particular shot, they still braved the cold (really cold) wind around Phipps for their engagement session.  We were able to warm up during their more formal shots at the Cathedral of Learning.  We even lucked out and got to experience a concert in the Common Room!  

They absolutely rocked their entire session.  Usually I give some posing tips, but these two seemed like pros!  Can you tell?  

Congrats!

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Your Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Wedding Planning
Your Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Wedding Planning

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—tasks you'll ever undertake. From choosing the perfect venue to picking your wedding dress, there are countless details to keep track of. But don’t worry! With a bit of organization, a clear vision, and some expert tips, you can keep the process stress-free and even enjoy every step along the way.

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.

The Best Wedding Dress Shops in Pittsburgh for Your Dream Gown
The Best Wedding Dress Shops in Pittsburgh for Your Dream Gown

The Best Wedding Dress Shops in Pittsburgh for Your Dream Gown

Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, and Pittsburgh offers a variety of beautiful bridal shops to help you say “yes” to the dress! Whether you're envisioning a classic ball gown, a modern minimalist look, or a boho chic vibe, Pittsburgh’s wedding dress boutiques cater to every style and budget.

As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with many brides who found their dream dresses at these incredible shops. Here’s a roundup of the best wedding dress shops in Pittsburgh that will make your bridal shopping experience unforgettable.

The Grand Estate Wedding | Jamie & Ben
The Grand Estate Wedding | Jamie & Ben

The Grand Estate Wedding | Jamie & Ben

I wasn’t the original wedding photographer for Jamie & Ben’s big day, but their photographer ended up in labor a few weeks early, so I stepped in to cover. It ended up being an incredible day, filled with family and friends celebrating in the best way. The Grand Estate is one of my favorite venues, and it was so nice to work there again!

Wedding at the Renaissance Pittsburgh | Matti & Eric
Wedding at the Renaissance Pittsburgh | Matti & Eric

Wedding at the Renaissance Pittsburgh | Matti & Eric

Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, the Renaissance Downtown stands as a beacon of elegance and sophistication. Its timeless architecture and luxurious ambiance provide the perfect backdrop for couples seeking a truly memorable wedding day. From its grand ballroom to its picturesque lobby, the Renaissance offers endless opportunities for stunning photography.

Carnegie Museum Wedding | Julie & Michael
Carnegie Museum Wedding | Julie & Michael

Carnegie Museum Wedding | Julie & Michael

These two had the most stunning room set up! It is hard to make the museum look even more magical than it already does, but they did it! It helps that they are some of the kindest people you’ve met, and absolutely rocked their portrait time.

Pittsburgh Lifestyle Newborn Session | Jack
Pittsburgh Lifestyle Newborn Session | Jack

Pittsburgh Lifestyle Newborn Session | Jack

This family was a referral from some current clients of mine, and it turns out they live less than a mile from my home! It was so nice to both welcome Jack to the world with some newborn photos, and meet some new neighbors. Their home was perfect for photos, and we popped into almost every room!

Pittsburgh Family Photoshoot on the North Shore
Pittsburgh Family Photoshoot on the North Shore

Pittsburgh Family Photoshoot on the North Shore

I love the idea of celebrating an anniversary with a family session! It was such a great way to show how the family grows. After we took some photos with the kids, they went home with grandma so we could focus on just the two of them.

Fall Oakland Engagement Session | Sarah & Colin
Fall Oakland Engagement Session | Sarah & Colin

Fall Oakland Engagement Session | Sarah & Colin

Sarah told me that they wanted to just have fun for their engagements, so we frolicked through the tall grasses in Schenley Park. The best photos always happen when you’re willing to act silly and just go with the flow. We ended their session at Mellon Park, which is timeless for a Pittsburgh engagement.

The Cathedral Room at St. Nicholas | Rebekah & David
The Cathedral Room at St. Nicholas | Rebekah & David

The Cathedral Room at St. Nicholas | Rebekah & David

We were all over the place for Rebekah & David’s wedding photos! Some of my favorites include the columns in Oakland and outside of Phipps! Their family was very involved, and it was lovely to include them in some on-location photos.

Carnegie Science Center Wedding | Seth & TJ
Carnegie Science Center Wedding | Seth & TJ

Carnegie Science Center Wedding | Seth & TJ

Talk about a theme! These two created an amazing, immersive experience for their guests from start to finish at one of the most fun venues - the Science Center! Everything from the custom planet lights to the lego cake and florals just made this day out of this world!

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Kathryn Hyslop
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