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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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!

Family Mini Session | The Giglers
Family Mini Session | The Giglers

Family Mini Session | The Giglers

This family session is another one of my lovely repeat clients! I got to photograph Steph & Dan on their wedding, and now I get to capture their family as it grows. We hung out around Allegheny Commons Park to grab some candids.

Sheraton at Station Square Wedding | Courtney & Catcher
Sheraton at Station Square Wedding | Courtney & Catcher

Sheraton at Station Square Wedding | Courtney & Catcher

Courtney & Catcher’s wedding was the dancefloor of the year! Everyone was just having an amazing time at the party. You could tell that these two were ready to have some fun and celebrate! The Sheraton at Station Square definitely gives some excellent views as well - you get all of the PIttsburgh skyline out the windows!

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Kathryn Hyslop
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