Betsy's Barn Wedding | Amanda & Dayne
Betsy's Barn Wedding | Amanda & Dayne
These two had a fun open air celebration of their wedding vows at Betsy’s Barn. There were some tumultuous clouds throughout the day, and we had a little bit of rain during portraits, but the running away photos made it almost worth it.
Betsy's Barn Wedding | Amanda & Dayne
These two had a fun open air celebration of their wedding vows at Betsy’s Barn. There were some tumultuous clouds throughout the day, and we had a little bit of rain during portraits, but the running away photos made it almost worth it.
Venue: Betsy's Barn | Dress: One Enchanted Evening | Cake: Pennie's Bake Shop & Espresso Bar |Hair & Makeup: KJS Cosmetology
2019 Round Up | Wedding Night Shots
So, you guys know that I love sneaking out and taking some photos after dark. It adds drama, and is that ‘wow’ shot that can be a showstopper. Plus, it is something a little different and gives the newly married couple a moment alone during the busy wedding day. Here are the best of 2019.
2019 Round Up | Wedding Night Shots
So, you guys know that I love sneaking out of the reception and taking some photos after dark. It adds drama, and is that ‘wow’ shot that can be a showstopper. Plus, it is something a little different and gives the newly married couple a moment alone during the busy wedding day. Here are the best of 2019.
Beauty and the Beast Styled Shoot
A&L Events and I planned this gorgeous photoshoot to bring to life an old favorite of mine, Beauty and the Beast. I’ve always wanted to photograph a wedding with this theme, and since one wasn’t on the horizon, we made one! This styled shoot has been featured in Pittsburgh Magazine, Red Oak Weddings, and Burnetts Boards.
Beauty and the Beast Styled Shoot
A&L Events and I planned this gorgeous photoshoot to bring to life an old favorite of mine, Beauty and the Beast. I’ve always wanted to photograph a wedding with this theme, and since one wasn’t on the horizon, we made one! This styled shoot has been featured in Pittsburgh Magazine, Red Oak Weddings, and Burnetts Boards.
A ton of talented and amazing vendors came together to make this shoot happen. Make sure you are following them, because just look at the MAGIC they created!
Wedding Planner: A & L Events
Venue: Buhl Mansion
Florist: Leaf Hopper Designs
Stationer (Invitations): Fresh Cut Prints
Baker: Tasty Bakery
Models: Alexa & Dave
Bridal Gown: Lex & Lynne Bridal
Menswear: Heinz Healey’s
Hair & Makeup: KTHOM BEAUTY
Rentals: Vintage Alley Rentals
Rentals: All Occasions
Decor: Glassworks
Linens: Mosaic Inc.
7 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew
Below are a few things wedding photographers wish their clients knew about wedding photography. Read these 7 tips before booking yours so you know exactly what to expect.
Below are a few things wedding photographers wish their clients knew about wedding photography. Read these 7 tips before booking yours so you know exactly what to expect.
Hire a photographer whose photography style you like
Wedding photographers can have a variety of different shooting styles such as photojournalism/documentary, traditional, and fine art (or be a mix of a few), as well as different editing styles (light & airy, bold & vibrant, dark & moody, etc). It’s important to understand the differences between all the styles and which one you and your future spouse like the best. Be sure to do your research and know what style calls to you before booking a photographer. That way you don’t end up with someone whose style doesn’t work for you.
It’s important to establish a relationship with your wedding photographer
Get to know your wedding photographer! After all, they’re going to be snapping photos of you two on the most important day of your life. They’ll want to get to know you as a couple, from how you interact with each other, your cute quirks, and the way you show affection towards one another. Understanding these things about a couple prior to the wedding day helps the photographer capture the little moments that make your big day so special. I personally like to meet a few times before the wedding so that we have that opportunity (consultation, engagements, timeline meetings, etc).
Engagement sessions are important
You have a trial run for your hair and makeup and you try on your dress a number of times before wearing it on the big day, so why wouldn’t you do a practice run with your photographer? Engagement sessions allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera and allows your photographer to get used to photographing you both. When you see the images it will give you an idea of what your wedding day pictures will look like. Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons you should have an engagement session.
Your photographer doesn’t need a shot list
It might seem like a helpful idea to give your wedding photographer a list of all the moments you want captured, but it actually ends up stifling the photographer’s creativity. On the big day things are moving quickly and trying to organize everyone for photos is stressful enough without having to worry about a checklist. You can actually miss out on the candid moments when you’re too busy double-checking the shot list.; and candid photos end up being some of the best! Photographers are experienced professionals and they’ve shot enough weddings to know what kinds of images couples want. Have a general chat before the wedding day about any moments you definitely want pictures of, especially things we may not know about, but providing a detailed list isn’t necessary.
Chat about the wedding day timeline
The wedding day timeline is largely based off the photography timeline. Your wedding photographer (or planner if you have one!) is likely an expert in creating these and can be a helpful resource for this part of your planning. They know exactly how long family, wedding party and couples portraits take and can help plan out the day accordingly. The bigger your family and the bigger the wedding party, the longer pictures are going to take, so keep that in mind when you’re planning out your day.
Good pictures can’t be rushed
Go into your day understanding that good wedding photos take time and patience. While you may be eager to join your guests during cocktail hour, you don’t want your anxiousness coming across in photos, so just enjoy the time you have with your new spouse! Consider doing a first look if you’d rather get all your photos taken beforehand. If that’s not for you, other concessions can be made, like sneaking out during sunset for a mini portrait session.Your photographer wants to give you the highest quality images, which doesn’t happen at the drop of a hat.
Trust your photographer
At the end of the day, your photographer is a professional so trust them! If they tell you to pose or move a certain way, listen to them. It may feel weird or you may think the picture is going to come out strangely, but wedding photographers know what they’re doing. Trust them to do their job as best they can so you can have gorgeous photos that will last a lifetime.
Have some more questions? Let's chat
The Pros and Cons of Having a First Look
One thing’s for sure when it comes to your wedding day—the moment you see your significant other for the first time, all dressed up for the occasion, is bound to be a memorable one. Some couples are choosing this moment to happen before they walk down the aisle, while others are sticking with the more traditional route and waiting until the ceremony to see each other. There’s no right or wrong choice, but if you’re on the fence, here are a few pros and cons to having one.
The Pros and Cons of Having a First Look at Your Wedding
One thing’s for sure when it comes to your wedding day—the moment you see your significant other for the first time, all dressed up for the occasion, is bound to be a memorable one. Some couples are choosing this moment to happen before they walk down the aisle, while others are sticking with the more traditional route and waiting until the ceremony to see each other. There’s no right or wrong choice, but if you’re on the fence, here are a few pros and cons to having one.
PROS
Take all your photos before the ceremony
Having a first look allows you to get most of the portraits out of the way before tying the knot. That way, after the ceremony, you can enjoy your cocktail hour, mingle with guests, or even eat dinner before the reception! Couples who wait until after the ceremony may miss out on parts of their own wedding or visiting with their guests, especially if the reception immediately follows.
You’ll feel less rushed
Wedding photos with your fiancé(e), wedding party and family will take up more time than you think (and with good reason). Your photographer will want to make sure you have a variety of perfect images to choose from, so you should allow anywhere from 1.5 – 2 hours for pictures. Trying to fit all of that in during a short cocktail hour can cause stress, which is the exact opposite of how you want to feel on your big day. Trust me, your tense emotions will show in the pictures. After the ceremony you can spend some time reflecting on the fact that you just got married instead of rushing to get photos taken.
You’ll feel more relaxed and attentive during your vows
Sure, I can understand thinking that seeing each other before the ceremony will take all the excitement out of the walk down the aisle, but in reality, it will still be just as thrilling. You’re walking down the aisle to get married! How can that moment ever lose its magic? The only difference is that the “first-time” jitters will be out of your system. Your mind will be clear and you can focus on the most important part of the day.
It’s a more intimate moment
When you walk down the aisle, it’s not just your significant other that will be seeing you for the first time all glammed up, all of your guests will be as well. Obviously, you want them to be a part of your special day, but the feeling of seeing each other with hundreds of eyes on you can make the whole thing feel more like a spectacle rather than an intimate moment. A first look lets you enjoy the raw and organic emotions with one another before everyone else gets to see you. You may even feel more comfortable letting your emotions out, since 100 people aren’t all watching you. Plus, their opinion and reaction is the only one that matters.
It makes for some creative & emotional photos
There are so many fun options for seeing each other for the first time. You can walk up behind your S.O., stand back to back, hold hands on opposite sides of a door, cover their eyes from behind—the options are endless! I’ve got some great innovative ideas for your first look, just ask!
CONS
The photos aren’t as authentic
Staging a moment to see each other for the first time isn’t going to feel as natural, bottom line. When you appear at the other end of the aisle, your reaction is going to be pure and raw. Something that’s planned could influence you to react (or not react) a certain way for the camera, instead of showing your truest emotions. When you hear the music, see the guests rise to their feet, and see your fiancé(e) waiting for you, there’s no hiding how you really feel.
It may lessen the importance of walking down the aisle
Walking down the aisle is a staple moment of anyone’s wedding day. It’s often something people picture when they find the outfit of their dreams, “I can see myself walking down the aisle in this”, it’s the moment you share with your parent(s), and the anticipation of finally exchanging vows is at an all-time high. Seeing each other before all of these emotions happen can make the whole thing feel a little less emotional.
You’ll have to be ready much earlier in the day
Since you’ll want to get all of your wedding photos out of the way before the ceremony, you’ll need to push up your wedding day timeline a bit. You’ll all need to be ready hours before your walk down the aisle, which, depending on your ceremony time, could be tough the night after your rehearsal dinner. Skipping a first look allows for a little extra shuteye.
Your wedding day attire might get dirty
If you’re taking pictures with your S.O., family and friends outside, you run the risk of getting your dress or suit dirty before you even exchange vows. Skipping a first look mitigates any unnecessary stress and you can wait until the last possible minute before getting dressed!
You’ll really be married when you take the photos
Think about it, these pictures will be sitting in frames around your home for the rest of your lives. Would it be weird to think that in them you’re not technically married yet? The authentic joy you feel after exchanging vows is absolutely something that warrants taking pictures. There are plenty of ways to schedule your wedding day so that you don’t feel rushed during the photo session, but there’s no way of substituting that “just married” feeling that’s sure to radiate in every photo captured.
Nikki & Matt | 12 Oaks Mansion Wedding | Pittsburgh Photographer
Nikki & Matt had a very elegant wedding at 12 Oaks Mansion in Pittsburgh. It was a gorgeous wedding decorated with all the colors of fall. Their friends and family danced the night away while enjoying the special touches Nikki & Matt created for their day (including an awesome candy bar and a specialty drink!).
Here's a sneak peek of their beautiful wedding day. Soon they'll have plenty more pictures to share!
Vendors:
- Venue: Twelve Oaks Mansion
- Florals: Reed & Petals Florist
- Cake: Lincoln Bakery
- DJ: Pittsburgh Wedding DJ | Schiemer Entertainment Services
- Candy: Pittsburgh Candy Buffet
- Photographer: Kathryn Hyslop Photography
Nikki & Ryan | The Mayernik Center | Pittsburgh Wedding
Nikki & Ryan got married at The Mayernik Center just north west of Pittsburgh. Their wedding was a party and an adventure! For portraits, we ventured into the creek for a few shots, and later in the evening we got poured on when a big storm came through the area! Quite a memorable day.
Vendors:
Venue: The Mayernik Center
Officiant: My Happy Day
Dress: Maggie Sottero Designs from The Exquisite Bride
Suits: Joseph A Banks
Bakery: Tin Man Sweets Bake Shoppe
Caterer: Monte Verde
DJ: Danny Lagamba
Florals: DIY
Photography: Kathryn Hyslop Photography
Kristen & Steve | The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake Wedding | Pittsburgh
Kristen and Steve were married at the Gathering Place at Darlington Lake. It is a beautiful venue north of Pittsburgh overlooking the lake. This couple is so much in love, and this wedding has been a long time coming.
Kristen and Steve were married at the Gathering Place at Darlington Lake. It is a beautiful venue north of Pittsburgh overlooking the lake. This couple is so much in love, and this wedding has been a long time coming. You could just see it throughout the entire day. I don't always cry at weddings, but I definitely had tears in my eyes for this one (when the groom cries, I always lose it!).
While they didn't see each other before the ceremony, they had a letter exchange and were able to talk to each other. It is always an emotional moment. After the ceremony, their friends and family celebrated in style, with some epic dance moves. Check it out!
Vendors:
- Venue: The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake
- DJ, Officiant, Guitarist, Videographer: Joel Lindsey Entertainment
- Cake: Lincoln Bakery
- Florals: Fred Dietz Floral & DIY
- Hair & Makeup: Capristo Salon & Wellness Spa
- Dress: The Exquisite Bride
- Suits: Top Hat Tuxedo
- Caterer: Medure's Catering
- Photographer: Kathryn Hyslop Photography
