Favorite 2014 Pittsburgh Wedding Venues (Cranberry Township Photographer)

As 2014 comes to a close, I've spent some time looking back over my first official year in business. It's been an incredible ride filled with some incredible people, places, and learning experiences. I truly, from the bottom of my heart, can't begin to thank everyone enough who has supported me and my business in some way - from the awesome clients I've been priviledged to work with to other fantastic photographers who have somehow poured into me, to my fiance, friends, and family who have encouraged me along the way. God has been so good! I'm so incredibly thankful that He's given me the opportunity to do what I love, and to love other people in the process. Speaking of things I love - I wanted to use this blog post to review some of my favorite wedding venues of this year! There are four I shot at this year that I particularly loved, each for a variety of different reasons. Let the countdown begin: 4. Hartwood Acres Mansion

Hartwood Acres Mansion is a gorgeous, castle-like structure located in Allegheny County Park. Its beautiful architecture and colorful flowers (at the right time of year!) surrounded by 629 acres of forest and park make it the perfect location for an intimate wedding.

3. Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is not your typical wedding venue - which is why it's one of my favorites! Flooded with interesting exibits and colorful details, the museum gives any wedding a unique, artistic feel.

2. Lingrow Farm

This little farm in Gilpin Township has some seriously beautiful views! Get married under a pavilion overlooking a small body of water and breathtaking country landscape - you might even see a couple of horses running about! 1. Shady Elms Farm

So.. as you can tell, I LOVE farm weddings! Shady Elms Farm was quite possibly my favorite wedding venue I had the honor of photographing this year! This farm is the perfect spot for a charming country wedding, with little details hidden in every corner (which might be why I loved it so much!). Complete with a sweet country farm house and a stunning barn, this place is perfect for any bride who wants a rustic wedding! (This wedding was featured on local Pittsburgh blog "Lace and Loyalty" http://www.laceandloyalty.com/real-weddings/shady-elms-farm-wedding-jenna-hidinger/ ) Though these four are my favorite from this year - there are some other places I would love to give an honorable mention to! Schnoodleberry Farm and the White Barn (my wedding venue this coming summer!) are two places I've visited before but have never had the opportunity to photograph. If you're a bride looking at any of these venues, I'd love to hear from you! Send a message using the "Contact" tab in the navigation bar above, or email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com. Happy new year - and here's to 2015!

George B. | Cathedral of Learning Senior Photography

We met up with George on one of the coldest days of the year so far at the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. So naturally, while using the awesome outdoor architecture and scenery, we also took advantage of the indoor architecture and took some shots inside to get a break from the cold. Congrats on your last year of school, George!

Tsung Family | Pittsburgh Family Photography (Cranberry Township Photographer)

Backyard family sessions are the best! Thanks to this sweet family for having us over to take some Christmas portraits in their backyard!

Gabrielle + Josh | Point State Park

Gabrielle and Josh's anniversary session took place on a windy (yet surprisingly warm) day in Point State Park. Being that Gabrielle is one of my long time photography mentors and friends, I was honored when she asked me to take some portraits of her and her husband. It's always a huge compliment when another photographer likes your work enough to hire you!

Amy + Micah | Connoquenessing Country Club Wedding (Cranberry Township Photographer)

Amy and Micah's earthy and romantic wedding took place at the Connoquenessing Country Club in Ellwood City. Amy incorporated tons of gorgeous details into the day, including a flower crown, light pink bridesmaid dresses, and a lavendar toss as they exited the church. I couldn't be more excited to share the photos from their beautiful day! Congrats to a wonderful couple! In the photo below, Amy is standing where Micah proposed to her months before, under a wooden frame he constructed for the proposal.

Kyyashko Family | Cranberry Township Park

We caught some of the first snowfall of the year during this family session!

Erin B. | Hartwood Acres Senior Photography

We were blessed with some gorgeous light for Erin's senior session! And even though it was cold the whole week prior, the day of her session was a beautiful 67 degrees.

Strunk Family | North Park Family (Cranberry Township Photographer)

We love this family to pieces! This is our second year photographing these faces. Enjoy a few of our favorites from their session!

Gawne Family | Backyard Family Photography

We caught a glimpse of some of the first Pittsburgh snow this year in this adorable family's photos!

Meghan + Lance | Lingrow Farms Wedding Photography

It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Meghan and Lance's beautiful day. They had a small, intimate ceremony with family (10 kids total!) and close friends, and a gorgeous day. Congratulations to one of the sweetest couples we've had the pleasure to work with! A big thanks to Paul Wintruba for second shooting, and to Lingrow Farms for being fantastic to work with!

Photo below by Paul Wintruba