Allie & Andrew | Elopement Portraits in the Gateway Subway Station and Point State Park in Pittsburgh, PA

I’d say, a solid 98% of the time, whenever I receive an inquiry, it’s from the bride. After all, guys “traditionally” hate having their photos taken and so let’s be honest: “booking a photographer” is likely not very high on their list of “things I’m excited to do today”.

Every once in a blue moon though, I will receive an inquiry from a gentleman. And those inquiries always intrigue me. (Let’s be super honest: they take me way back to 2012 when I received my very first inquiry from a guy – one of my first ever “non-friend” inquiries ever. That inquiry led to my first “real” wedding photography meeting – I’ll never forget it. And that led to my first “real” – as in, no prior connection points – clients. I am so blessed to still consider that couple my dear friends to this day – this year marks 10 years since I photographed their engagement session! WOW!)

Anyways – Andrew was the one to initially reach out to me! He asked a few questions, got the basics he needed, and then he passed me on to Allie (like the gentleman that he is).

Allie told me a bit more of their story: they met at work, in the middle of the pandemic. From the beginning, they found a natural, easy-going friendship that served as the foundation for their love.
Andrew has two kids, and they also fell in love with Allie.
It was quite easy to see where things were headed.

As 2021 turned into 2022, Andrew proposed to Allie & they decided why wait? Armed with a self-uniting marriage license, they eloped in their living room & it was exactly perfect.

Wanting to celebrate and needing a way to announce their marriage to the world, they decided they wanted to dress up and have portraits taken.
Allie told me that she had bough a black lace dress and she was dreaming of photos in the snow! We set a date in February, crossing our fingers that winter would deliver and boy, did it!

Snow on the ground and flurries in the air, we headed downtown for portraits!
We choose to start at the Gateway Subway Station. Our idea was, the subway station would act as a buffer to the wind and cold – and wow was it cold! Temps were in the upper teens the entire time we were shooting! You can’t tell though, because Allie and Andrew and the kids were absolute troopers!!

The Subway Station didn’t offer any sort of heat, but it did make for an excellent wind-break. It offered some of the most unique spots I have ever taken portraits in (I’d LOVE to go back and explore a little more when it is warmer out!)
From there, everyone changed and we walked the few blocks down the Point State Park – which was covered in a solid layer of ice! We slid our way around the park (no joke), but laughed the whole time. These guys were so much fun to hang out with!

Allie & Andrew: thank you SO much for trusting me to capture this special moment in your lives! I had such an incredible time (frozen & all) and you both are truly soul-mates. It’s always so delightful to witness two people who are so kind-hearted and tender with one another – the world needs more charming couples like you!