After a proposal that took place over a few of Panera’s chocolate chip cookies (my favorite…and Krista and Denny’s, too!), this couple took to some of their favorite spots – both in and out of the city – for their engagement session with Oakwood Photography. Krista and Denny love spending their summers in Hartwood Acres, taking in their concert series. Plus, the stone mansion, blooming gardens, fresh greens, and modern art made for a few unique backdrops. After that, the pair headed to Station Square to get some cityscape shots. The marquee letters of the Grand Concourse, the bulbs of the Smithfield Street Bridge, and even the sunset reflecting off the Mon gave their evening pics a warm glow. With such a variety of landscapes – from the organic beauty of our parks to the urban grit of our waterfronts – it’s no wonder Pittsburgh is so special. Enjoy this session that makes our city look oh-so-good! Krista and Denny are pretty cute too!
From the bride…
When and how did you two meet?
We were both the same major at Robert Morris University. First semester freshman year, we had a few classes together and quickly became friends. Over the next four years, our paths continued to cross and one day senior year, we decided to grab a drink before our night class. Leading up to the pre-class cocktail, I questioned whether or not it was a date. Well, it turned out to indeed be a date and two dogs, one condo, and eight years later, we are getting married!
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
Because we have been together for eight years, I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to happen. All the while, Denny was secretly doing his research on engagement rings, even going as far as deleting the history on the internet browser. Then, on Saturday February 7, I had an 8-hour fitness certification to attend and Denny decided it was the perfect time to buy the ring.
Denny headed to Jared’s and spent three hours putting together the perfect ring. Then, much to his dismay, the ring wouldn’t be ready until 8 p.m. Denny had hoped he would have it in hand when I was done with the training so he had to stall. After the training, we headed to Mad Mex where Denny kept feeding me margaritas so I wouldn’t catch onto his nervousness. Then, we went home to watch a movie. Randomly at 8 p.m. Denny had to leave to “help his dad move his car” and I was mad…
Obviously, that was a lie. Denny ran to Jared’s to pick up the ring and he decided he wanted to present it to me in a fun way. So he stopped at Panera and bought three chocolate chip cookies (our favorite) and tried to contain his excitement as the cashier rung him out. Denny walked in the door and asked if I wanted a cookie. I said no because I had just had ice cream, but he insisted. After I only grabbed one cookie, he asked if I wanted another and again, I said no. So finally he reached in the bag, pulled out the ring, and asked me to marry him. After about five minutes of me flipping out saying, “Are you kidding me? Are you serious?,” and many swear words, I finally said yes!
Describe the engagement session.
The locations we chose really mean something to us. We just love Hartwood Acres and spend many Sunday nights in the summer enjoying their Summer Concert Series. And Station Square was a no-brainer because we love our city. We really spent that night giggling and having fun in some of our favorite spots.
I am so lucky to have Hartwood Acres in my backyard. Beautiful trails, wooded areas, gardens, fenced in leash-free dog park, and incredible holiday light displays. In the summer, I love going to the free concerts and visiting the grounds of the mansion. I love this place!!!
Hartwood Acres is one of the prettiest parks in Pittsburgh!!