Even though they opted for a destination wedding in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, Lauren and Jesse still wanted a Pittsburgh engagement session. Being a photographer herself (of Lauren Renee Designs fame), Lauren knows some of the most beautiful shoot locations in the city, and Mellon Park is one of her favorites. It’s for good reason too; the park’s stone architecture, blooming florals, and secret-like gardens give off a romantic, whimsical vibe. The pair headed there with Anna Laero Photography for a light and airy session that is screams summer. A sage green dress (that matched their wedding palette), a glowing sunset, sweet kisses, and cozy cuddles make this shoot an absolute dream! Pretty doesn’t even begin to describe it!
From the bride…
Tell me about yourselves! When and how did you meet? How long have you been together? How did you get engaged? All the juicy details!
We have been together for seven years now! Crazy how time really flies! Jesse and I met at a costume party, and we were introduced by a mutual friend. Jesse was very persistent and after rescheduling on him several times, I finally agreed to a date! We had a lot of mutual friends, so it was surprising that our paths had never crossed before. I was supposed to study abroad the summer we met, so I was really not interested in anything serious, but Jesse had a different idea. When I ended up staying in Pittsburgh because of a change in plans (it was just meant to be!), we fell in love, became inseparable, and I guess you can say the rest is history!
Jesse proposed at home just the two of us, and it was perfect. He then planned a surprise engagement party that evening and all of our friends and family showed up to celebrate with us! It’s a good thing I said yes! 😉
Describe the engagement session and what inspired the shoot. What was unique about it?
Being a photographer myself, I wanted a beautiful backdrop for our shoot, and one my favorite locations is Mellon Park. The sage green dress was a color from our wedding palette, so it was perfect!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
Jesse and I have been together for so long and engaged for half the time we have been together (three years…I know!). When it finally came time for our engagement photos and wedding, we really wanted it to be special and about us as a couple. I wanted the session to be fun, relaxed, and about our love, and it was such a fun afternoon taking pictures with my best friend and now-husband!
