Whether you’re a Panther fan or not, this University of Pittsburgh engagement session will have you cheering “Hail to Pitt!” It was in Clapp Hall where Kiersten and Michael first met, and it was the grounds of their alma mater where they became friends. It wasn’t until after graduating, however, that the pair began dating and fell in love. Because they have the university to thank for their introduction, they returned to some iconic Pitt spots for their engagement pics with Solasta Photography. The Cathedral of Learning, the Pitt Panther, and of course Clapp Hall all make an appearance in this fun and youthful collegiate shoot. As you scroll through today’s feature, we think you just might find yourself saying, “H2P!”
About the Couple
Michael and I met in 2013 at the University of Pittsburgh in Human Physiology class in Clapp Hall. I had just transferred from Duquesne University. He sat down next to me in a row that could only fit two. His opening line was, “You look confused” and I was; I was lost. Michael walked me to my chemistry class at Chevron Science Center and told me all about his research in neuroscience and playing with the lab rats, which he offered to introduce me too. After years of friendship, we developed a deep bond before graduating in April 2016, and we had our first date June 3 of that year. In 2018, as I left Pittsburgh to pursue my nursing degree at Cleveland State University, Michael stayed behind to pursue his doctorate in neurobiology at Pitt. Michael and I began a long-distance relationship, driving back and forth between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, talking every day, and developing a stronger foundation than before.
For our three-year anniversary, Michael recreated our first date: riverside at The Point. We sat down along the river, and Michael asked me to close my eyes. I didn’t trust him, as I was sure he was going to push me right into the Allegheny. Eventually, I closed my eyes, and in my hands he placed something velvet and box-shaped. When I opened my eyes, he popped the question; my immediate response was, “Are you joking?” After returning to Earth, I said, “Yes!”
About the Session
From the photographer…
Kiersten and Michael are obviously HUGE Pitt fans and spent tons of time on campus and studying at the Cathedral of Learning together. When we discussed their engagement session, it was clear that Pitt needed to be the focus of the session. We were able to incorporate the chapel, the Cathedral of Learning, Clapp Hall where the two met, and of course the Pitt Panther! We had a blast and can’t wait for their Pitt-themed wedding!
