When you’re planning your wedding, you make countless decisions—venue, florals, attire, décor—and photography is right up there at the top of the list. But here’s something many couples don’t realize until they’re in it: your engagement session can be so much more than a practice round for the big day. It’s an opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover what wedding photography style truly resonates with you.

Mackensie and Luke’s two-part Pittsburgh engagement session became a creative playground, helping them refine not only their comfort in front of the camera but also the photography style that felt most “them.”

Part I: Sophistication at The Industrialist

For the first half of their session, Mackensie and Luke stepped into the historic elegance of The Industrialist Hotel, a Pittsburgh gem that dates back to 1902. The space itself is a work of art—ornate Beaux Arts details like Italian marble, mosaic tile floors, and crown molding paired with sleek modern design and bold artwork. It’s a venue that feels both timeless and fresh, a celebration of the city’s legacy of innovation.

Here, the couple leaned into an editorial-style look. Mackensie wore formal attire—a full-length white dress with an open back—and Luke matched her with equal sophistication. We experimented with creative posing, bold use of flash, and romantic black-and-white portraits that emphasized their connection in a way that felt cinematic. Think moody lighting, dramatic angles, and that magazine-cover energy.

Going into their session, Mackensie and Luke were convinced this was the vibe they wanted for their wedding portraits—polished, stylish, and intentional. And they did look incredible. But the beauty of an engagement session is that it doesn’t lock you into one lane. It gives you the freedom to try more than one direction and see how it feels in real time.

Part II: Sunset Stroll on the Roberto Clemente Bridge

For the second half of their engagement session, we traded the marble and crown molding for golden-hour light and the bustle of the city. Mackensie and Luke slipped into casual attire and headed to Pittsburgh’s famous Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Here, the mood completely shifted. Instead of posing, they danced, laughed, strolled hand-in-hand, and paused to steal kisses as the sun dipped below the skyline. They people-watched, leaned on the railing, and just let the evening unfold naturally. The photography style moved into a documentary approach—playful, light-filled, candid, and full of movement.

And something unexpected happened: while they thought their hearts were set on the editorial aesthetic, it was the carefree vibe of this second part that stole the show for them. Mackensie and Luke lit up in a whole new way, and the photos reflected an unrestrained, fun-loving version of their relationship.

Why This Matters for Your Wedding Day

Engagement sessions aren’t just about pretty pictures (though those are a given). They also lend themselves to discovery. You get to see yourself through the lens, and sometimes what you thought you wanted shifts once you experience it firsthand.

Here’s what Mackensie and Luke learned—and what you can, too:

• You’ll figure out your photography style. Whether you lean toward bold, editorial elegance, natural documentary images, or a blend of both, an engagement session helps you find the aesthetic that feels true to you.
  
• You’ll practice being in front of the camera. Most couples don’t regularly find themselves in front of a lens. Getting comfortable, shaking off nerves, and finding your groove before the wedding day is invaluable. (Don’t worry, I’ll prompt and guide you along the way!)
  
• You’ll build trust with your photographer. You’ll get a feel for how I direct, how I capture candid moments, and how we collaborate. By the time your wedding arrives, we’ll be a well-oiled team.
  
• You’ll discover surprises. Just like Mackensie and Luke, you may discover what style really makes your heart sing—and that’s a wonderful thing to know before your big day.

The Gift of Clarity

By the end of their session, Mackensie and Luke didn’t just have a gallery full of gorgeous photos (though they absolutely did). They also had clarity. Now, when their wedding day arrives, they know what kind of moments they want to lean into, what style makes them feel most like themselves, and how to show up confidently in front of the camera.

Because sometimes you just don’t know until you see it.

Discovering Yourselves Together Through Photography

Your engagement session is more than a box to check off your wedding planning list. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward experience that gives you the freedom to explore, the space to connect, and the chance to fine-tune your wedding photography style before the big day.

Whether you fall in love with a dramatic editorial look, the carefree charm of documentary photos, or a blend of both, the point is this: the session is yours to experiment, to be yourselves, and to discover what feels right.

For Mackensie and Luke, that meant trading a marble staircase for a sunset stroll on the bridge—and realizing their love shines brightest when they’re laughing, moving, and simply being together.

When their wedding day comes, they’ll be ready. And that’s the beauty of saying “yes” to an engagement session.