The late fall light was golden when I met Corey and Braelynn at Phipps Garden Center, the air was crisp and the leaves were beginning to turn. From the first moment, I could tell this session would be soulful.
When Corey reached out to me about doing engagement photos, I knew it was going to be a beautiful time. His sweet fiance, Braelynn, a twirler from Georgia State, met with me for a consultation and fully entrusted me to take over and plan their session for them. When I choose a location, I always look for a mix of lush greenery, timeless architecture, and little hidden nooks where a couple can just be themselves. Phipps Garden Center, nestled within Mellon Park, offers all of that and more. The English-style garden framed by old brickwork, winding paths, and a grand staircase feels straight out of a storybook.
Built in the early 1900s as part of the Mellon Estate, the carriage house and gardens have become a quiet haven for artists, gardeners, and romantics. It’s one of those Pittsburgh spots that feels timeless. You can almost hear the garden parties from another era in the background. Nearly every day of the week you can find city-dwellers taking refuge in the quiet gardens and picnicking near the fountain.
Throughout the session, Corey and Braelynn were effortlessly joyful. They were laughing, twirling, and taking every prompt in stride. There was such a sense of ease between them, and the golden light filtering through the trees seemed to match their energy.
Every time a couple trusts me to capture these milestones, I’m reminded why I love what I do. It’s not just about the photo, it’s about preserving the way a moment felt. I’m so thankful Corey and Braelynn let me be part of this chapter in their story.
