Sean and Sandra’s Uptown to Oakland Engagement Session

Sean and Sandra’s engagement session began at Trace Brewing’s Echo location in Uptown Pittsburgh, and was a space that felt uniquely theirs. As a couple who enjoys exploring local breweries and even runs an Instagram account dedicated to documenting the beers they try together, they wanted their engagement photos to reflect one of their favorite shared hobbies. Trace offered a relaxed and colorful setting that gave us an awesome start to the evening.

couple sits at a bar at local brewery toasting their engagement. the lighting is warm and cozy.
couple looks lovingly at eachother in the window of trace brewing in pittsburgh. the lighting is warm and cozy and the vibes of the engagement session is casual.
couple looking at each other while holding beers and celebrating their engagement at trace brewing

Like many couples, this was their first time having professional photos taken together. With that in mind, I approached the session with extra care, offering gentle direction and prompts to help them settle in. It can take a little time to get comfortable in front of the camera, and that’s completely normal! One of the best parts of engagement sessions is that they offer space to ease into the experience before the big day. By the end of our time together, Sean and Sandra were laughing, relaxed, and fully present with each other. The two even entertained some of my more posed prompts!

couple in casual clothes hangs out in an outdoor urban space surrounded by brick buildings and greenery during their trace brewing echo engagement session
newly engaged couple leans against a fence by bright brick buildings in uptown pittsburgh
couple smiles at each other while walking and holding a beer. their engagement session is outdoors at trace brewing echo. they're surrounded by brick buildings and a wooden fence
couple sits closely against a textured gray wall. they are wearing casual cool clothes and have relaxed poses

As the light softened, we made our way to the lawn and walkways just outside of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. They had requested a location that would feel fresh and spring-inspired, and Phipps gave us exactly that. The soft greens, budding trees, and golden hour light wrapped everything in warmth and color. It offered the perfect contrast to the more urban and casual vibe of the brewery and gave the session a well-rounded, personal feel.

couple stands forehead to forehead in soft golden hour light with the sun behind them.
a couple stands with their heads touching in an embrace at phipps botanic gardens. the sun is setting behind them and the golden light outlines their embrace
couple dances in the golden hour light during their engagement session at phipps botanic gardens.
couple sits on the steps of botany hall at phipps surrounded by greenery

One of the most meaningful parts of working with Sean and Sandra was knowing they had booked me for their wedding before we had ever met in person. They found my work, connected with the vibrant and joyful energy in the images, and immediately knew they wanted me as their wedding photographer. That kind of trust is something I deeply value, and I approached their engagement session with the same intention and care that I bring to every couple I work with. The final gallery feels playful, romantic, and true to who they are and was such a meaningful way to get to know each other ahead of their wedding next May.

coupe is surrounded by blooming spring flowers during their engagement session at phipps in front of botany hall
bride to be wraps her arm around her fiance
couple embraces with the golden sun behind them during their engagement session at phipps. they are surrounded by spring greens and the bride to be is wearing a flowing pink dress

If you're looking for engagement photos in Pittsburgh that reflect your real relationship — whether that means casual brewery hangs, a walk through your favorite park, or simply being yourselves in a place you love — I’d be honored to document it. Let’s make photos that feel like you.

couple, engagement, engagement sessionVictoria Stipcakengaged, engagement, couple1 Comment