Chapter One: A Museum of Memories

Walking through the grand marble halls of the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a timeless story—one where love, learning, and beauty collide. And on this particular day, the story was theirs: The Ryans.

Yes, The Ryans. Two souls with the same name, but entirely unique in rhythm and spirit. From the moment we met, I knew this engagement session would be more than a shoot—it would be an experience. Their chemistry? Effortless. Their connection? Deep. Their love? Absolutely electric.

We didn’t just walk through the museum… we wandered. We explored. We laughed. We paused in front of Monet’s brushstrokes and whispered through the mineral exhibit, marveling at the shimmer of pyrite. One Ryan explained the difference between rocks and minerals—turns out granite is a mineral, not a rock—and suddenly, we were all learning from each other. This wasn’t just an engagement photography session. This was a portrait of partnership.

Chapter Two: In Step with Each Other

The Ryans are all about balance. Whether it’s in their shared love of museums, Sunday morning brunches, or working out side by side—everything they do is rooted in mutual respect and joy.

I learned that Ryan Wilityer thrives on high-energy workouts, powering up the stairmaster with hip-hop in his ears and focus in his eyes. Meanwhile, Ryan Hamilton moves at a steady, reflective pace, absorbing insightful podcast episodes that feed his ever-curious mind.

This small detail? It spoke volumes. It’s a snapshot of who they are: two people walking side by side, different speeds, same direction. That’s what great love stories are made of. That’s what I aim to capture in my work as a wedding photographer in Pittsburgh—candid, emotional, fun, and honest wedding photography.

Chapter Three: A House, A Garden, A Future

This year, the Ryans planted a new chapter—quite literally. They bought their first home, a beautiful place filled with light, laughter, and dreams of a garden that will rival Phipps Conservatory. Their love for life, learning, and each other is what truly makes them shine.

They imagine a garden filled with lavender, basil, heirloom tomatoes, and the kind of stillness that invites hummingbirds. They see their future not just in wedding rings, but in small everyday rituals: brewing coffee, pulling weeds, slow dancing in their kitchen.

That vision of the future? It radiated through their engagement photos at the Carnegie Museum. Every glance, every grin, every hand held—it all felt like a prelude to something even more beautiful.

Chapter Four: A Gallery of Emotion

As we explored room after room, I noticed something remarkable. The Ryans weren’t posing. They were just being. And I was simply there to document the truth of it all: the giggles when one whispered a joke, the quiet peace when they stood shoulder to shoulder in front of an 18th-century oil painting.

We stopped at the dinosaur exhibit, where their laughter echoed louder than the kids on a field trip. We walked beneath towering marble columns that seemed made just for them. We embraced the weird, the wild, and the whimsical—because that’s who they are.

As a documentary wedding photographer in Pittsburgh, this is the gold I live for. It’s not about perfect smiles or stiff poses. It’s about connection. And this session was filled with it.

Chapter Five: The Art of Loving Well

The Ryans are already practicing the most important parts of marriage: respect, curiosity, adventure, and a sense of humor that could light up any rainy day. Whether they’re analyzing modern art or just bickering over garden mulch, they’re fully present with each other.

Their engagement session reminded me why I fell in love with this craft. Photography isn’t just images—it’s emotion frozen in time. It’s being a witness to the story beneath the surface. And believe me, this story is just beginning.

Final Chapter: The Wedding Awaits

Their wedding day is on the horizon, and if this engagement session was any indication—it’s going to be a beautiful explosion of laughter, tears, and dance floor chaos (the fun kind, of course). I already know their celebration will reflect everything they are: intentional, emotional, joyous, and artfully real.

If you’re planning your own wedding and wondering what an engagement session in Pittsburgh might feel like—let the Ryans inspire you. Your session doesn’t have to be stiff or posed. It can be fun. It can be emotional. It can be a love letter to who you are, right now.

❤️ Planning an Engagement Session at the Carnegie Museum?

The Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History is one of Pittsburgh’s most unique engagement photo locations. With dramatic architecture, glowing galleries, and rooms full of wonder, it’s the perfect venue for couples who love art, learning, and meaningful memories.

Whether you're quirky and curious like the Ryans or have your own unique love story to tell—this space becomes your canvas.