Alivia + Jake's Surprise Summer Proposal | Delaware River, Pennsylvania | Bucks County Wedding Photographer

Shannon + Matthew | Longwood Gardens Winter Elopement | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Serenity + Tony | Weddings on Memory Lane | Hershey, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Serenity and Tony will be celebrating their 1-year anniversary this weekend, so I thought I would surprise them by sharing a few highlights from their fabulous wedding ceremony that took place last May. (You might remember them from their Longwood Gardens engagement session blog.) Weddings on Memory Lane - located in Hershey, Pennsylvania - was such an incredible backdrop for their celebration. Everything took place here, from getting ready through to the end of the reception, and the venue had the perfect locations for all of it!

I was attending a family wedding in North Carolina this day, but my team of associates took incredible care of Serenity and Tony and documented their day perfectly. (They photographed the wedding on my memory cards, and I edited all of the images to match my style.) I’m so fortunate to have a wonderful team to call on when needed, and couples that trust me to take care of them - in person or from afar.

Without any further hesitation, here is a selection of details (ridiculously stunning details!) and moments (crazy, sweet, emotional moments!) from Serenity and Tony’s Day #1. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the dream team responsible for making all of the magic happen!


Thank you to the following team who made their wedding day vision come to life!

Venue: Weddings on Memory Lane

Wedding Coordinator: Melanie Haldeman

Florist: Melanie Haldeman

Cake Artist: Jody Mack

DJ: Klock Entertainment - Wil Monestime

Hair Artist: Down Street Salon

Makeup Artist: Prism Beauty and Wellness, Sierra Hoke

Ceremony Dress Boutique: ASOS

Reception Dress Boutique: Lulus

Bride’s Shoes: Keds x Kate Spade Bridal Sneakers

Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: ASOS and Lulus

Tuxedo/Suit Boutique: Joseph A. Bank

Officiant: Kurt Gregory

DIY personal touches: cake stand/plate, triangle ceremony backdrop, aisle flower boxes, reception sweetheart table backdrop


The Mauro Sisters | Wyomissing Fall Family Portrait Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Photographer

Next up on the blog is one of my favorite local families. Technically this year it was just the sisters participating, but I know it took a family effort to make it happen! (And I think their mom deserves an award for finding the absolute best outfits for each session!!) Due to the early sunset time and typical crazy fall schedules (x3 with these talented, involved girls), we had less than 30 minutes to make magic together. With their personalities and boundless energy, I had no doubt we would be successful. Looking back, I definitely think we nailed it. We started at a tiny field near Blue Marsh Lake that had the perfect pops of fall color left on the trees, and then finished up at one of my favorite spots on the Penn State Berks campus. Thanks again for trusting me with your portraits, Mauro Family! And thank you for the smiles and laughs, as usual. I hope you all have the most incredible 2022.

The Roccamanta Family | A Berks County Newborn Session | Pennsylvania Family Photographer

This summer, I got to know Kristen and Maxx a lot better during their incredible maternity session. We spent a few hours together, starting out in my Shillington studio and ending in downtown West Reading. (Click here to see it.) It is one of my absolute favorite sessions ever - we had great locations, wonderful weather, and amazing light on our sides… but what made the session perfect was Kristen and Maxx’s incredible love for each other. Seriously, I don’t think it’s possible to take a bad portrait of the two of them together! I really treasured the time we spent together chatting about life and their excitement to meet their little miracle baby.

Well, a few weeks ago, their daughter Marley made her grand entrance earthside, and I had the pleasure of photographing her in my studio. Kristen, Maxx, Marley, and Kristen’s mom Eileen ventured over to my studio for a few hours, and it was such a fabulous reunion! It’s so hard for me to find the words to describe the love they have for this little girl, and their excitement to be on this lifelong adventure called parenthood. So, I’m going to let the photos speak for themselves.

Thank you again for this honor, Roccamanta Family. I’m happy to call you clients - but so appreciative to call you friends.

Congratulations, and welcome, Marley!

The Mentrikoski Family | Wyomissing Park Family Session | Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

Next up on my series of catch-up blogs is the Mentrikoski Family! I had such a great time chasing the sunlight with them and their adorable pup. He is one of the largest - and gentlest - dogs I have ever met!! I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from our time together at the Wyomissing Park last fall.

Macy + Merlin | Reading Museum Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Next up on the blog-catch-up marathon are Macy and Merlin! We met up at the Reading Museum for their engagement session this past fall - you can tell by their outfits that this photoshoot didn’t take place recently! This is another session that fell victim to my crazy fall photography and dissertation schedule and was skipped over on my blog - until now!

Macy and Merlin are getting married this coming November, and I am so excited to be able to celebrate with them! They were so relaxed during their session, and so easy to work with. They were also incredibly fun - and even more in love - which is going to make for fantastic wedding day photos! I’m so honored to be the one capturing their love story for them, and I hope you enjoy these photos from their engagement session.



Deciduous Life | Clothing Brand Commercial Shoot | Pennsylvania Photographer

I recently created a few images for my friends over at Deciduous Life. Click here to get your hands on some of this merchandise, as well as other awesome stuff.



Kirstie + Troy | Snowy Blue Marsh Lake Maternity Session | Berks County Family Photographer

Kirstie reached out to me a few months ago, wanting to book a snowy maternity session to celebrate her and Troy's growing family. This session was originally supposed to take place on a day when there was no snow to be found, and the only signs of winter were the high winds and below freezing temperatures. It would have been a brutal day to hold an outdoor photoshoot. So, we decided to take our chances and reschedule for two weeks later. Luckily, Mother Nature delivered snow a few days before our session, and the temperatures were cold enough all week that the snow actually stuck around for a while. We met up at Blue Marsh Lake, and the weather was perfect on that particular afternoon - we were gifted with reasonable temperatures, zero winds, and amazing golden hour light. Kirstie was absolutely stunning, rocking her maternity glow! (Troy was a great sport throughout it all as well!) I’m still in awe of Kirstie’s ability to change her outfit mid-session in a pickup truck and hike through the snow in her fashionable shoes! (I think she’s a ninja in disguise.) They are going to be the most amazing parents to this lucky little girl!! I’m so honored that they asked me to capture this wonderful time in their lives. I had so much fun creating these images with them, and am thankful that my husband agreed to come along and assist us that afternoon.

I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into their photoshoot.


Olivia + Paul | Intimate Stirling Mansion Wedding | Reading, Pennsylvania Photographer

Last week, Olivia and Paul got married in an intimate self-uniting wedding ceremony. Their celebration took place at the incredible Stirling Guest Hotel, located in Reading, Pennsylvania. This mansion has so much personality and charm, and I love love love photographing events there! I was honored to document Paul and Olivia’s Day #1 as husband and wife, and I can’t think of a better way to start off my 2019 wedding season. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Marten!

(Olivia, you ROCKED those wedding socks and sneakers!!)

Amie + Greg | Meredith Manor Fall Wedding | Chester County, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

I had such an amazing time photographing Amie and Greg’s October wedding a few weeks ago! The weather was beautiful, and although it was a bit chilly that day, I remember feeling like it was the first day this year that actually REALLY felt like autumn.

When Amie reached out to me almost 2 years ago, asking if I would photograph her wedding, I ecstatically agreed! I have known Amie for longer than I will admit, since I was once her high school math teacher (in my pre-photographer life). I am filled with so much joy when former students contact me years later, asking me to document important milestones in their lives - especially when they have grown into such incredible adults, like Amie and Greg have done. Needless to say, I have been looking forward to this wedding for a long time - but probably not quite as long as Amie, Greg, and their loved ones have.

On the day of their wedding, we met up with Amie and Greg at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Exton, PA. I hung out with the girls while they finished getting ready, and my second photographer, Eric, photographed the guys. Everyone was so much fun, and the hotel provided the perfect backdrop and lighting for stunning photos!

Next, we headed to the Meredith Manor for the first look, portraits, ceremony, and reception. (The bridal party arrived via school bus - awesome, right!?!) This was my first time visiting Meredith Manor, and it didn’t disappoint! This venue is gorgeous, and has so many fantastic backdrops for photos. The staff was so helpful, and really went out of their way to make Amie and Greg’s day as perfect as it could be. Everything reflected their personalities and their relationship with each other, including the speeches, the decorations, and the excellent officiating by Amie’s own father! Amie and Greg’s wedding day vibe was romantic, classic, and formal, with a touch of rustic thrown in for good measure. When you see their photos, I think you’ll see what I mean!

Amie and Greg, thank you so much for inviting me to document these moments for you, and to celebrate your marriage with you. It was so nice seeing you, and reconnecting with some of my other former students (and couples)! I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from your Day #1 as husband and wife, and reliving these moments.

I would like to acknowledge all of the talented people and businesses who made Amie and Greg’s wedding dreams come true:

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka

Transportation: Metz Wilson Bus Service

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn, Exton, PA

Wedding/Reception Venue: Meredith Manor

Wedding Coordinator: Mimi Reitz, Meredith Manor

Florist: Bridal Flowers - Jenna Shupp-Kemp, Exquisite Designs

Florist: Ceremony and Reception Flowers - Becky Reitz, B&E Floral Designs

Cake Artist: Bakers of Buffington

DJ: Chet Light, Musical Expressions

Hair & Makeup Artist: Prenup Beauty

Wedding Dress Boutique: BHLDN; Jolie; Catherine Dean

Bridesmaids’ Dresses Boutique: Adrianna Papell

Groom and Groomsmen’s Tuxedo Boutique: Tux by Sarno


Morgan + Mikey | Barn at Silverstone Wedding | Lancaster Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

In September, Morgan and Mikey were married in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, at the Barn at Silverstone. Their wedding day had a romantic and semi-formal vibe, with decorations and details that were rustic and shabby chic. Morgan thought that my “moodier” editing style would be a great fit, so she asked me to add that touch to her wedding photos (which I was happy to do!). The weather has been rather turbulent this year, but we lucked out that day. We had a few showers in the morning - perfect for some extra wedding day luck - and then were gifted the most incredible weather for the rest of the day. Admittedly, it was a bit windy, but they rolled with it like champs!

Morgan, Mikey, and their bridal party were so much fun! They were there to celebrate, and that’s exactly what they did. There were a few emotional moments, too, especially during the first look, wedding ceremony, speeches, and sentimental dances. I was laughing and crying right along with them. And their first dance - they were literally on Cloud 9!! (Wait until you see it!)

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from their Day #1 as husband and wife. Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Antolino!

Huge props go out to the following vendors for making their dream wedding a reality:

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka

Venue: The Barn at Silverstone

Wedding Coordinator: Christine Helwig, Scarlet Runner Catering

Videographer: Rola Cinema

Florist: The Autumn Olive

Cake Artist: Krystal Moran

DJ: Vince, East Coast Event Group

Hair Artist: John Sentell, Alchemy Studio Hair

Makeup Artisti: Nicole Moeser

Wedding Dress Boutique: Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo; Casablanca

Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: Ashley’s Bridal

Groom and Groomsman Tuxedo Boutique: Men’s Wearhouse

Officiant: Theresa Gilberti

Patsy + Michael | Alvernia University + Heidelberg Country Club | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

I met Patsy and Michael at a wedding that I photographed last summer. I was thrilled when Michael contacted me a few weeks later, asking me if I was available to photograph his own upcoming wedding! When I met him and Patsy at my studio to discuss their wedding day in person, I knew we were going to make a great team.

I wasn’t wrong!

Their wedding day was overflowing with excitement, energy, and LOVE! Their decorations (many of them DIY) were so colorful and full of textures - it was truly a photographer’s dream. Their wedding day vibe was an amalgamation of tradition and romance, with a touch of rustic shabby chic thrown in for good measure.

I began my day photographing the final bridal preparations that took place at Patsy’s home. (I was supposed to begin at the guys’ hotel - but that’s a story for another day. A wedding just isn’t a wedding without some last minute chaos - and believe me, we had it! Luckily, I’m great at going with the flow…)

Next, I headed to the Sacred Heart Chapel to photograph their traditional Catholic ceremony. The chapel is located on Alvernia University’s campus, and is absolutely breathtaking inside! Their ceremony was beautiful, and included mariachi music, readings, prayers, the vow exchange, the bringing of gifts, blessings, and communion - and then Michael and Patsy were officially pronounced husband and wife!

We spent some time taking bridal party portraits around the Alvernia University campus, and then boarded the trolley to head to the reception. The reception took place at the Heidelberg Country Club. Once we arrived, we took a few more photos around the trolley, and then noticed that we were in a race with Mother Nature. We finished our final bride and groom portraits seconds before the skies opened up and poured down rain.

At the reception, Michael and Patsy wowed us all with a choreographed first dance. Afterwards, many of their guests joined them on the dance floor as they celebrated their Day #1 as a married couple. Patsy and Michael went all out, adding their personal touches to their wedding ceremony and reception. It really was a beautiful day, and was perfectly reflective of their love for each other.

Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding day. I hope you enjoy them!

Big thanks to the following people (among others) who helped make Patsy and Michael’s dream wedding day a reality:

Florist: Mary, Sycamore Springs

Cake Artist: Mother of the groom, Lizzette Rodriguez

DJ: Billy, friend of the family

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka

Second Photographer: Adam Naples

Band: Mariachi Flores

Hair Artist: Vanessa New

Wedding Dress Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal (Aime Couture and Pollardi Fashion Group)

Bridesmaid Dresses Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal (Jovani Fashion and Faviana)

Groom’s Suit Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal, Jim’s Formal

Groomsmen’s Suits Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal, Jim’s Formal

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Chapel, Reading, Pennsylvania

Reception Venue: Heidelberg Country Club

The Murillo Family | Wyomissing Park Fall Family Session | Berks County Family Photographer

I recently met up with the Murillo Family to document this fun time in their lives. They have an adorable little guy, and he’s mobile and so full of personality! We lucked out and were gifted some amazing weather that afternoon - it was a tad on the chilly side, but there was surprisingly no rain to be found! We did a quick lap around some of my favorite spots in the Wyomissing Park, letting Louie lead the way. I’m so glad that they asked me to be their photographer, and I hope this session was the first of many more to come. They are so full of joy and love, and I am sure that I had a big, silly smile on my face during the entire session. Scroll down to view a few of my favorite images from our time together and you’ll see why!

P.S. I am a sucker for baby feet - you’ll see what I mean when you view the images from their session! Seriously - how could anyone resist taking photos of those cute toes??

Colleen + Chad (+ Lola) | Reading Museum Engagement Session | Wyomissing, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

This past weekend, I met up with Colleen and Chad at the Reading Public Museum for their engagement session.  This was our third attempt, due to Mother Nature gifting us with torrential downpours and extreme heat and humidity on our other previous dates.  They brought along their newly adopted puppy, Lola, and I couldn't have been more thrilled!  I love animals, especially dogs, and Lola has just the right amount of sweetness and sass to make anyone's heart melt!

I love how their photos turned out, and I can't wait to photograph their wedding next summer.  I have the most amazing, laid back, fun couples, and I am so thankful for that!  Colleen and Chad patiently navigated through some record-breaking crowds at the museum grounds that evening... including a zombie film-making crew!  In spite of the crowds, zombies, and uninvited gnats, we made so many great photos together.  Scroll down for a few of my favorites!

(Big thanks to my mom for assisting me on this one!  It's an added treat when my own loved ones can be a part of my sessions!)

Jan + Ian | GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Wedding | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Jan and Ian recently got married at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and I was lucky enough to capture their memories for them.  I would describe their wedding day as romantic, semi-formal, and fun!  Jan grew up in the United States, and Ian grew up in Northern Ireland.  As a result, their day was an amalgamation of US and UK traditions, and it was perfectly reflective of Jan and Ian's unique relationship.

I started my day off with the ladies at an amazing Airbnb rental in Reading, Pennsylvania.  I just don't have the words to describe exactly how fabulous that home was!  I had never been there before, but I will definitely be checking out that hidden gem again in the near future.  (It would make an incredible venue for a day of photoshoots, both indoors and out!)  Meanwhile, my second photographer was hanging out with the guys while they were finishing their preparations at the nearby Doubletree by Hilton.

As soon as everyone was ready, we met up at the GoggleWorks for Jan and Ian's wedding ceremony and reception.  The ceremony and reception decorations were simple, elegant, and fun, consisting entirely of personalized elements.  In fact, Jan created all of the ceremony and reception decorations herself!  Jan threw, glazed, and decorated all of the vases that were used as table centerpieces.  She dyed and arranged the sola wood flowers that were used at the ceremony site and as reception centerpieces.  She made the guest book, table cards, and ceramic tile table numbers.  She even made hundreds of atom-like hanging orbs, to honor Ian who is a physicist!  She painted the wedding arch and arranged the flowers and vines that covered it.  She painted the chandelier that hung in the reception room.  She needle-felted the adorable penguin and bear cake toppers.  She even baked the delicious macarons that served as wedding favors for all of the guests!  She is one of the most talented and creative individuals that I have ever met, and I am truly in awe of her skills (and patience)!  To top it off, the girls even made their own bouquets.

Jan and Ian began their Day #1 as husband and wife surrounded by over 120 of their loved ones.  No one was actually local to Berks County, except for me - most of the guests and bridal party members traveled from places such as Philadelphia, Northern Ireland, and other places in the UK.  As an engineer-turned-teacher-turned-photographer, I felt right at home surrounded by so many other academics and creatives.  I hadn't actually met Jan and Ian prior to that day, but by the end of their ceremony and reception, I felt like I knew them for ages.  The (numerous) speeches had me laughing and crying and laughing again, and the dancing was fabulous!  The food looked and smelled absolutely amazing.  (I didn't actually remember to take a break to taste any - I was having too much fun taking pictures and forgot to take my dinner break!)

Between the ceremony and reception, we managed to sneak outside long enough to capture some great photos of the bridal party, and then of Jan and Ian alone.  We made it back inside just minutes before the sky opened up and poured for the next few hours.  (I tried my hardest to play it cool while texts of tornado warnings kept blowing up my phone...)

Jan and Ian's wedding day was perfect.  I'm so thankful that they asked me to photograph their celebration for them.  And, their celebration isn't quite over yet - they are doing it all over again in Northern Ireland this month!  Oh, how I wish I could join them.

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from their (first) wedding day.

 

Big thanks to the following vendors for helping make Jan and Ian's wedding day a dream come true:

Photographer:  Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

Second photographer:  Adam Naples

Venue:  GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

Hair and Makeup Artist:  Daneene Jensen

Bride's Wedding Dress:  Sabrina Ann, Ardmore

Bridesmaids' Dresses:  BHLDN and other various shops from Philadelphia and Northern Ireland

Groom's Suit:  Men's Warehouse

Groomsmen's Suits:  Various shops in the United Kingdom

Cake Artist:  Jennifer Low, Frosted Fox Cake Shop

Catering:  Farm Truck Philly

Chairs:  Wolfe's Rental Company

Lisa + Collin (+1) | Hershey Gardens Engagement Session | Central Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Last week, I met up with Lisa and Collin for their engagement session.  I was so excited to see them again, since we actually first met a little over a year ago at one of my favorite weddings ever!  (I'm talking about you, Jackie and Dustin!)  Even though I only live an hour away from Hershey Gardens, this was my first time visiting.  I can't believe it took me so long to go, and I'm definitely planning on making another trip in the near future.

I'm so glad that Lisa and Collin chose this location as the backdrop for their photos.  We got there as soon as it opened (on one of the hottest days of the year), and we practically had the place to ourselves!  They were so much fun to photograph, and I could tell right away how absolutely head over heels in love they are with each other.  Their engagement session also doubled as a maternity photoshoot, since they will be welcoming a baby into their family in a few short months!  I'm so excited to photograph their wedding next year, and I can't wait to meet their little one the next time I see them!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time together.  Big thanks to my husband, Mako, for assisting me.

Jes + Chris + Ronan, Part 2 | St. Peter's Village Session | Chester County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Jes, Chris, and Ronan are lucky enough to have two blog posts dedicated to their love story!  Since it poured all day long on their wedding day (see that blog post here), I offered to meet up with them for more portraits on a later (and much sunnier) date.  They happily agreed, and a few weeks later they dressed up in their wedding outfits all over again (plus a floral crown!) and met me at St. Peter's Village.

Luckily, I brought my husband along to assist me.  Without the extra set of hands and eyes, I know I would have ended up falling on boulders and into the water - with thousands of dollars of camera gear attached to me.  I can be extra clumsy at times, especially at awesome locations like St. Pete's.  I'm extra impressed by Jes' and Chris' bouldering skills while donning formal wear!  We all escaped bruise free, and with great photos to memorialize our evening together.

Here are a few images from our adventures at St. Pete's.  Enjoy!