Monica + Micheal | Wind in the Willows Fall Wedding | Grantville, Pennsylvania Wedding and Portrait Photographer

This past fall, I was honored to spend my evening on the most popular wedding date of the year (10/10/2020) with Monica and Micheal. (Yes, that’s how his name is spelled - E before A.) I was originally booked with another couple on that date and turned down many additional inquiries, but their request came through at just the right time. Due to the Covid pandemic, my other couple decided to reschedule their celebration and I ended up being available! I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason - we just don’t always know what the reasons are right away. I guess I was meant to photograph this celebration!

I was actually quite nervous to shoot this wedding, as I had never spoken with the bride or groom ahead of time. Monica’s best friend was taking care of the planning for them, so all of my contact was with her via Instagram. In retrospect, I really need a friend like that in my life! Wedding planning is no joke (especially during 2020) and I bet that kind gesture relieved so much stress and anxiety for them, so they could just focus on their relationship.

I showed up at the Wind in the Willows venue that day ready for just about anything - and the day turned out to be more perfect than I ever imagined. When you see the photos, I’m sure you will agree. The venue was decorated in stunning simplicity, with red and white roses and bunches of eucalyptus. Some of my favorite moments were the emotional first look, when Micheal started singing to Monica during portraits, and the last few minutes we spent together capturing images (and fun memories) in the rowboat! We concluded our portraits just as we were gifted the most amazing golden hour sunset light.

Congratulations again, Monica and Micheal. I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and roadtrips together.

Shanon + Brian | Intimate Fall Backyard Wedding | Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, I joined Shanon, Brian, and a dozen of their loved ones to celebrate their wedding day. This was one of the most intimate weddings I have photographed, and I definitely need more of these casual, laid back celebrations in my life. Weddings like this are my JAM! Don’t get me wrong, I love the fun and excitement that accompanies large, chaotic weddings. However there’s something about low-key weddings that just pulls at my heartstrings. I love when my couples are able to take some time to just enjoy each other and breathe each other in, savoring every moment of their Day #1 as husband and wife. And, that is exactly what Shanon and Brian did.

So, without any further ado, here are some of my favorite images from their day. (You may notice that these edits are a little different than what I normally post. I recently began giving my clients a choice between two editing styles - my traditional vibrant style, and my moodier style. Shanon requested moody and I was thrilled to edit these images in that style for her!)

(P.S. I wish I could have brought that vintage couch home with me!!)

Becca + Joey | Rustic Fall Bern Farm Wedding | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Becca and Joey got married a few weeks ago, and I was honored to be the one to capture it all for them!  I had such an incredible time hiking around Jim Thorpe and Glen Onoko Falls with them while we photographed their engagement session last fall.  I knew that their wedding day was going to be incredible!  And, I was right.

If I had to choose a few words to describe their wedding at the historic Bern Farm, they would have to be rustic, romantic, and fun!  Becca's floral crown, stunning bouquet, and gorgeous wedding dress (that she fell in love with and bought 3 years before her wedding day!) all gave off a fabulous boho chic vibe.

There were plenty of tears shed that day, but they were all tears of pure joy.  There were tears when Becca and Joey opened each other's sentimental gifts to each other, tears when Becca and her father saw each other right before they walked out to the ceremony together, tears when Joey set his eyes upon his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle, and tears from Joey, Becca, and Lily as they officially became a family of three.  (I shed plenty of tears myself - thank goodness my cameras are waterproof!)

Becca and Joey's wedding day had so many personalized touches that reflected their personalities and their story together.  From Becca's handmade rings, to the handgrown flowers for the decorations and centerpieces that Becca was painstakingly growing all summer, to the handpainted signs and mugs, to the gifts they exchanged before the ceremony.  I can't forget to mention the awesome Sweet Ride ice cream truck that made an appearance during cocktail hour, or the Mission Barbecue dinner service!  It truly was an amazing, intimate, and incredibly fun wedding celebration to be a part of.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from their Day #1 as husband and wife.  I hope you enjoy them.  Congratulations, Becca, Joey, and Lily!  I hope to see you out on the snow this winter.

Big thanks to my husband for assisting me that day, and for all of the talented vendors that helped make Joey and Becca's vision become a reality.

Florist:  Majestic Florals

Cake Artist:  Scratch Bakes

DJ:  Sean Shipper, The Party Express DJs

Hair/Make-Up Artist:  Tricia Barrell

Bridesmaids Dresses:  David's Bridal

Groom's and Groomsmen's Tuxedos:  Mens Wearhouse

Rentals:   Knight's Rental

Venue:  The Bern Farm

Photographer:  Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC