Crystal + Mike | Outdoor Fall Halloween Berks County Wedding | Pennsylvania Wedding and Portrait Photographer
Celebrating 10 Years of Tucker | Fall Family Portrait Session | Berks County Photographer
Mackenzie | Snowy Senior Portrait Session | Lancaster, Pennsylvania Family Photographer
Brooke's Ridiculously Fun Senior Portrait Session | Berks County, Pennsylvania Graduate Photographer
Rainy Fall Family Portrait Session | Blue Marsh Lake | Reading, Pennsylvania Family Photographer
Jackie + Nate's Fall Engagement Session | Lititz Springs Park | Berks County, PA Wedding Photographer
Kaila + Ryan | Pulpit Rock Surprise Proposal | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Last week, Ryan reached out to me looking for a photographer to capture his upcoming proposal to his long time girlfriend (and best friend) Kaila. After an uncanny chain of events, we were able to book it and the date was set for the following weekend. Over the course of the week, we chatted back and forth a few times, solidifying the plan. I could tell how excited Ryan was, and I was so excited to be able to be a part of this special moment in their lives.
The plan was that we were going to hike the Pulpit Rock section of the Appalachian Trail and would meet at the overlook. I would pretend to be taking portraits for a personal project and would ask them to pose for me, eventually having Kaila stand alone, looking out towards the overlook. Meanwhile, Ryan would get the engagement ring out of his backpack, would quickly drop to one knee, and would propose when Kaila turned around.
Well, today was the day! They ended up arriving at the overlook shortly before I did, because Ryan couldn’t convince Kaila to postpone the hike any longer - so they got a little bit of a head start. (She actually tried to talk Ryan out of hiking a few times earlier in the day, but luckily he persevered!!) Ryan, Kaila, and their 3 year old German Shepard Hutch were waiting at Pulpit Rock when I arrived, and were sitting on one of the boulders enjoying the view. I saw another group of hikers there with a dog, so I pretended to be capturing photos of dogs (and their humans) along the hiking trail. After taking a few photos with that group, I moved on to Kaila, Ryan, and Hutch. I gave them the same story about capturing images of dogs along the trail, and they happily obliged! Eventually, I asked Kaila to turn around and face the overlook, and to pose with her arms spread out while she took in the incredible view. Ryan quickly got into position, and my husband was with me and freed up Ryan’s hands by holding onto Hutch. (The last thing I wanted was for Hutch to tackle Ryan or Kaila along the edge of Pulpit Rock!!) I asked Kaila to turn around, and she quickly began to realize what was happening. Spoiler alert - SHE SAID YES!!!
After letting them have a few moments to themselves to take it all in, we hiked back down the trail together and I captured a few more images along the way.
I loved being a part of this adventure, and I love the emotion that Kaila and Ryan shared with each other in these moments. Kaila, Ryan, and Hutch - it was an honor creating these memories with you. Congratulations, and happy wedding planning!!!
Kelly + Aron | The Grove at Kempton | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Kelly and Aron’s fall wedding celebration at The Grove at Kempton was absolutely fabulous! (Here’s a link to their engagement session that is still one of my favorites!) Their wedding day vibe was a touch of country, a dash of rustic boho, and a whole lot of love! The weather was perfect all day, and this farm/barn venue was incredibly stunning. Their day was filled with so many smiles, laughs, and hugs - it really was a pleasure and honor to be the one chosen to capture their memories for them. One of my personal highlights was their reception, which was catered by the best selection of food trucks I have ever witnessed (and tasted)! It was such a treat to celebrate with everyone that day - and to be fed so well while I was doing it. :)
Kelly and Aron really poured their hearts into making this day reflect their relationship and personalities. Aaron’s passion project was the beer bar, and Kelly created most of the decorations herself, including the hand-painted signs and centerpieces! Their beloved dog Jackson even made an appearance that day! You really need to check out the photos for yourself to appreciate the joy-filled celebration that they had.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan!!
I want to share some love with everyone who helped bring Kelly and Aron’s wedding day vision to life!
Venue: The Grove at Kempton
Wedding Coordinator: Carol Fella, The Grove at Kempton
Videographer: Hannah Bergauer
Florist: Kathryn Piff Townsend, Kempton Floral Design
Cake Artist: The Farm Bakery
Makeup Artist: Salon 309
Hair Artist: Salon 309
Wedding Dress Boutique: All Things Bridal, Rebecca Ingram
Bridesmaids Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal
Groom/Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique: Men’s Wearhouse
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!!)
Anna + Wiley | Pocono Lake Preserve | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of joining Anna, Wiley, and their loved ones at one of their favorite places, as they celebrated their wedding in the Poconos. (We were also joined by a few million mosquitoes, but no one really seemed to mind.) All of the festivities took place at various locations around the Pocono Lake Preserve, a place that is near and dear to their hearts. This was my first time visiting the preserve, and I instantly fell in love with the venue - I can tell why they love it so much!
I would describe their wedding day vibe as casual, rustic, and fun (emphasis placed on fun)! Their wedding party had just as many dogs as humans, which added a nice personal touch to their day. Anna’s theme color was black watch plaid, and the flowers and table decorations complemented her colors perfectly! Wiley had two wedding bands - one made of plain white gold, and the other made of elk horn, whiskey barrels and gold (it was so cool!!).
The speeches brought me to tears, the dance moves had me smiling big silly grins. I was so honored to document this celebration for them and with them. I truly have the absolute best job ever. I hope you understand why when you view this selection of photos from their Day #1 as husband and wife. Thank you again for trusting me with your memories, Anna and Wiley!
Big thanks to the following people (among others) who helped make Anna and Wiley’s dream wedding day a reality:
Wedding Coordinator: Elika Almeida
Florist: Leigh Florist; Denise Herker
Cake Artist: Kitchen Chemistry
Band: The Hoopla Band
Hair Artist: Virginia Slonaker (aka Bunny)
Makeup Artist: Lexi Vidal (Bride’s daughter)
Wedding Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit Boutique: Brooks Brothers
String Ensemble: Penn Strings
Officiant: Journeys of the Heart; Susanne Wilson
A Studio Session with Momo the Shiba | Berks County Pet Photographer
I brought Momo into my GoggleWorks studio the other day to get ready for a really fun freelance job that I have coming up. I needed a small, furry model, and Momo fit the bill perfectly! Momo is a 2-year old Shiba Inu with lots of personality! Plus, she doesn't break the bank - she works for treats, such as dog biscuits and Starbucks whipped cream.
Here are a few shots from our test session in the studio. Thanks for your help, Momo! (Big thanks to my daughter Akina for being the treat handler!)
Snow Day Fun With Momo The Shiba Inu - On The Second Day Of Spring! | Berks County Pet Photographer
I've been so busy lately that I haven't made much time to take pictures just for me, just for fun. When winter storm Toby arrived today and gifted us with over 12 inches of snow, my work plans had to be rearranged. (I'm not complaining at all - I'm actually very thankful for the unexpected day off!) My Shiba Inu, Momo, absolutely loves the snow - so when she refused to come inside and warm up, I decided to join her outside and take a few photos of her snow day shenanigans. Winter is my favorite season, and I'm really sad to have to say goodbye to it. So, I'm extra thankful for this early spring gift from Mother Nature! Finally, a storm that didn't miss us...
An Extra Special Engagement Session | Wyomissing Park | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Last weekend, I had the honor of photographing Rachel and Mark's engagement session. I was one of Rachel's high school math teachers more years ago than I care to share, and I was thrilled when she reached out and asked me to be her and Mark's wedding photographer. I love how my education and photography passions continue to bring and keep amazing people in my life.
We had some extra special guests at this engagement session - Rachel and Mark's son Gavin and pup Venus decided to come along and hop into a few photos! I'm so glad they decided to get their entire family involved, and I am so looking forward to photographing their wedding in just over one week!!
Thanks again for this opportunity, and thank you for putting up with the extra-aggressive bugs that afternoon at the Wyomissing Park! I love how your photos turned out, and I hope you do as well.
See you in a week!
Procrastinating with Momo | Berks County Pet Photographer
I have a Shiba Inu named Momo. (Actually Momoko, but that sounds too formal, so we call her Momo). She rocks. If you've met her, you understand. If you haven't met her, you really should. She has the best personality and is so freaking photogenic! She's stubborn and doesn't listen most of the time, but I'm the same way so I find those qualities endearing.
We procrastinated together for a few minutes today, and here is the outcome. I hope you love these half as much as I do. <3 If you want to see more of Momo, she has her own Instagram account now! Check her out at: http://www.instagram.com/the_real_momo_the_shiba.
P.S. After the photoshoot, I'm really thinking about offering pet photography sessions...
Douglassville, PA Family Session | The Gumbas - Part 2
Back in July, I met up with Sarah and her three amazing sons for a family session at St. Peter's Village. Her husband wasn't able to join us for that session, so I offered to stop by and capture a few photos of the entire family at a later date. That second photoshoot came to fruition last week! Their property is the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot, so I met up with them (and the spunky Australian Shepherd that they recently rescued) at their home in Douglassville.
Sarah and Frank showed me a photograph of a family who had previously lived in their home, dated 1900. They thought it would be fun to recreate that image with their own family, and I agreed! After we captured that photo, we walked around their property for a few more family shots. As always, my time with the Gumba Family was filled with smiles, laughter, and chasing the kiddos around on their four wheelers.
Here are a few of my favorites from our time together. This is my third session with their family, and their love, energy, and incredible sense of humor and "realness" has easily made them one of my favorite families to capture!
Scott's Run Lake Engagement | Ashlie + Eric
I recently met up with Ashlie and Eric to photograph their engagement session. (It just happened to be the hottest and most humid day of the year, so far.) They were such troopers in the heat and humidity, and we managed to capture quite a few great shots in spite of Mother Nature deciding to be a brat! They are planning to get married in Maui next year, and I know that it's going to be absolutely amazing! Congratulations, you two!!
Red Rocks, Colorado | Kenyon + Stacie + Zoey
Back in April, I took a trip to Colorado to cheer on my girls (I mean rockstars!) as they raced in the USASA Snowboard Nationals. While I was there, I met up with my long time friend Kenyon for a quick photoshoot. Lucky for me, his lovely lady-friend Stacie and their adorable fur-kid Zoey joined him! We met up at one of my favorite places in the universe - Red Rocks Ampitheatre!!
