Alexandra + Robert | Bethlehem Steel Stacks Wedding | Lehigh Valley Photographer

A few weeks ago, Alex and Rob threw one heck of a wedding celebration in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  I was lucky enough to be there to document their Day #1, along with almost 300 of their closest family and friends.

Their wedding style was romantic and elegant, with the bridal party dressed in traditional black and white.  The colors and Catholic church service were the only formal parts of their day, however.  If I had to choose one word to describe their day, I would hands-down have to say it was "fun"!

The girls got ready at the historic Hotel Bethlehem, while the guys gathered at the Hyatt Place for their final preparations.  Alex and Rob opted against having a first look, because they wanted to wait to see each other until they arrived at the church.  They chose to exchange their vows at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also located in Bethlehem.  Their wait was worth it - you could feel Rob's anticipation and love as he watched his bride-to-be eagerly approaching him from across the aisle, walking hand-in-hand with her proud father.  Nothing beats the moment that a bride and groom set eyes upon each other for the first time on their wedding day, whether it is during a first look, or the more traditional walk down the church aisle. I love capturing those moments as a photographer!

After the ceremony, we headed back to historic downtown Bethlehem for a few bridal party portraits around Main Street, right outside Hotel Bethlehem.  Our last stop was the reception venue, the Musikfest Cafe at the Steelstacks.  Inside, the flowers and decorations were gorgeous, and outside, the Steel Stacks provided a breathtaking backdrop.  The food stations reflected Alex and Rob's favorite dishes, and the drinks were pouring freely!  There was an entire long table filled with desserts (including the stunning cake) that were all baked with love by Rob's mom!!  There was no shortage of smiles on this day, and it was obvious that Alex and Rob are very, very loved.

Congratulations, Alex and Rob!  Thank you so much for allowing me to be there to document this incredible day.  Best wishes for a long and joyous marriage!

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

 

Bridal Party Accomodations:  Hotel Bethlehem

Hair Artist:  Apotheca Salon and Boutique

Make-Up Artist:  Helena Coyle

Cake Artist:  Trisha Shaffer, mother of the groom

Band: Night Moves

Bride's Dress:  Nicole Miller Bridal

Groom's Tuxedo:  Mr. T's Tuxedos

Church:  Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Reception:  Musikfest Cafe at Steelstacks

Big thanks to Rachel Wass for second shooting with me!

 

Jackie + Dustin | Neag Planetarium + Reading Museum | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Happy Mother's Day!  I thought it was the perfect day to post this fabulous, romantic, unique, and FUN wedding on my blog!

Jackie and Dustin got married on Earth Day, and it was out of this world!  (Pun intended.)  They opted for a galaxy theme for their nuptials, and it was amazing!  All of their details and decorations fit the galaxy theme perfectly - their constellation invitations, the groomsmen's constellation socks, their hand-painted galaxy guest sign-in canvas, their vow exchange under the planetarium dome, their constellation table placards, and their stunning purple, blue, and pink flowers!  When you see their photos, I'm sure you will agree!

That morning, I met up with Jackie and Dustin at the Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing for some "getting ready" and detail photos.  Then, we headed to the Reading Museum and Neag Planetarium for their first look.  Let me tell you about that first look - it was my favorite one yet, even in spite of the falling rain!!  Jackie walked up behind Dustin ever so slowly, the anticipation of seeing her soon-to-be husband visibly building on her face.  The instant Jackie tapped Dustin on his shoulder and he turned around, Dustin set his eyes upon her and spurted out some obscenities that shouldn't be repeated on my blog!  He just couldn't contain his excitement, or his love!  It is so obvious that they are crazy in love with each other, and it was so much fun to witness!  They couldn't take their eyes off of each other, taking each other in and realizing that they were going to be husband and wife in just a few short moments.  I posted a bazillion photos of the first look below, so you'll be able to see for yourself!

Everything about this day was all about Jackie and Dustin - as it should be.  They had their first date at the Neag Planetarium, so they decided it would be the perfect location to exchange their wedding vows.  As Jackie's "something blue", she painted the bottoms of her stunning heels a gorgeous shade of blue.  Dustin provided all of the groomsmen - and Jackie - with personalized karate belts.  They threw tradition to the wind, opting for an ice cream sundae bar over a cake, including their own signature ice cream flavor!  Even their wedding rings reflected their unique love for each other, bearing infinity sign designs.  Their officiant was a close friend of theirs who actually joined them on their first date at the planetarium!  And, they exchanged vows in the planetarium underneath a starry sky... which turned to fireworks as they shared their first kiss as newlyweds!

I'm so honored that I was able to celebrate this special day with Jackie, Dustin, and their loved ones.  Big thanks to my friend and fellow photographer April Westhafer for second shooting with me for part of the day!

Congratulations, Jackie and Dustin!  I hope you enjoy this selection of memories from your Day #1.

 

Here are the vendors that helped make Jackie and Dustin's wedding day a success:

Getting Ready:  Crowne Plaza Hotel, Reading, PA

Florist:  Holly, Froggy's Garden

DJ:  Nick Talarico, The People's DJ

Hair Artist:  Michelle Fischer

Makeup Artist:  Fawn Monique 

Wedding Dress Boutique:  Bijou Bridal

Groom & Groomsmen's Tuxedo Boutique:  Men's Wearhouse

Caterer:  Laurin Fegley, Simply Smooth Catering

Wedding Coordinator:  Laura Oswald, Reading Public Museum

Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville PA Wedding | 2nd Shooting

When I'm not shooting my own weddings and portraits, I often second shoot weddings for other talented wedding photographers.  I love getting out there and meeting new people, celebrating love, and being creative without always having to be in charge. ;)  A few weeks ago, I second shot this wedding for Jodi Chandler.  It was an honor working alongside Jodi to capture Emilee and Elliott's Day #1.  They were such a fun couple, and their day was filled with so much love and support.  The Glasbern Inn was the perfect backdrop for their wedding day!  Thank you again for asking me to be your sidekick, Jodi!  Here are a few of my photos from their day...

Pine Barn Inn, Danville PA Wedding | 2nd Shooting

On weekends when I'm not busy shooting my own weddings or portrait sessions, I can often be found assisting other photographers.  I really enjoy the freedom (and lower stress level) that comes along with second shooting!  A few weeks ago, I second shot a wedding for Alisha Taylor of A Mack Photography.

My day started in Elysburg with sunny skies and temps in the 70s... and ended at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville with sub-freezing temps and snow!  Mother Nature was up to some shenanigans that day, but it made for incredibly diverse photos!  Nate and Alaina were so kind, so in love, and so much fun to hang out with all day!  I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from their wedding day.

Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton Wedding | 2nd Shooting | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Even though I keep myself pretty busy shooting my own weddings and portrait sessions, I really enjoy second shooting for an amazing group of talented photographers who I am thrilled to call my friends.  A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of second shooting again for Aly Martin.  I always have a great time working with Aly!  She's so talented and fun, and her clients always throw amazing celebrations!!  This wedding took place in Scranton at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel.  The hotel is such a cool venue!  It used to be a train station, and the architecture is so unique.

Without any further delay, I'm just going to show some photos from this incredible day.  Thanks again for inviting me to assist you, Aly!

Cork Factory Hotel Wedding | 2nd Shooting | Lancaster Wedding Photographer

Even though I run a successful wedding photography business myself, I really enjoy second shooting for other photographers on days when I don't have my own weddings booked.  It keeps me fresh and feeds my creativity, and I love being surrounded by so much love and happiness that are guaranteed to be overflowing on wedding days!

I recently had the honor of second shooting Alicia and Rachel's wedding with Ashley Gerrity.  They were married at the Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  The venue was gorgeous, but not as stunning as these two brides!  Their smiles lit up every room they were in, and within seconds of meeting each of them I instantly knew why they were both so loved by everyone attending the wedding.

Here are a few of my photos from the day.  Thanks again to Ashley for asking me to shoot with her!

Linwood Estate Wedding | Kristen + Joe | Carlisle Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of photographing Kristen and Joe's wedding.  Their wedding day was absolutely incredible!  I knew it would be, since we had such a blast at their engagement session!  (I just realized that their engagement session took place on one of the hottest days of the year, and their wedding day on one of the coldest!!)  There was a threat of rain in the morning, but it disappeared - and the sun helped keep everyone warm while Kristen and Joe exchanged their vows in the Linwood Estate courtyard.  The bridal party and guests were such great sports in tolerating the wind and the chilly air, and we have so many incredible photos as a result!

Linwood Estate is one of the most gorgeous venues that I have photographed, and their staff was incredible!  There are so many great backdrops for photos there!  I was extremely fortunate that Kristen and Joe created a timeline that allowed for ample opportunities for photographs and chose to add a second photographer to their package so we could capture even more beautiful and candid moments together.

This was my last wedding of 2016, and I can't think of a better way to end my wedding season!  The dinner was incredible, the drinks were flowing freely, the speeches were heartfelt, the dessert bar was AMAZING, the dancing was epic (this might be due in part to the free-flowing drinks), and the Bruce Springsteen serenades were perfection.

It was hard to choose just a few photos to share here, so I'm going overboard and sharing way too many.  I hope you enjoy these moments from Kristen and Joe's Day #1!  I know that I enjoyed reliving them as I edited the photos and typed this up.

Congratulations again, Kristen and Joe!!  I am sure you are enjoying life together as husband and wife!

Venue:  Linwood Estate

Wedding Coordinator:  Michelle Hare, Linwood Estate

Florist:  Sarah Klunk, Sarah's Floral Designs

Cake Artist:  Kyrsten Willits, Kyrsten's Sweet Designs

DJ:  Josh Vaughn, Complete Weddings + Events

Hair Artist:  Anna, Dulci's Salon

Makeup Artist:  Chelsea Nolan, Makeup by Chelsea

Wedding Dress Boutique:  Allure, L'Fay Bridal in Chatham, NJ

Bridesmaid Dress Boutique:  David's Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique: Joseph Abboud, Men's Warehouse

Sinking Spring Backyard Wedding | Hillary and Eric | Berks County Wedding Photographer

I have a Starbucks problem - I need at least one "venti no water chai" each day or I can't function properly.  While feeding this addiction and becoming a Starbucks regular, I had the honor of meeting Hillary.  When she asked me to photograph her upcoming wedding to Eric, I was ecstatic!!  Fast forward to a few weeks ago -- Hillary and Eric got married in their backyard in Sinking Spring, PA and threw an incredible party to start their marriage off properly!  I had such a great time documenting their day, tasting incredible food, and laughing along with their friends' fantastic stories!

This was one of the most intimate, casual weddings I have ever attended, and I loved every second of it!  I enjoy photographing all types of wedding ceremonies, but my favorites are the ones that really reflect the couple and their unique relationship and love for each other.  Everything about Hillary and Eric's wedding day did exactly that - from their DIY decorations to their self-uniting marriage to their iPod music playlist to Eric's blue velvet sport coat.  Everything was about them and their personalities and their loved ones, and it was perfect.

I hope you enjoy a few photos from their Day #1!  I'm so honored that I was able to celebrate with them!

 

Catering:  H20 Kitchen (Jason Hook)

Cake/Cupcakes:  Secrets Bakery

DJ:  Spotify and bluetooth speaker ;)

Hair and Make-up:  Hillary did them herself!

Bride's wedding dress:  Kimono purchased on Etsy!

Groom's suit: Velvet sport coat purchased from Kohls!

 

 

Mohnton, Pennsylvania Fall Wedding | Mary Beth and Jesse | Berks County Photographer

Mary Beth is a very talented Berks County photographer herself, and when we met last year and she asked me to photograph her upcoming wedding to Jesse, I admit I was a little intimidated at first.  I always feel an extra layer of self-induced anxiety when I'm creating art for another photographer.  But I was also honored that another artist would want me to capture their wedding memories for them, so I excitedly agreed!

One of the best parts of photographing another photographer's wedding is that they always allow lots of time for portraits throughout their wedding day.  Mary Beth and Jesse have an amazing property, which was also the site of their wedding ceremony and reception, and we took full advantage of the time we had!  I was so surprised to show up and see that the soybean field where their ceremony took place was still nice and green so late in the season!!  (All of the other fields I had seen in Berks County that week were already brown and/or cleared out!)  Oh, and their incredible home (you can see a little bit of it in the photos below) was built by the two of them!!  That's yet another reason why their backyard was the perfect place for them to start the rest of their lives together!

I'm so grateful that they asked me to be their photographer, and I'm glad that I agreed!  Their wedding day was perfect in every way.  It was super laid back and casual, and the DIY elements Mary Beth and Jesse included were gorgeous and fun!  Mary Beth and Jesse even retrofitted their old truck into a beer tap!  Cult Status, a local band made up of Governor Mifflin Senior High School students, played during the reception and did a fantastic job!  The reception was catered by Crow Wagon, a local food truck, and the food was delicious.  The bride and groom looked incredible (and so in love), and their little boys (Coleman and Caleb) were so handsome!!  

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from their wedding day.  Congratulations again, Nocera Family!!

 

Videography:  Cory Slifka

Cake Artist:  Roxanne Shupp

Band:  Cult Status

Hair Artist & Make-Up Artist:  Jayda Hampton

Officiant:  MaryBeth's father!

Catering:  Crow Wagon

Colonial Dames Wedding, Philadelphia PA | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of second shooting this wedding with Ashley Gerrity.  Our afternoon started out in downtown Philly at La Reserve Bed and Breakfast, where we captured some bridal party candids and getting ready shots.  Then, we moved to the Colonial Dames for the ceremony and reception.  The ceremony was supposed to take place in a stunning outdoor courtyard, but Mother Nature had other plans.  Even though it rained all day, the love in the air could not be dampened.  Bridal party members and guests traveled from near and far to witness the union of Jennifer and Krikor.  It is obvious that they are loved deeply by many.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Jennifer and Krikor's wedding.

 

Big thanks to Ashley Gerrity for asking me to tag along and second shoot!

Camp Nawakwa Wedding | 2nd Shooting

I'm so grateful that I met Julie Hagenbuch earlier this year.  She is such a talented photographer and is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.  I grow as a photographer and a person whenever I get to work with her.  I recently had the honor of second shooting my third wedding with her, and it was incredible.  (I had no doubt that it would be!  She has a personality and talent that attracts clients who just ooze their in-loveness and who choose the most amazing venues!)

Alyssa and Matt's wedding preparation, ceremony, portraits, and reception all took place at Camp Nawakwa, located in Biglerville, Pennsylvania.  The wedding took place on an unseasonably hot September day, and was completely outdoors - but I was so wrapped up in the celebration that I didn't even notice the heat.  (And as a snow lover myself, that is saying a lot.)

Here are a few of my favorite photos from their Day #1 together.  I am so thankful that Julie asked me to second shoot this wedding with her, and very grateful that she has given me the okay to share a few of my images with the world.  It's always nice to meet colleagues in this industry who support community over competition.

Congratulations to Alyssa and Matt!  Thank you again to the incredible photographer and overall amazing human being Julie Hagenbuch.

Valley Forge Wedding | 2nd Shooting

I recently had the pleasure of second shooting for the talented Rachael McCormack of Mily Photography.  I started my afternoon by snapping a few photos of the guys while they were finishing getting ready.  Then, we headed to the church and waited in anticipation and excitement for the ceremony to begin.  After their marriage was made official (in a beautiful and emotional ceremony!), we headed to Valley Forge for a few bridal party photos.  We ended at the Valley Forge Sheraton, where the reception festivities were taking place.  Here are a few of my photos from the day.  Thank you again for having me along, Rachael!

Congratulations, Jen and Kevin!

Chadds Ford Wedding | 2nd Shooting

I recently had the pleasure of second shooting for the talented Dan Fullam.  I started off my day by capturing some candids of the groomsmen, then moved inside the church for a beautiful and emotional wedding ceremony.  Next, we captured a few photos with a very special guest of honor - a stunning classic Chevy truck that was restored by an uncle who had recently passed away.  Then, I hopped on the party bus with the wedding crew, and we made a few stops at some pretty incredible locations for bridal party portraits... including Victory Brewing Company and some rustic outdoor locations!  Our last destination was the Gables at Chadds Ford, where I witnessed one of the best receptions to date - complete with lawn games, kegs upon kegs of Victory beer, fantastic speeches, amazing food, and some very entertaining dancing.  Here are a few of my photos from the day.

Congratulations, Kelsey and Andrew!

Whitetail Lodge Wedding, Marysville PA | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I second shot an incredible wedding with the amazing Julie Hagenbuch!  This wedding was such a blend of cultures and personalities.  The service and celebrations were conducted in 3 languages - English, French, and sign language!!  I studied French for 5 years waaaaay long ago, and have forgotten most of it by now - but luckily, love can be understood in practically any language.  Guests came from all over the world to share Jamie and Aure's special day.  Within the first few minutes of meeting them, it's easy to understand why they are so loved.  Even though they got married on one of the hottest days of the year, I was too distracted by everyone's smiles and laughter to notice.

Here are a few photos that I captured from their day.  I'm so thankful that Julie asked me to second shoot for her and allowed me to share these images!  (Make sure you scroll through carefully for a special treat - it's not everyday that you get to experience a personal re-enactment of a commercial from a professional French shampoo model!)

Lititz, Pennsylvania Wedding | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I second shot Dara and Todd's wedding alongside Rachel Pray, photographer for Ashley Gerrity Photography.  I started my afternoon by hanging out with the groom and groomsmen while they finished getting ready at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Ephrata.  Then, the guys and I headed to Lititz Springs Park for some fun photos (and Pokemon capturing)!  Next, we all headed to the Long Memorial Church in Lancaster for Dara and Todd's beautiful and emotional wedding ceremony.  Our final stop was Brick Gables in Lititz, where the reception took place.

I had such a great time hanging out with the groomsmen and witnessing the incredible love shared by Dara and Todd.  Thank you, Rachel and Ashley, for the opportunity to second shoot for you!  Here are a few of my photos from the day.

Wilkes-Barre Country Club Wedding | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of second shooting for the sweet and very talented Aly Martin.  I love shooting weddings... and assisting other photographers means that I get to relax a bit more than when I'm the one in charge.  Every wedding that I photograph, whether as the lead photographer or second shooter, reminds me that there is so much love, kindness, and hope present in the world.  Here are a few of my favorite images from their day.  I just edited these "for fun", so they may not necessarily match my other weddings... I just followed my heart.  I'm looking forward to shooting alongside Aly again soon!

Thanks again to Aly for asking me to work alongside her!

Watsontown Backyard Wedding | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of second shooting for the talented and SUPER nice Julie Hagenbuch.  If I had to name three things that stood out to me most that day, it would be: 1) Jillian and Nick's love for each other, 2) their love for all of the children in their lives, and 3) PUPPIES!!!  Here are a few of my favorite images from their day.  You might notice that all of these have a bit of a "film" look to them... since I edited these just for fun, I decided to follow my heart and tweak my typical editing style a bit.  I hope you enjoy them!  I'm looking forward to shooting alongside Julie again soon!

Big thanks to Julie Hagenbuch for asking me to second shoot for her!  I had a blast working alongside her!

The Barn on Bridge Wedding | Danielle + Codie

Danielle and Codie are two of the kindest people I have ever met.  If you have had the pleasure of meeting them, I have no doubt that you share a similar opinion.  On top of that, they have been my most laid-back couple so far!  So, to surprise them, I decided to blog their wedding in time for them to enjoy a few photos while they are relaxing on their honeymoon.

My day started at Danielle's parents' house, where she and the bridesmaids were finishing up their final preparations.  Then, we headed to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta for the ceremony... which is absolutely gorgeous inside and outside!  After the ceremony, we snapped a few family photos at the church, then headed to The Barn on Bridge for the reception.  Their bridal party was so much fun!  Danielle and Codie were completely open to suggestions for photo locations, and even agreed to adventure through some weeds, thorns, mud, and rocks, and into the creek for a few couple's shots.  It was worth every second - the photos turned out great, and we shared a few laughs in the process!  The reception was perfect - complete with heartwarming toasts, delicious food, strong beverages, and lots of dancing.  LOTS of dancing.  Danielle and Codie even demonstrated their vocal skills by leading the band during Livin' on a Prayer, while Danielle's dad played the drums!  I had no idea everyone was so multi-talented!

It was hard to pick just a few photos to share!  I hope you enjoy these moments from their incredible Day #1.  Danielle and Codie, thank you again for allowing me the honor of being your photographer.  (And big thanks to my husband for assisting me!)

 

Florist:  An Enchanted Florist at Skippack Village

Cake Artist:  The Master's Baker

Band:  Slippery Band

Hair & Makeup:  Nikki at Gwendolynn Salon Spa

Bride's Dress:  Page Six

Bridesmaids Dresses:  David's Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen's Tuxes:  Page Six

Church:  Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Reception:  The Barn on Bridge

Catering:  Robert Ryan Catering

The Farmhouse, Delaware Wedding | Keri + Mike

A few weeks ago, I photographed my second Delaware wedding of the year.  And, just like the last one, I went to high school with a number of people in attendance - including the bride!  I'm so glad that Keri and Mike asked me to be their photographer.  Their day was so touching, and if you happened to be in attendance, you might have noticed me laughing, crying, singing, and dancing with them.  I get so emotionally involved with each of my couples, and this wedding was no different.  Keri and Mike just complement each other so perfectly - it's hard to find the correct words.  When you are around them, though, you can feel the connection between them.  I usually don't share many photos of the actual ceremony online, but I am today.  I love the way they looked at each other throughout the day, and want more people to experience that kind of love and joy.  They were so captivated by each other, I don't think they even noticed the rain during their (outdoor) ceremony!

Congratulations again, Keri and Mike!  I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite moments from your Day #1 as husband and wife.

Venue:  The Farmhouse

Flowers:  Belak Flowers

Cake:  Cakes by Kim

Band:  Bachelor Boys Band

Hair and Makeup Artists:  Town & Country Salon

Bride's Dress:  Forever Formals

Bridesmaid Dress:  Jan Rae Boutique

Groom's Suit:  Men's Wearhouse

Officiants:  Bob Wagner and Lyle Neal

Rehoboth Beach Wedding | Lisa + Mike

Back in April, I photographed my first ever beach wedding!  It was the perfect setting for Lisa and Mike to exchange their vows, and to celebrate with their loved ones.  Mother Nature wasn't feeling very cooperative that afternoon, so we ended up waiting inside the rental house for over an hour waiting for the rain to stop.  As soon as the weather broke, we headed to the beach where Mike and Lisa officially became Mr. and Mrs.!  The rain must have scared the beach crowds away, and the light was perfect!!  (Maybe Mother Nature was secretly on our side after all.)  After the ceremony, we took a little stroll down the boardwalk before joining everyone back at the rental house for an evening of celebrating.  It was great seeing some of my former Governor Mifflin classmates again!  Big props go out to Chef Darrell for keeping our bellies full with his delicious and gorgeous culinary masterpieces!!