Stroudsmoor Country Inn Wedding | Molly and Sean | Pocono Wedding Photographer

allie skylar photography

As the leaves began to change this September, with the changing of the season, Molly and Sean exchanged vows of forever in front of family and friends in one of the most romantic locations in the Poconos.  Twinkling lights and sheer curtains and lush flowers, and roaring fires decorated the Stroudsmoor Country Inn and helped create an atmosphere of secluded love.  After all, we were on top of a mountain!

I first met with Molly nearly 2 years ago.  We chatted about the dreams she had for her wedding, how much she loved Sean, and of course her dogs.  She introduced me to the Steel Stacks in Lehigh Valley where Molly and Sean had their engagement session, and pushed me to challenge myself when she requested video with sound.  There are just some couples who show their emotions on their faces, and Molly and Sean do just that.  Molly was glowing as she walked down the aisle, and Sean was beaming ear to ear.  As they shared their vows, way up in the mountains, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  A whirlwind of family photos and hors d’oeuvres led to some alone time for sunset portraits.  For the first time that day, the sun poked through the clouds, and we strolled through the grounds at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in the fading light.

If you haven’t been to Stroudsmoor Country Inn, it’s basically wilderness and elegance and warmth all wrapped up in one.  Floor to ceiling woos, stone fire places, rolled cigars- it’s the perfect place to celebrate!  From their first dance to their last, the new Mr and Mrs Velekei enjoyed every second of their reception.

I am so happy to have been a part of your day, Molly and Sean!

PS- Click here to see their Wedding Video! Continue reading “Stroudsmoor Country Inn Wedding | Molly and Sean | Pocono Wedding Photographer”

Desmond Hotel Wedding | Becky and Michael | Malvern PA

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All eyes were on Becky as she turned and started walking down the aisle in the Ballroom at the Desmond Hotel towards her groom, string quartet playing quietly in the background.  Michael grinned ear to ear, and for those watching, he and Becky seemed to be the only ones in the room.  They exchanged their vows, beamed down the aisle, and boogied the night away.

I can’t recall a more calm bride on her wedding day.  Becky was the picture of poise, her joy overflowing.  As she snuggled on the couch between her mom and sister, rain began to fall outside, which seems to be a daily trend during the summer of 2017.  They chatted about old memories and inside jokes until is a fury of tulle, they shuffled off to the Desmond to marry her husband.

The rains stopped just after the ceremony and allowed us some much desired time outdoors.  Despite the fact that the air felt like soup, Becky and Michael were nothing but smiles.  If there is one thing about these two that you should know, it’s that their laughs are infectious.  When one starts, it’s hard to know where the other one ends in terms of laughs.  And Micheal… he’s always watching Becky laugh.  It’s the cutest thing ever, and I’m sure he won’t appreciate me saying this 🙂

The party started off with a bang and featured a shout out to the Eagles, solo dance offs from the bride and groom, and a grand bubble exit.

Congratulations Becky and Michael!  Thank you for having me along for your day!

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New Orleans Themed Gettysburg Wedding Photography | Joe and Andrea | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

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When a bride and groom are from New Orleans, you know it’s going to be a good time.  Live music, old cars, and second lines (which I had never heard of, and now feel strongly that every wedding should have one!).  When the bride and groom also love Gettysburg and can’t picture having their wedding any place else, it’s a match made in style heaven.

Andrea and Joe could have gotten married anywhere.  They make the space.  Their love, joy, and radiant smiles can light up any space, and their killer dance moves can start any party.  They were married in the open air Western Maryland Train Station in downtown Gettysburg, the same station where good old Abe Lincoln himself came into town.  We recreated a photo Andrea’s parent’s have in front of the station, then scooted off to the Gettysburg Battlefield Visitor Center, where the real party started.

I mentioned the Second Line, right?  Good.  Because it was amazing,  Better than the cha-cha-slide, better than any dance train.  I’m smitten.  The sun set over the fields and we were greeted with the most beautiful summer evening.  Congratulations, Joe and Andrea!   Continue reading “New Orleans Themed Gettysburg Wedding Photography | Joe and Andrea | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer”

Wedding Photography Tips : How to Organize Your Clients and Your Business

I am not organized.  Let me repeat that : I am not organized.  My work space is cluttered, my closet is…. well, don’t open it, and my receipts stay tucked in a box until tax season.  It takes a lot of work for me to be organized, but I know it is a priority.  My clients need to count on me, they need to know that I have information they have given me.  Not only that, they need to know that I know what information to ask them!  ]

Until recently, I as wasting a lot of time sending emails asking for information, then follow up emails asking for more information, etc.  It can be exhausting with so many clients, and I was tired of it.  I started making fillable PDF’s for different topics, and not only do I love it, so do my clients.  It helps me keep everything sorted (plus, I can send the file to my second shooter— bonus!), it instills confidence in my clients, and it leads to a better overall flow on a wedding day.

To all of my fellow photographers out there, don’t reinvent the wheel each time you send out an email.  Here are a few pages from the PDF I send out about 6 weeks before the wedding day.  Hope this helps someone!  Click below to see:

 

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Bloomsburg Pump House B&B Wedding | Marguerite and Justin | Philadelphia Wedding Photography

Some wedding days are just downright magical.  And when said wedding is on your birthday, it’s a slam dunk, naturally.  This May 13th Pump House B&B wedding incorporated the best details- twinkling lights, paper cranes, antique chairs, dew covered forests, and the cutest bride and groom (and parents to be!).  Marguerite and Justin were one of the most daring couples, venturing out in the rain to walk around the old pumping station.

I love shooting at the Pump House, located in my hometown of Bloomsburg.  It’s overflowing with charm and originality, not to mention, it’s a wooded paradise.  I’m so excited to send out this gallery in a couple of weeks!  Congrats, Mr and Mrs Gould!

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Continue reading “Bloomsburg Pump House B&B Wedding | Marguerite and Justin | Philadelphia Wedding Photography”