Williamsport DiSalvos Wedding | Meghan and Patrick | Kindergarten Sweathearts

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They were Kindergarten sweet hearts….. or at least they MET in kindergarten, and in my book, as a kindergarten teacher, that’s the same thing.  I like to imagine that Patrick used to draw Meghan hearts during art class, and that Meghan wrote “Mrs Meghan Smith” on her Lisa Frank binder.  Whether or not those things actually happened, their love story is unique and pure. A love based on  nearly 20 years of friendship is one in a million.

The morning of September 2, Meghan and her 10 bridesmaids donned dresses and readied their clear umbrellas at the historic Genetti hotel in downtown Williamsport.  Meg was radiant despite the drizzle, because cool brides don’t let a little rain ruin their day 🙂

Patrick was all smiles as he watched Meghan walk down the aisle towards him.  After the vows and rings were exchanged, we went to Stevens Elementary school, which is, YES, the school where they met one lovely fall day.  And I cannot stress enough how much I loved this!  Every little bit.  We followed up with portraits at Ways Gardens and then strolled through downtown Williamsport before heading to DiSalvo’s restaurant for the reception.  Beautiful dances, a dessert ROOM, and some night portraits rounded out our day, the first day for Mr and Mrs Smith!

I am so beyond happy for Meghan and Patrick! Continue reading “Williamsport DiSalvos Wedding | Meghan and Patrick | Kindergarten Sweathearts”

Philadelphia Wedding Photography | Spring Lake Engagement Session | Emily + Will

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I crawled out of bet at just past 4 in the morning with heavy eyes.  As I brewed some coffee, gathered my gear, and packed up my car, the moon was still up, the sun nowhere in sight.  As I left Philly behind in my rear-view mirror and coasted towards the beach, I watched as the east coast started a new day.

Pulling up to the shore in Spring Lake, I was speechless at the many Victorian houses, tree lined roads, and friendly early morning joggers.  Already, this day was shaping up to be an amazing one.  And then Emily and Will stepped out of their car.

Years ago I read the book The Awakening.  Now if you have read this book, you know it is not a love story.  It was not the plot of the story that I was reminded of upon seeing Emily’s elegant cream lace dress and Will’s perfectly pressed white pants– It was the details described in the book.  I remember reading that story on sticky summer days, mesmerized by the way the author described the beach (which was a central character in the novel, if you will) and the attire of the characters.  The slow pace of southern life at the turn of the century, the revolution of art.  I remember the way the main character found freedom and inspiration among the shore, how love was a present factor along the crashing waves.  Fortunately, Emily and Will’s is a different love story, even though theirs could crawl off the pages of a classic read.

We spent sunrise, which was extra long and dreamy due to heavy clouds, strolling along the Atlantic, greeted by a lone fisherman and a den of baby foxes.  A quick hop over to Asbury Park Boardwalk and a filling breakfast made this one of my favorite engagement sessions to date.   Continue reading “Philadelphia Wedding Photography | Spring Lake Engagement Session | Emily + Will”

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Okehocking Preserve | Becky + Michael

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The first burst of blooming trees and flowers is enough to make me go weak at the knees.  Add in a couple as adorably charming as Becky and Michael, and I’m done for!  Between their cute banter, and Micheal’s confident modeling skills, the evening couldn’t be more perfect.

We spent a beautiful evening hiking around Okehocking Preserve in Newtown Square.  This preserve was new to me, but a familiar hiking spot for Becky and Michael.  The hills were dotted with old barns, untouched fields, and the calmest stream.  The sun popped out just at sunset and made the sky a beautiful orange.

I just love the way Michael makes Becky laugh.  Every time he does, she looks at him with a sparkle in her eyes.  I am so excited to be a part of their day this summer!  They know how to make a photographer feel loved and welcomed 🙂 Continue reading “Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Okehocking Preserve | Becky + Michael”

Now Booking | 2017-2018 Wedding Photography | Pennsylvania Wedding Photography

Yesterday I hit my goal # of weddings for 2017…. 4 days into the year!  I’m amazed and honored.  This year is looking so great and I feel like every couple is my dream couple!  Every one!  I have found my niche and my ideal client is finding me as well.  I am able to book just a few more weddings in 2017 as part of my stretch goal and am now booking for 2018 as well in Philadelphia, Bloomsburg, North East PA, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and beyond.  Wasn’t it just 2016?  Craziness….

Bride and groom walking through a vineyard in Pennsylvania wedding

Merion Tribute House Wedding Photography | Emily and Rob

 

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Rainy mornings are delightful.  They slow everything down and drum a lovely heartbeat.  A slow and steady pace is exactly what weddings need- it’s only one day, it should be thoroughly enjoyed and not rushed!  Emily and Rob were blessed with morning rain and evening sunshine and a wedding with a heartbeat of its own.

Last weekend, as Emily slipped her dress sleeves over her shoulders, she peered out the old bay window overlooking the dewy lawn at the Merion Tribute House and giggled, “There’s Rob!”  The world could have stood still as Emily smiled and watched her husband-to-be prepare for their first look. This was her day and it was filled with little moments that could melt your heart.

As her heels clicked on the flagstones, Emily walked up to Rob and slowly tapped his shoulder.  When Rob turned, it was almost as if he was seeing Emily for the first time.  His face lit with pure love and awe, seeing the woman he would soon be able to call wife.  The day stayed relaxed as Emily and Rob giggled their way through portraits.  They danced under gigantic umbrella tress and kissed in the misty air.  As the clouds cleared, the sun streamed through the windows of the Merion Tribute House and engulfed Emily and Rob in sunlight while they said their ‘I Do’s’.

When I hugged the lovely couple goodbye at the end of the night, I couldn’t help but feel tremendous love for them myself.  Their kindness and love extends to all who surround them and it was no question as to why so many friends and family came to share in this day.  I am honored to have been a part of their day and I cannot wait to share their gallery with them soon! Continue reading “Merion Tribute House Wedding Photography | Emily and Rob”