Longwood Gardens Winter Engagement Session | Erin and Jay

bride and groom kiss in the hallway at Longwood Gardens Christmas Spectacular

Usually when it snows, I prefer to stay inside, heated blanket on full blast, hot cocoa in hand, and an endless stream of classic chick flicks on hand.  Say the words “snowy Longwood Gardens Engagement Session” and all those visions of toasty toes fly out the frosted windows.

When Erin and Jay picked an early December date, we never dreamed we would get a chance to capture the first snow of the season.  I am so glad we did and SO happy that Erin is a tough chick who wears her heals and dresses in freezing weather.

We explored the indoors at Longwood Gardens, which was decked to the 9’s for Christmas, yet the crowds could be a bit pushy….. to the point of bear hugging Erin and Jay with shrieks of congratulations 🙂  If you haven’t been to the gardens in a while, it’s worth a trip to check out their renovated fountains— rain, snow, shine, they are breathtaking.

I am just head over heels for these two— and to think, a few years ago Erin and I worked the closing shift at Anthropologie!  I am so glad those late nights folding clothes led to this moment 🙂

Here are some of my favorites!

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Rustic Bloomsburg Engagement Photography | Breanne and Taylor | Allie Skylar Photography

 

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There’s an area in my hometown of Bloomsburg back behind the mall that has a road called Dahl Road.  Growing up, I knew a few people who lived on that street, and I remember their houses hosting the most interesting property.  Lakes and woods and old barns.  Coupled with the fact that the name of the street itself rustled up thoughts of one of my favorite authors, Roald Dahl, I imagined that growing up on secluded Dahl road was a recipe for an exciting childhood.  When Breanne and Taylor were planning for their engagement session, they asked if we could shoot at Brianne’s parent’s house, located on the one and only, Dahl Road.

As I pulled up, I was greeted by a very friendly black cat, blooming flowers, and a quiet lake.  That evening, we hopped some creeks, danced in the golden sunset, and Breanne and Taylor made cuddling in a leaky row boat look incredibly dreamy.  We even had a chance to capture their personalities with some off beat photos. I am so excited for their wedding next year, water slides and all! Continue reading “Rustic Bloomsburg Engagement Photography | Breanne and Taylor | Allie Skylar Photography”

Upper Merion Christ Church Wedding | Clair and Philip | Philadelphia Wedding Photography

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Clair and Philip are pure joy.  From the minute our day began, they radiated.  Clair and Philip had their ceremony and reception at the historic Christ Church in Upper Merion.  It’s a hidden gem located in Bridgeport, with the highway suspended in the air nearby.  The old sanctuary has a warm glow and well worn pews which creak as curious heads turn to watch the bride.  The reception hall is a blank canvass.  Clair and Philip, with the help of their families, opted for a DIY wedding, and their romantic and airy theme was perfect for this hall.

If I am being honest, I cry at every wedding.  And it’s not pretty.  How can I help it, though?  Weddings are BEAUTIFUL.  A true celebration of life and love and family.  I usually spend a year communicating with my couples.  I discover their favorite TV shows, how many pets they have, and the fears and excitements about getting married.  And then I witness their hard work pay off on their wedding day.  It’s hard not to be invested.

However, I have never cried more at a wedding than at Philip and Clair’s in July.  The tears started flowing the moment Clair and her father shared a first look, continued through Clair’s perfectly timed grand entrance, and into the night as the couple slow danced with stars in their eyes.

As a vendor, I must say that I am biased in thinking that I have the best couples ever.  But it’s hard not to believe that when they treat you with such love and warmth.  Clair and Philip, it was a joy and an honor to be a part of your day.  Wishing you the very best in your lifetime of happiness! Continue reading “Upper Merion Christ Church Wedding | Clair and Philip | Philadelphia Wedding Photography”

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Clair + Philip | Norristown Farm Park

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We trudged through mud and clambered up hills chasing the sun.  The wind gusted and swirled and rain fell in the distance.  Clair and Philip laughed and held hands, remarking about how blessed we were to have such favorable weather.  And I couldn’t agree more!  Although, it could have been hailing, or a freezing rain, and it would have been enjoyable.  The company is what makes it 🙂

Clair and Philip showed me around Norristown Farm Park, from it’s white-wash silo’s, to the sprawling fields and brooks.  I walked away from this session so happy.  Clair and Philip  (for want of better wording) ooze joy and love and peace.  They are the kind of people you want to be around- for moments big and small.  The way Philip laughs when Clair makes a ‘hair mustache’, and how Clair gets the most perfect dimples when she looks at Philip.  Not everyone can light up a cloudy, windy day, but these two managed just that—- and more!

I am so honored to be documenting their wedding this summer and cannot wait to send them their engagement gallery!  But for now, here is a preview! Continue reading “Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Clair + Philip | Norristown Farm Park”

Sunbury Wedding Photography | Whispering Oaks Wedding | Malia and Chris

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There is a certain love for Autumn that the northeast has.  The colors are vibrant, the air has a crisp, and the light is a constant golden color.  This perfect trio has led to Autumn, and October in general, becoming the most sought after wedding month, with couples praying for a day as gorgeous as the one Malia and Chris snagged.

Malia and Chris were married atop rolling Pennsylvania hills at Whispering Oaks Vineyard in Sunbury, PA.  The muted blue cloudless skies stretched for miles as far as the eye could see, but all eyes were on the happy couple.  Chris dashed away tears as he saw Malia, radiant as ever, walking towards him.  When the sun was setting and guests were settling in for dinner, I asked Malia and Chris if we could sneak outdoors for a few more photos.  Chris responded that he probably isn’t going to remember the food, but he will want to remember running through the vineyards with his new wife in the last sun kissed moments of their wedding day.

The party celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Stroh went well into the night under a super full moon. Love and laughter filled the halls as this truly unforgettable wedding became one of my favorites of 2016.

Flowers: The Details Matter

Venue: Whispering Oaks Vineyard and Winery

DJ: KC Sound

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