Tyoga Country Club Wedding | Skylar and Corey | Wellsboro Wedding Photographer

In the warmth of the summer, Northern Pennsylvania is a beacon of cool mountain air. There really is not better reason to escape the Philadelphia heat than to head up north for a romantic wedding. Skylar and Corey’s Tyoga Country Club wedding had me excited for months. After getting to know them and working with them during their Ridley Creek State Park engagement session, I knew without a doubt that their wedding would be one of my favorites ever. AND IT WAS.

Honestly it has been so hard to edit this wedding because everything was so good. From the details to the emotions to the weather— everything was amazing- Even things Skylar and Corey had no control over! I really couldn’t be more thankful.

I remember so well that Philly was struggling with a massive heatwave the second half of June. Since Wellsboro is several hours away, I booked a one room school house Airbnb (IT’S AMAZING check it out here) and enjoyed sleeping with open windows at night (hello 20 degrees cooler!). I had only ever been to Wellsboro, PA, once before, but it was as charming as I remember.

I was lucky enough to work with Skylar as she was getting ready for the day. I rolled up when she was still in jammies with rollers in her hair. She and her girls were all smiles and laughter and I loved every second I spent with them. Elizabeth, my amazing second shooter for the day, spent the morning with Corey, and the guys looked just as relaxed and excited.

Despite the threat of rain, Skylar walked down the aisle at Tyoga Country club under a cloudless sky. Corey was grinning ear to ear as her waited for her. Confetti was popped and friends and family cheered as the said I Do.

Skylar and Corey’s wedding is a prime example of how amazing wedding portraits can be when they are prioritized. We have plenty of time for portraits, and then to top it all off, Skylar and Corey were up for 15 minutes of sunset portraits (when all of the fun like Kiss Tag happens). It has been such a joy reliving their wedding while editing. I can’t believe it has come and gone. I am so happy to have these amazing photos to remember it!

bride's wedding dress on her wedding day
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Eagle Ridge Golf Club Summer Wedding | Kira and Kevin | Lakewood NJ Wedding

Let me tell you a little snippet of truth; There is no such thing as a perfect wedding. Something will go wrong, whether that something is big or little, it happens. That being said, I am pretty sure Kira and Kevin’s North New Jersey wedding was as close to perfection as possible. The slight hiccup of a brief rain shower was the only unplanned occurrence, and even that served a purpose (can we all say yes please to some light midday cloud coverage?!?!).

I photographed this wedding solo, and I was excited for the challenge of photographing my first Russian Orthodox wedding. Kira kindly walked me through the ceremony, and explained each moving part and its purpose. I was blown away by the traditions, the beauty of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the imagery and sanctity of each ritual, and the support of every person there. From blessing the rings in the doorway, to the ceremonial walk (walking in a circle 3 times with crowns -Kira’s favorite part…. and mine too!), to the seal of a kiss at the end, the entire ceremony was beautifully executed.

After their ceremony, we traveled to Eagle Ridge Golf Club in nearby Lakewood, where we were met with the smallest rain storm. I am actually quite thankful for it, because we were all moving so fast, it provided a nice break for everyone as they huddled under an awning.

Eagle Ridge Golf Club is a treasure! The rolling hills and sweeping grasses gave us the best that New Jersey has to offer! Their oppulant ballroom, with floor to ceiling white (a photographer’s dream!) made the details of delicate baby’s breath and glistening candles take center focus. And then… then there was the dancing.

I won’t even pretend that I can dance for 1 second. Those adult tap classes I took a couple of years ago proved just how uncoordinated I am. But Kira, Kevin, and their guests???? Oh they can dance. There were times I was worried for their safety, as their dancing wasn’t your typical “sprinkler” and “grocery cart” moves. No no. People were upside down and over heads and basically human pyramids. It was amazing! There was even singing and dancing as the bride and groom were presented with shots of vodka and glasses of wine, as there should be!

I remember all too well leaving Kira and Kevin’s wedding for the night and feeling overwhelmingly at peace. It was a marathon day, and I was surely exhausted, but Kira and Kevin had created the wedding of their dreams, and I was more than happy to work as hard as I possibly could to capture it for them.

It was an incredible day, and I am so excited to share this preview with you all!

Continue reading “Eagle Ridge Golf Club Summer Wedding | Kira and Kevin | Lakewood NJ Wedding”

Historic Old City Philadelphia Engagement Session | Maria and Kevin | Allie Skylar Photography

bride and groom to be engagement session in old city philadelphia

When Maria and Kevin emailed me and told me they would be visiting Philadelphia and wanted to book an engagement session, I was only too happy to show them around my favorite city.  We explored Old City, walking miles through rain sprinkles, capturing the love these two share.  Philadelphia in the rain is quiet and calm, and we we uninterrupted as we strolled by the Merchant Exchange building, through Carpenter’s Hall, and past the Liberty Bell in Independence Hall.

Maria let me know at the start that they were both a little nervous and had never really had photos taken before.  I say it all the time– my couples are normal, everyday people. No modeling expereince is required!  Part of the process of an engagement session is becoming comfortable with the camera and with the directions I give.  I’d say that Maria and Kevin knocked it out of the park!  By the end, they were posing all by themselves and radiated with confidence.  I mean, just look at them!  Pure joy and beauty.

I am so happy we were able to spend this time together!   Continue reading “Historic Old City Philadelphia Engagement Session | Maria and Kevin | Allie Skylar Photography”

Old City’s Washington Square Engagement Session | Chelsea and Travis | Philadelphia Engagement

engaged couple stroll through the streets of old city philadelphia during their engagement session

 

Philadelphia truly is a city of love.  I know, I know, it’s super cheesy to say, but just ask Chelsea and Travis!  As they strolled through Old City and Washington Square Park during their engagement session, there was nothing but love in the air.  An evening riddled with traffic (thanks to a visit from the VP) and the threat of storms ended up being the quiet, romantic night these two deserved.  As we walked through Old City and circled the Liberty Bell, the few people on the streets jumped out of our way or offered congratulations.

I’m beyond excited for Chelsea and Travis’ wedding this fall.  With Chelsea’s amazing sense of style (hello, all Anthro girls have impeccable style), and Travis’ ability to make Chelsea scrunch her nose when she laughs (seriously, the cutest), it’s bound to be one for thee books. Continue reading “Old City’s Washington Square Engagement Session | Chelsea and Travis | Philadelphia Engagement”