philly engagement photographer | Allie Skylar Photography

Downingtown Engagement Photographer | PA Photographer | Katelyn and Ethan

Published on May 30, 2019May 30, 2019 by allieskylarphotography@gmail.com26 Comments

bride and groom run through a field in downingtown pennsylvania during their engagement session

One of the most rewarding aspects of engagement sessions for me is getting to know my couples on a deeper level. I love hearing about their relationship, their dreams and plans, and their everyday life. Katelyn and Ethan’s spring engagement session in Downingtown was a pure treat! By the end, as they were sloshing around with pigs (for real!), I knew about their summer plans, the vision for their wedding, how important and close knit their family is, and their dream honeymoon locations.

This was one of the longest engagement sessions I photographed, not because Katelyn and Ethan are awkward or anything, but because they really knew and loved the farm where we were shooting. Ethan had scoped it out earlier and had mowed some paths for us. We worked near barns, in woods, on the tops of the most incredible hills, and yes, as I have alluded to, with some heirloom piggies. When I asked them to run through fields or spin or piggy back, they excitedly agreed. My oh my, how they trusted me!

I am so excited for their wedding this fall and to be able to share in their most special moments! Here are a few favorites from their engagement session 🙂

spring engagement session in a garden in downingtown pennsylvania

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Old City and Elfreth Alley Engagement Session | Gabby and Jack

Published on January 3, 2019January 3, 2019 by allieskylarphotography@gmail.comLeave a comment

elfreth alley philadelphia engagement session

Engagement sessions in Philadelphia are some of my favorites. Within a stones throw, you are bound to find an amazing location. There is old city, Rittenhouse Square, Elfreth Alley… and don’t forget about the Art Museum area! There is no shortage of inspiration or people (people who like to stare and congratulate you while getting your photos taken).

Gabriella and Jack were set on having their engagement session start at Elfreth Alley. AS the nations oldest continually inhabited street, it’s a glimpse into what Philadelphia used to be, nestled among busy streets and sky scrapers.

This particular autumn evening was incredibly brisk and windy, and kept us all on our toes! Gabby and Jack soon became used to celebratory shouts from passersby, and the occasional group of men wearing togas and wedding dresses (hello all of the universities in center city), and spent much of their session laughing and shivering. I am so thankful I am able to capture their wedding next year!

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Ridley Creek Engagement Session | Kira and Kevin | Allie Skylar Photography

Published on September 30, 2018 by allieskylarphotography@gmail.comLeave a comment

engagement session on the steps of hunting hill mansion at ridley creek state park

Remember those few weeks, back in August, before 5 weeks of rain hit us? I do. I remember it fondly because during those golden days, I was lucky enough to photograph Kira and Kvein’s engagement session at Ridley Creek State Park. Ridely Creek is a little slice of heaven, just miles from Philadelphia. Nestled in the center is Hunting Hill Mansion, which features manicured gardens and stone archways.

I met Kira and Kevin earlier this summer for coffee where we discussed their vision for their wedding and I instantly knew that if we worked together, we could create some magic. They compliment each other so well and have a love that is equal part romantic and fun. Goodness, these two know how to have those romantic kisses straight outta The Notebook, and then two seconds later, it’s piggy backs and scrunched nose giggles. Does it get better?

Fun fact- Kira, while walking, stopped and picked a 4 leaf clover. She just spotted it! Like it’s an easy thing to do! And according to Kevin, this is an easy thing for Kira to do! I’m so happy to be working with these two over the next year!

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Tana and Bart’s McCloone’s Pier House Wedding | Long Branch Wedding | Allie Skylar Photography

Published on January 6, 2018 by allieskylarphotography@gmail.comLeave a comment

light and airy NJ wedding photography at ocean place resort and spa

All in all, 2017 was amazing. I had some of the best weddings, worked with the most amazing couples, and grew in a way I never thought possible. The end of the wedding season was an all out sprint, with the addition of family sessions and trying to balance some sort of personal life (hahaha yeah right…). I can’t imagine a better place to spend the last wedding of the year than the beach. Sure, maybe not when it’s freezing, but as far as a state of mind, it was the ideal place to wind down. So thank you Tana and Bart…. not only for being two of the kindest people, but for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the magic that only the ocean can give.

Due to the early cold that hit the shore in November, Tana and Bart opted (wisely) for an indoor wedding, portraits and all. Their first look was in the Ocean Place Resort, on the Mezzanine high above onlookers. We roamed the halls of the resort and found tucked away spots for portraits, never lacking any light on the gloriously bright day. I’m not sure if I have ever seen two people so effortlessly happy! Looking at their photos, I can almost hear Bart and Tana giggling.

After portraits, we hopped down the boardwalk (hopped…. haha….. battled the gale force winds!) to McCloone’s Pier House for the ceremony and reception. McCloone’s Pier House in Long Branch is one of my favorite wedding venues! It sits out over the sand, reaching towards the Atlantic, surrounded by some of the nicest strip of boardwalk New Jersey has to offer. They have an effortless way of bringing the beach indoors, down to the littlest detail.

I’m pretty sure the glass windows were vibrating as Tana, Bart, and their loved ones danced and celebrated. A nightcap with pizza and faces tired from smiling, and the last wedding of 2017 is going down as one of the best.

Here are some of my favorites!

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Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life

Published on December 18, 2017December 18, 2017 by allieskylarphotography@gmail.comLeave a comment

‘Tis the season of giving! It’s always nice to spread some holiday cheer to people who are especially dear to you, like your photographer! While you might be tempted to send them a photo album of the photos they took for YOU, or reminders of due dates, here are a few better ideas.

non-photography relater gifts to get your wedding photographer