philly engagement photography | 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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Phoenixville Brewery Engagement Session | Carli + Jack | Philadelphia Engagement Photography

Published on July 2, 2018 by allieskylarphotography@gmail.comLeave a comment

couple engagement session at roots down brewing company in Phoenixville PA

An ice cold beer, beautiful sunlight, and the most beautiful summer evening helped make Carli and Jack’s engagement session one of my favorites. we started our evening at Roots Down Brewing Company in Phoenixville, PA, before hopping over to Valley Forge park to catch the sunset. Roots Down let us roam free in the brewery, which happens to be an atmosphere I’ve never shot in before. Carli and Jack toasted to their love, which is just about the cutest thing ever. Jack always knows how to make Carli truly smile, and Carli always knows exactly how I want her to pose with Jack- except it’s not a pose for them- it’s natural.

After the brews were downed, we found ourselves strolling through sun kissed fields at Valley Forge Park. A quick stop at my favorite abandoned green house and “hobbit door”, and it was a wrap. I am so excited for this wedding next year! It seems like a lifetime away, but I know it’ll be here before we know it.

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Longwood Gardens Winter Engagement Session | Erin and Jay

Published on January 22, 2018 by allieskylarphotography@gmail.comLeave a comment

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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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