Phil + Kara

When I found out sometime last month that Kara was engaged, I instantly stalked her and her fiance, Phil, on Facebook... and then sent her a message saying "Let me shoot your wedding!!" That's not something I do very often - but I just had to. I know and remember Kara well from highschool and mutual friends. Kara is one of those people that makes the most out of life, not to mention she's also hysterical.  Oh! And she's also my masseuse... when I remember to make the appointment!

Phil + Kara met through school and entertained a friendship for over a year before realizing they both had a thing for one another. After dating for awhile, Phil hatched a plan to sweep Kara off her feet with one of the most personal and brilliant proposals I've heard in awhile.

Kara's all time, hands down, favorite movie is What About Bob. (Which in my book, instantly makes Kara and I a little closer to becoming best friends.) Phil researched and researched until he found the lake house that was used in the movie at "Lake Winnipesaukee". Phil told Kara not to book anything for a certain day, took her on a road trip and they ended up taking a little tour of the lake house. It was there, on the dock, that Phil asked Kara to spend the rest of her life with him. While telling us their propsoal story, Kara said that she was already pretty emotional getting to see the lake house and property where the movie was filmed - so when Phil popped the question, it was simply over-the-top amazing. What an awesome story for a couple that deserves all things good and wonderful.

T.J. and I had a great time shooting their engagements. Phil + Kara were a ton of fun and we can't wait to shoot their big day this fall. I have high-hopes for their wedding and know I won't be dissapointed! -Brooke


Stephen + Angie

When T.J. and I met Stephen + Angie for the first time, I knew their wedding day was going to be beautiful. The way they talked about the plans for their big day and how they really wanted photos with their dog, Lucy, was just adorable. Not to mention they treated us to ice cream - which made everything even better.

Stephen + Angie were blessed with gorgeous weather. Both families were so full of excitement before the ceremony it was contageous. Everyone practically skipped down the isle just so they could see Stephen + Angie tie the knot a little sooner. Following the ceremony, their dog Lucy was dropped off for a few photos - and I think everyone had a little crush on her. She was even more excited than the wedding guests. So cute!

Besides the reception being a ton of fun with dancing, bocce ball and the Smilebooth, Stephen planned an awesome suprise for Angie that made everyone tear up just a little bit. After the parent dances, Damian (the wonderful, wonderful DJ) passed out little blue and white pompoms to the bridal party. Then, one side of the tent yelled "We Are!", while the other side responded "Penn State!" As this was going on, the Penn State Nittany Lion came running out into the tent and totally surprised Angie. It was awesome. The lion cheered Stephen + Angie on as they cut their cake and took Smilebooth photos. You could just see how excited and proud Stephen was to have already pulled off a big surprise for his brand new wife. It was such a cool moment to be a part of.

Stephen + Angie really couldn't have been nicer and easier to work with. T.J. and I had a great time capturing their big day... and we wish them a life full of love and surprises. -Brooke

 

 

Craig + Sara

Craig + Sara's wedding has been a long time coming in my book. I remember shooting their engagements sometime last year and thinking then, I can't wait to shoot their wedding. Sara was just so cute in her little outfit, and Craig was great at showing me around the city for their session - I just knew that June 16th, 2012 would be spectacular. And it was nothing short of that.

The girls got ready inside Plum Salon and Spa .... which was beautiful and full of windows. My favorite!! The ceremony and reception were held inside the Cork Factory - another favorite. And don't forget that Lori, from Wildflowers by Design, created all of the floral pieces!! T.J. and I enjoyed shooting all of the details that Sara and Lori came up with for the big day.

I think the best part about the day was once Craig + Sara said their vows and tied the knot - they were officially Mr. and Mrs. Love. Yep. LOVE! I adored how this creative couple played up the fact that their last name was Love. "Love" was on the programs, part of the favors and even projected onto the wall at the reception. I can say without a doubt that love was more than just their last name - it was the center of attention at Craig + Sara's wedding. So, so wonderful. -Brooke

 

Stephen + Angie

Stephen and Angie were totally awesome.  They added the Smilebooth a few days before the wedding and I think they were glad they did, especially when the Penn State Nittany Lion showed up to suprise the bride.  There was a lot of outgrageousness happening in it all night, here is just a taste. - T.J.

Jason + Kelly

Kelly is a dear friend of mine. And Jason is a perfect match for her. Kelly and I became friends way back in Middle School. She's one of those friends that you could talk to about anything and her investment in friendship is priceless. When I met Jason, I saw so many similar qualities which automatically convinced me that the two of them were a sure fit. They met during their college years, at Lehigh University and their wedding ceremony took place at Packer Church on campus. What I love about Jason and Kelly the most is their natural presence in front of the camera. They were so easy to work with! Before I would finish an explanation of a pose I'd like them to be in, they were in it, happy as could be. Their reception was held at the beautiful Architects Golf Club across the border in New Jersey. It's such a joy to see good friends marry their best friends and to have the opportunity to capture the moment. I could go on for hours about how happy I am for Jason and Kelly. Here are some of our favorites. -Jeff 

Justin + Betsy

Several Friday's ago my sister, Sam, and I got in the car for a six hour drive to upstate New York.  About four hours into the drive we stopped at a rest stop to get gas and snacks, and realized it was cold outside.  Two hours later, at our hotel we had the same realization, it was cold! So after checking into our hotel, we headed to the nearest mall to buy warmer clothes. Sam loved the excuse to buy a new outfit. The next day we drove to Thousands Island, New York and shot one of the coolest weddings I have ever been a part of.  Justin, Betsy, their families and bridal party were all so fun to be around.  They were married in a castle on an island, and left the ceremony in a beautiful antique motor boat. The reception was fun and laid back, held at a local winery.  It was a photographer's dream.  Sam and I had a blast hanging out all day, capturing the beautiful moments between Justin and Besty.  You could feel the deep, deep love Justin + Betsy had for eachother. It was awesome. - T.J.

Mark + Dana

Mark + Dana were so much fun to work with! They tied the knot at the Heritage Hills Golf Resort and it was such a gorgeous, sunny day! A bit too sunny when it comes to photography, but the clouds came in just perfectly for our portraits! Brooke's dad, Steven Courtney, sang "Here Comes The Sun" while Dana was walked down the isle... preceded, of course, by the ring "bears". With Memorial Day right around the corner, Mark + Dana provided a true American meal to all their guests! This included a french fry bar, mini sliders, and a variety of kabobs! Talk about heaven on Earth! Maddie and I had a great time getting to know this sweet couple and it was an absolute pleasure to capture their special day.

Enjoy -Jeff

Tyler + Kaddie

It's not often that we photograph weddings where the bride and groom can say "We were high school sweethearts." Or even middle school sweethearts. But this was the first time I've ever shot, or known of, anyone that could say "We are elementary school sweethearts." Yea, you read that right. Tyler + Kaddie have been dating since 4th grade. They've been together for 10 years... and tied the knot last weekend at a beautiful, outdoor ceremony. Their vows and ceremony was precious, and made me tear up multiple times.

Tyler + Kaddie are two of the sweetest, most genuine people I know. Every part of their wedding day was infused with homespun love and personality. The Smilebooth was also a huge hit... as expected.

Here are a handful of my favorite images. Happy Monday! -Brooke