Nick + Mallory

I'm excited to be bringing you the wedding of Nick + Mallory today. T.J. and I had such a great time shooting their wedding last month in downtown Lancaster City. Their families were so incredibly excited and happy for this beautiful couple - it was inspiring to see their joy for Nick + Mallory on their big day.

This wedding was certainly one of the most classic and elegant weddings we shot all year. But not without a few twists thrown in there! My favorite part of the day was when I caught Mallory changing her shoes in the hallway at the reception. She ditched her high (yet beautiful!!) heels for a pair of sneakers just in time for their first entrance as husband and wife.

While I'm thankful that our 2012 wedding season has come to and end, it's weddings like Nick + Mallory's that make me so excited for all that's to come in 2013. Looking forward to it!! Enjoy my favorites from Nick + Mallory's celebration. - Brooke

Elan + Janeace

There's something special about the old brickyard look that I'm infatuated with. Elan and Janeace were married at the Carlisle Ribbon Mill and it was beautiful! Before the ceremony, as I spent some time with Janeace making her final preparations, she opened up an extremely unique (and super cute) wedding gift from Elan. He had printed and framed their first conversation ever on Facebook. It's amazing that we live in digital world where records like that exist. That night I went home and looked up my first conversation with my girlfriend! Inside the Mill, the lighting was gorgeous. As family member after family member stood and read a blessing, it made me realize how special it is to keep your family close to you. Elan, Janeace and both their families were a joy to share a day of absolute love with. -Jeff

Jake + Luciana

Jake, Luciana and I recently met at the beautiful John James Audubon Center for their engagement session. I've shot a few weddings here before and I've never seen the center in autumn! It's gorgeous! As the weather quickly turned from comfortable to freezing, the three of us lucked out with a beautiful weekend afternoon. We walked around, enjoyed the changing trees, the slight breeze and shared stories while sitting upon pine needles. I'm beyond excited to shoot their wedding next year, they're just too cute! -Jeff

 

Greg + Gina

I don't even know where to begin when it comes to Greg + Gina's day. I've never been around a happier, friendlier, and more welcoming family in my whole career. Sam and I were just glowing with smiles because of how nice everyone was. Greg + Gina were married on a private farm in New Park, PA. As we stepped onto the property, the first thing we noticed were the prayer flags. White ones, colored ones, and some designed by young students. Being surrounded by them all throughout the day was breathtaking. Greg is in the Navy and Gina is his number one fan. Listening to their stories, from being apart during his training, to stories about some missions was endearing. They are both at ease with life and it's absolutely inspiring. No worries, just laughs, smiles and fun. Guests danced and hula-hooped to some beautiful reggae and we were constantly invited to join. Good thing I was working, because I am a lot better photographer than I am a hula-hooper. As we were packing up to head back home, we spent some time with Greg and Gina chatting some more about life. We shared stories about school, the Navy, and relationships. Greg thanked both Sam and I with pins that he had earned during his service. This was a wedding I will never forget thanks to some of the nicest people I've ever met. Here are some of our favorites. -Jeff

Halloween Dance Fest 2

It's rare that a sequel is better than the original, but Halloween Dance Fest 2 was!  We had a blast dancing, joking and of course being totally outrageous in the Smilebooth!

Best overall costume - Citizens of the Capital

Brooke's Favorite - #2 Pencil

T.J.'s Favorite - Michael Vick (fumbling the ball all night)

Jeff's Favorite - Raggity Anne

Sam's Favorite - Tobias Funke (Never nude/Blue man)

Tori's Favorite - The Cereal Killer

Thank you to all for coming out and having a great time!  Hope to see more of you next year! - T.J.

 

 

Alex + Elise

T.J. and I have been excited about Alex + Elise's wedding for quite awhile. Having photographed Elise's brother's wedding last year, we were excited to celebrate with their families again. Alex + Elise's wedding was full of unique and charming touches that showed their personalities in the best way.

They had a ring "bear" instead of a ring bearer. Adorable. Alex sang to Elise as she and her dad walked down the isle at the ceremony. (Emotional for everyone, trust me.) Alex, being the super genius that he is (literally), handcrafted a motorcycle for he and his bride to use as their getaway vehicle. Elise had a separate dress and shoes to say goodbye to guests in, which were fabulous! To match the motorcycle, Alex wore mini motorcycle cufflinks to show pride in his creation.  All of the flowers were created by a family member and given as a wedding gift. What a gift!

 Alex + Elise's wedding was full of gorgeous sunlight, witty jokes from the bridal party, indie music and dancing. A good day in my book any day, but especially when you get to marry the love of your life. Enjoy! –Brooke

Phil + Kara

I've been waiting for Phil + Kara's wedding for a long time. I'm sure they have been too! After shooting their engagements earlier this summer, I was so excited that they chose us to capture their big day. 

Kara got herself ready at her parent's house, with some of her best friend's doing her hair and makeup. She wore her mother's dress, which was altered to fit Kara perfectly. Kara made the boutonnieres herself from succulents and found all of the "flowers" along the side of the road or in fields. Phil + Kara tied the knot at Camp Mack, which was downright beautiful. The woods and sunlight were perfect for bride and groom portraits. Their portraits look so dreamy. I love it! Kara's flower crown was beautiful on her and the perfect detail to add to her look.

Kara went thrifting so that every guest had a unique plate for dinner. Kara + Phil took the time to collect driftwood and drill small holes into them where little tea lights fit perfectly. The driftwood was a huge part of their decor, but also the guest's favors. My little driftwood candleholder is currently sitting so pretty in my living room.

I hope you enjoy my favorites from Phil + Kara's day. Their wedding celebration was overflowing with their personalities and their love for one another. -Brooke

Brian + Kim

Brian + Kim's wedding was one that I was looking forward to all year.  Not only beause I knew Kim would be a beautiful bride, but also because I know Kim.  Kim is one of Julia's best friends and Julia is one of my best friends from college! Julia, Kim, Brian and their group of friends are so unique.   I remember Julia talking about her group of friends from high school while we were in college together, thinking that I wish I had a group of friends like that.  I've lost touch with most of my high school buddies, but it seemed with every year of college or big moment in their lives their group became closer.  Through trips, studying abroad, moving all over the country they have all remained dear friends, which was so amazing to see while I watched Julia stay in touch with them through college.  During the wedding, I remember having this moment when I realized that these were all the people that Julia use to tell me stories about.  What a cool moment to share such a momentous occasion with those people who remember you during your awkward middle school and early high school years.

The wedding was gorgeous and filled with joy, fun and lots of dancing. Brian + Kim have been together since high school and hearing their vows flooded my eyes with tears.  It was such a beautiful, fun day and I am so thankful that Brooke, Tori and I got to be a part of it. -T.J.

Bill + Kate

I was eager for Bill and Kate's wedding for many reasons. First, I was excited to see them after I shot their engagements last November. Second, it was my first time traveling to the Happy Valley in State College. Tucked in the hills (boy are there hills) was the beautiful St. John's Catholic Church. Both Bill and Kate are Penn State lifers. And as they exited their ceremony, they were greeted to a decked-out Penn State tailgate bus with a sign that said "We Are Married" posted along the side. After the ceremony, we headed to a local park where all of their homecoming and prom photos had been taken. I kept thinking how awesome that would be to have a collection of all those milestones documented in the same place. One of Bill and Kate's favorite photos from their engagement shoot is the one in which they are sitting underneath a large tree at Rockford Plantation. This inspired Kate to get photos underneath the 300 year old tree of a family friend. This was by far the most beautiful tree I had ever seen. Their reception was held at General Potter Farm as both families celebrated the joining of two lives. It was a beautiful day and Sam and I were so happy to be a part of it. - Jeff