Brant Greene Wedding - Historic Acres of Hershey Wedding

I’m sorry. This is going to be a huge blog post.

Tommy + Taylor …. sighhhh…. I’M. OBSESSED. WITH. THEM. This gallery is so large because everything they do together is beautiful, fun + amazing to watch. Their wedding had a team of amazing vendors at the iconic Historic Acres of Hershey + now I’m stuck with way too many favorites to share.

This wedding had THREE teary First Looks - Taylor + her dad, Taylor’s bridesmaids + brothers seeing her first the first time, + Tommy + his Mom. I can’t pick a favorite between them - can you??! As always, Historic Acres offered a dreamy bridal suite for the perfect portraits. I will never get over Taylor’s bouquet done by Amanda from Everyone Deserves Flowers (my first time working with her and if you don’t hire her, you’ll regret it!)! And Taylor’s mom made the bridesmaid bouquets and most of the decor!?!? Despite it being a rainy day, it was an incredibly happy one. Tommy + Taylor made their own sunshine wherever they went. Their ceremony, led by Tommy’s grandfather, was probably MY FAVORITE of all time. Not only because of his grandfather’s beautiful words, but also because Tommy + Taylor are downright hilarious even when they’re in the midst of getting married.

Historic Acres of Hershey has tons of overhangs for rainy day weddings + we took full advantage. With an energetic + gorgeous bridal party, we were able to make magic! Then came the real party…. a teary father daughter dance, Tommy dancing this his Mom + bringing his Grandmother in on the love, a DJ that knew how to party, flawless wedding decor, a heart felt speech and then… an entertaining one - haha!, so many moments that I was so happy to capture for Tommy + Taylor. This couple is so celebrated + it’s clear to see why. I really couldn’t pick a more perfect couple!

Enough of my mumbling - start scrolling through this (huge +) incredible wedding!!!

Venue // Historic Acres of Hershey

DJ // DJ Waitaminute

Florist/Coordinator // everyone deserves flowers.

Caterer // Strictly Catering

Make up // Samantha Rose Carangelo

Hair // Jasmine Forney

Second Shooter // Autumn Smith

Guarracino Leonard Wedding - Pleasant View Farm Bed + Breakfast Inn

Jessy and her family lived across the street from my grandmother for years and we graduated together. How surreal it was to see her as a bride!

Anthony + Jessy’s wedding was exactly like them - bright, colorful + creative. I was constantly surprised about the things they did on their own - her hairpiece?! The flowers?! ALL THE DECOR! Pleasant View Farm Bed + Breakfast was the perfect place for them because they provided gorgeous grounds that was a blank canvas for the couple. Their food was also exquisite - both to taste and to look at!

There were a lot of moments that took our breath away but a favorite of mine is surely the tear filled vows they said to one another. I know it took 9 years to get them to their wedding day, but I have no doubt that is just a speck of time in the eternal journey they just started on together.

If you enjoy bold colors, ska, Queen, and/or Farm to Table, this wedding is just for you!

Andy + Cassandra - Married!


It was calling for thunderstorms on what ended up being one of the most beautiful Spring days this year. Andy + Cassi had their nuptials take place at the Fallen Tree Farm Bed + Breakfast which is filled with so much character! They got ready in the quaint, stone building with their closest friends + family.  Everyone was radiant! Especially the bride + their daughter Sydney who was glowing as her beautiful mama put on her wedding dress with the help of her best friends + Mother of the Bride. Andy + Cassi’s ceremony took place in a unique stone ruin where they said heart felt vows to each other (How they didn’t bawl, I have no idea - because even I was about to!)

After that it was off to do our fun portraits! (If you ask me, maybe not the guys, haha!) This wedding party was a blast! They barely even complained about frolicking through ivy ;) The guys had some hilarious shots (which wouldn’t be complete without a crazy sock picture) while the girls glowed in their dark dresses + vibrant bouquets. Shout out to Veronica of Veronique’s Creative Artistry - as usual hitting it out of the park with the most crazy, incredible make up for these girls that even lasted through extreme temps! We stole away for Andy + Cassi to have some portraits by themselves.  Literally. Seriously. Honestly. Most gorgeous couple - EVER! They prefer more candid shots so after a few poses, I just let them spend some time together. Rumor has it, this day was the most Andy has ever been seen smiling - ever. Even his Dad commented on how big he was smiling all day!

Now for the reception - talk about a party when Andy + Cassi entered the building! Now, I don’t know much about sports, but from what I gather there are some serious Steelers fans in the Casale family as they were welcomed with a parade of Terrible Towels swinging in the air.  That was followed up by the sweetest dances + speeches/toasts from MOHs + the BM. I also snapped some shots of Andy + Cassi’s ring with a butterfly that sat in her bouquet.  That butterfly was in memory of Cassi’s grandmother who was watching from Heaven, so I thought it would be sweet way to emphasize it. The rest of the night is history! They danced all night to the view of the sun setting over a gorgeous horse pasture.  Andy + Cassi - I am so honored you chose me for your special day.  You both exude so much compassion + charisma (duhhh, teachers - lol!) + I can tell your marriage is meant for great + wonderful things…. like a puppy with the best name, ever!  Enjoy many many manyyyy favorites I have from this incredible day!

AJ + Jill - Married!

I’m so glad that I started the season with this phenomenal wedding. AJ + Jill are an amazing pair. They’re both kind, adventurous + you can tell they don’t take much seriously - I mean only the coolest of couples high fives after they are pronounced married! Their Big Day happened at Overlook Golf Course in Lancaster which was blooming with beautiful Spring flowers everywhere. AJ + Jill were all about traveling around the property to get the best shots which, if you ask me, was definitely worth it. Their reception hall was beautifully decorated + my favorite little touch was how each table was named after places the pair have traveled together.

Their wedding was full of warm sunshine (rare for Spring Weddings, especially this year!), the cutest little Bridal Party, touching speeches from AJ's big brother, Jill's best friend + mom, + a big party at the end of the night with friends + family. And who can forget Jill + her dad stopping halfway through their dance to bust a move?!  Lastly we also captured a successful Sparkler Exit! (Successful = great pictures + I didn’t get caught on fire).  I’m excited to share Mr. + Mrs. Enck’s wedding with you!  Enjoy some of my favorites!

Jonathan + Shawnika - Married!

My last wedding of the 2017 Fall Season! Whoaaa, what an amazing one!  Jonathan + Shawnika’s wedding was at the beautiful Harmony Hall on one of the most gorgeous days of the year. Their wedding was filled with so much love from their friends + family + ended with a party that was out of this world. When I had met with Shawnika at her wedding consultation she had stressed how important family was to her + how that is what she wanted to focus on in her wedding gallery. Well, Shawnika - we definitely accomplished that! I kind of feel like after editing this wedding that the whole dang Santana family needs to enroll in modeling because HOLY GORGEOUS!

Most importantly, Jonathan + Shawnika’s wedding was filled with so much joy. They didn’t wipe the giant grins of their face the whole night + I’ve never seen friends + family SO happy for a couple. The new Mr. + Mrs. Santana got ready in Harmony Hall’s beautiful farmhouse which was extra special as Jonathan + Shawnika’s children helped them get dressed. And then there wasn’t a dry eye as Shawnika’s dad walked her to Jonathan at the top of the small waterfall on the property. Picture time was, of course, soooo easy with this good looking crew! And MAN - let me tell you about this reception… Their reception gallery is bigger than some wedding galleries combined! I’ve never seen people have so much fun in my life!

So to wrap up the final wedding I will posting this year, I just have to say what a privilege it was working with these beautiful individuals and the family they have created. They have a beautiful life together ahead of them + I am so happy I could tell a little part of their story. Enjoy some of my favorites!

 

Andrew + Emily - Married!


I have had such a good time with Andrew + Emily ever since I met them at their beautiful Hershey engagement session. I love their style. They’re classy, hilarious + just downright good looking! Most of all, they are the most beautiful people inside + out + as I often say in these blog posts - that shows in their portraits!

They had a gorgeous fall day starting with getting ready portraits. I diedddd over their wedding look. Elegant, classic.  They both shared sweet gifts from each other + gifts to their parents, as well as many portraits with their wedding party. Their ceremony was at a beautiful old church that had such unique character, perfectly fitting the style of their wedding. They even arranged a visit from their fur baby for a few shots at the church! Lastly we ended at The Links of Gettysburg where we snapped some of my favorite wedding day portraits, ever! (Their gallery is definitely a contender to end up on my studio wall!)  Their reception was so full of energy + some of the best toasts of this wedding season.

As I’m starting to finish up my 2017 wedding galleries, I can’t help but feel so blessed that I was chosen to work with couples like Andrew + Emily.  I was able to capture such a beautiful gallery because Andrew + Emily’s relationship IS the epitome of beautiful - even if Emily is a golf widow some of the time ;)  I have no question that they are going to have a strong marriage + I can’t wait to stalk their lives along the way! :)  Enjoy favorites from one of my all time favorite weddings. Congrats, Andrew + Emily!!!

Colin + Chelsea - Married!


Colin + Chelsea are two of my favorite people to photograph + Drumore Estate is one of my new favorite venues to photograph now, too! I knew this wedding was going to be something special.  I know from chatting with Chelsea how terribly hard they worked to make this day perfect. And I’ve got to say - it was exactly that. PERFECT.

Colin + Chelsea arranged for several sweet moments to take place on their Big Day. Colin reading Chelsea’s card + opening her gift, Chelsea’s First Look with her dad + Chelsea’s dance with her brother are just a handful of wonderful moments that we captured. Drumore Estate made for a stunning backdrop for their ceremony. Once portraits started - we couldn’t stop! The lighting was just so beautiful + we could not get enough of the grounds! The reception was equally flawless with tons of personalized decor from the bride + groom including a beautiful memoriam to family that were watching from Heaven that day. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience as Chelsea’ dad, her MOH + Colin’s BM gave their toasts… and don’t even get me started on the emotional parent/brother dances! We ended the night with Chelsea getting a few shots of portraits of her mother as a beautiful tribute to a woman that was dearly missed that night.

To see Colin + Chelsea together, you sense they find home in each other. There is such a warm comfort between the two of them + what could be more beautiful in a marriage? They’ve overcome so much already + I don’t believe there is anything that can ever stand in their way if they are together. Congratulations Mr. + Mrs. Plank … you are truly adored by all who know you! Enjoy some favorites!!

Jim + Hannah - Married!


I could say a lot about Jim + Hannah - like how their zest for life is contagious, how they are the most beautiful couple with the most beautiful souls. I could talk about how I traveled to Philly for their engagement session because I just KNEW we were making photography magic together. Or even about how I will never forget meeting them at my studio for their consultation + while discussing whether they would do a First Reveal or not, I made the comment “Whether you see each other before the ceremony or not, it doesn’t matter because when she’s walking down that aisle you will be seconds from being husband + wife + it is still a beautiful moment” - + Hannah’s big blue eyes welled up with tears! Everyone has a lot of wonderful things to say about these two, but words aside lets just say I’m sad to see this gallery go + was either smiling or tearing up the whole time I was editing it.

Jim + Hannah had a big wedding party which made for some really fun getting ready pictures. Historical Acres of Hershey is one my absolute favorite places to photograph, ESPECIALLY the bridesmaids in the farmhouse.  The lighting was perfect + Hannah was stunning in her bridal gown. I can’t leave out Jim + the groomsmen though - whoa, were they dapper! Jim + Hannah did opt for a First Reveal + thank gosh because it was SO sweet. Jim was literally stunned into silence over his soon-to-be beautiful bride. Afterwards we did TONSSSS of portraits. I mean TONS. I can’t even pick a favorite because the colors, venue, people - everything was perfection! The best thing is the connection the bride + groom had with each other + their family + friends. You can’t pose that magic!

It was also drizzling on Jim + Hannah’s wedding day.  Everyone was starting to chat about doing the ceremony indoors (which just tore my photographer heart apart with how beautiful the ceremony site looked!) + I casuallyyyyyy mentioned - hey, we have clear umbrellas if you’d rather try to risk it . And of course, because Jim + Hannah are just awesome, they TOTALLY did their ceremony in the drizzle with Jim’s best man holding the umbrella for them (sorry about that, buddy! I hope your arm recovered!)  This is the second time I had ever tried to sway my couples to do this and both times I did this, it made for my absolute favorite ceremony pictures. Who says rain has to ruin your Big Day? ;) Their ceremony was beautifully said + their obvious adoration for each other shows in their eyes the whole time. Then off they went to what I call The Party of the Year. Their reception had the most intoxicating live band + the party started the second they walked in!

As I said before, I’m at a loss for words when it comes to such an amazing couple. At the end of the day, my hopes are that these two never change except to grow together.  They are the epitome of all that is good —— AND THEY BETTER COME BACK TO SEE ME SOMEDAY! Enjoy many many many favorites.

Michael + Christina - Married!

 

Michael + Christina are the sweetest, smartest people I have ever met so it’s only natural that I adored photographing their wedding (and engagement session!). Their Big Day was at a beautiful venue called the Mercersburg Inn. It was full of beautiful character, history + it fit Michael + Christina’s classy style wonderfully. The Acela wedding felt like a big party among best friends + made for the sweetest gallery.

Michael + Christina were married outside surrounded by beautiful mums, family + friends. Then we explored around the beautiful property that was bursting with autumn colors.  I had a lot of favorite moments from Michael + Christina’s wedding - their First Dance song being “Nothing Else Matters”, the fact that Christina had a framed portrait of Cinderella as her bridal inspo, the fact that Michael had an extra awesome person in his grooms party - his sister!   Oh, + of course the very hardcore dance moves that happened at the end of the night ;)

Most of all, my favorite thing in Michael + Christina’s wedding is the giant smiles the two of them had while they were together.  If anyone deserved this flawless wedding, it was this incredibly brilliant + fabulous couple! I have LOVED getting to know them. Enjoy some favorites!

Wayne + Jessica - Married!

Wayne + Jessica have a special kind of love that people dream about having their whole lives. They’re gentle with each other, they’re each others’ biggest fans, she goes along with his crazy ideas + he never wants to stop kissing her. Then they have their sweet little girl who, I’m pretty sure, has the best parents in the world in her corner.  Their wedding day was wonderful. It had it’s stresses, like all weddings do, but the best thing was how they were unhindered by these things. The most important thing to them was that they got to marry their best friend that day + everything else just fell into place.

I always have a great time with these two. They love horses, joking around + having a good time - what more could you want from a couple!? Their ceremony + reception took place on their grandparents’ beautiful farm which was wonderful because their horses were able to attend, too. They had the COOLEST idea for their ceremony. They branded a piece of wood with their initials + people were later able to sign it so they could hang it in their home. The whole property was picturesque but I personally love the portraits we took in the bean field.  We had lots of romantic shots + hilarious shots that will not be shared on this family friendly blogpost - haha. Their first dance was held after the sun had set and lit by sparklers being held by their friends + family, then they shared dances with their parents + Jess even had a special dance with her Pap.

I would wish the new Mr. + Mrs. Jenkins luck for their future but I know they don’t need it. I had asked Wayne at their engagement session what poses he would want and he said, “Anything where I can kiss her.” Well, there you go. Now you get to kiss her for life, my friend. Enjoy some favs!

Quin + Karly - Married!


This wedding was so, so good for my soul. Quin + Taylor are naturally hard workers + it is no surprise they put everything into this perfect day. Gorgeous weather, gorgeous wedding party, gorgeous decor, + gorgeous new Mr. + Mrs.!

Quin + Karly chose The Susquehanna Manor Inn for their wedding day. It was unique + had great characteristics which went with their shabby chic, classy style. The getting ready suite was my favorite all year! With big windows + a stunning bride like Karly, what more could you want?! We captured some of my favorite getting ready pictures here, of all time.  Their wedding day was full of sweetness like Karly’s gifts to her parents, the fact that Quin couldn’t decide whether to get Karly pearls or diamonds so he gifted her BOTH, the cutest ring bearer + ring girls, a wedding party that was *full* of entertainment, THE BEST wedding vows I have ever heard in my life!!! (I mean, I was a bawl bag), a wedding reception that took place as the sunset began to set, + can we talk about the beautiful light during Quin + Karly’s portraits?!

Words don’t express how much I’ve enjoyed working with Quin + Karly. I knew last year, when we did their engagement session in negative temperatures + we still had a blast, that their wedding would be a favorite of mine. Here’s to the new Mr. + Mrs. Taylor + to my new favorite gallery!

Mike + Jamie - Married!

Mike + Jamie are the world’s cutest couple so it was only fitting that their wedding day was the cutest day, too! Jamie got ready at her parents’ home with her best friends, family + pup surrounding her (some of my favorite getting ready shots, ever!) while Mike was ready at the church that they attend together. Their ceremony was held at their church and beautifully decorated with 1 Corinthians 13:4 signs + mums lining the aisle. Although technically it was a fall day, it was HOT! And we just barely got their wedding portraits done as rolling clouds hung above us.  I know I say this all the time about my couples - but Mike + Jamie just flow together. To see them belly laugh + the way they seek comfort in each other is what all beautiful marriages are made of.  Jamie is now also officially the stepmom to Mike’s adorable daughters but you can tell they have already loved that woman for a long, long time (the pictures of them cuddling with her while she was getting ready - to DIE for!)

We finished off their wedding day at a nearby fire hall and words don’t express HOW MUCH decorating went into their reception! The details were endless! We all shared some laughs, some tears + before I knew the night was over for us.  When I said good-bye + congratulations to them, I felt like I was saying it to good friends. Mike + Jamie (and their family!), in the short time that we’ve known each other, have shown me such unconditional kindness + it’s obvious they give that to everyone they come across. They are truly such a blessing + how wonderful that they found each other. Enjoy some favorites of Mike + Jamie’s wedding day!

 

Jake + Nath - Married!

What a memorable wedding. When I met with Jake + Nath for their consultation, I immediately could tell that they liked to do things out of the norm and that they were highly creative. I drove to this wedding, prepping my second shooter, saying I just KNEW this was going to be a good one. I was right!

There were a few things that made this day pretty incredible. Firstly, Nath is a talented make up artist (that’s how we met in the first place!) and she helped do hair + make up, as well as did her own. Also, the families at this wedding were such a good time to be around! I’ve never been at a wedding where families weren’t fun, but I mean sisters-posing-in-cornfields-with-cheese-and-beer-in-their-mouths fun. Thirdly, the details that Jake + Nath put into their wedding left me speechless. Gold beer barrows. A unique ceremony site simply designed with fabric + a beautiful tree. Weathered + gold leafed books + bookmarks for seating. Chandeliers that JAKE DESIGNED AND MADE HIMSELF.  All on Jake's family's property which makes it a little extra special. Lastly - the couple. One second Jake was deeply staring into Nath’s eyes, the next he was licking her. They are just a perfect duo + I love the portraits we captured together.  The romantic, the happy + the funny.

Congrats, Jake + Nath! You two are fabulous! And Jake, I’ll be hitting you up for one of those chandeliers the moment I buy a new house ;)

Enjoy some of my many, many favorites!

Kevin + Alyssa - Married!


Kevin + Alyssa - gosh, what a wonderful day they orchestrated. When I arrived on their Big Day it felt like it was approximately 300 degrees outside and both of them were rushing around getting all of the special details ready for the ceremony and reception. What I love about Kevin + Alyssa is they don’t take things too seriously - besides the things that really matter to them. And this day was one of those things.

Getting ready pictures full of delicate love that made me jealous I never had a sister? Check. A First Look with a sweet groom reaction? Check. A flawless looking couple despite the crazy heat at a lovely venue? Check. But the ceremony - SO sweet. Kevin’s brother gave him a light punch to the shoulder as Alyssa and her dad walked down the aisle and you could see Kevin was just beaming. He wiped a few sweet tears from Alyssa’s face and couldn’t help but rub his fingers on her hands and give her kisses if another tear fell. Their vows were beautiful and nothing - not even a train roaring down the track behind them - could ruin this moment. A lot of time we don’t give the ceremony enough credit. That IS the whole reason for a wedding afterall, and theirs was especially lovely to watch.

Then for the reception! Complete with a donut smash and a family who just loves to dance. There was lots to capture and I know Kevin + Alyssa had a blast.

So with that being said - congrats again, Mr. + Mrs. Gorman! I couldn’t imagine a more complimentary couple - from your jokes to your love of fun and your deep passions for hard work. I know you will have the time of your lives together.  Enjoy some favorites!

Matt + Abbey - Married!

What a beautiful day it was to celebrate Matt + Abbey.  Abbey got ready in the comfort of the home she grew up in with her best friends + close family, Matt did the same at their home. The thing I liked most about this wedding was how obviously adored these two are and how sweetly humble they are about it. This wedding was a labor of love for everyone involved.

Matt + Abbey’s smiles were a mile wide from the beginning until the end. They are just such a happy, wonderful couple! They were wed in a beautiful Catholic ceremony + then celebrated at the West Shore Country Club. They had a BIG wedding party which was so much fun.

We snagged Matt + Abbey’s couples pictures right as the wind was picking up + the clouds were getting dark. A fewwww more minutes and we would have had rain wedding pictures. The rest of the evening was equally flawless as they ended their day dancing the night away with those they loved most.  

The highlights for me at their wedding was the First Look between Abbey and her dad (such a tear jerker!), Matt + his mom’s fun dance, the groomsmen’s hilarious antics (which I didn’t see until later on my second shooter’s camera) + Abbey’s beautiful princess-inspired dress. I wish these two nothing but happiness together but I know they won’t have any problem achieving that on their own.

Enjoy their day!

 

Jake + Kristina - Married!


Jake + Kristina met while she was in college through a mutual friend and the rest is history. Throughout their wedding day I was overwhelmed with the love from their family + friends - proving that these two are something very special.

Historic Shady Lane is a beautiful - one of my absolute favorites! - and fit their classy style so well. We captured dreamy getting ready portraits; full of special gifts from the bride to the parents, happy tears after said gifts, classic details + a hilariously fun wedding party. The ceremony site at Historic Shady Lane is to die for and was perfect for Jake + Kristina’s sweet nuptials. We managed to capture a GIANT gallery for these two.  A great mix of funny, romantic, loving + classy.

The funny thing about Jake + Kristina’s wedding is that the amount of reception pictures in their gallery is the same amount as the average wedding gallery.  So much was going on at their reception + we captured it ALL! We ended the night with a beautiful send off with sparklers.  I was not caught on fire + the pictures came out beautifully so I couldn’t ask for more!

I wish you a lifetime of happiness with each other, Jake + Kristina! You are truly a beautiful couple inside + out.

Nick + Amanda - Married!

I am the luckiest person alive that my job is to capture love stories like Nick + Amanda’s. The second best love story at this wedding was the families coming together to make one of the most touching days. There were happy, loving tears for days!

They met at their place of work + to show just how sweet of people they are - they gifted the woman who introduced them with flowers at their reception.  The details on their Big Day were incredible, most of it hand-done by family. Can you even believe the candy table the put together?!  They even had ice cream in the lobby!

Enjoy some some favorites from Nick + Amanda’s gorgeous day.

Ryan + Janelle - Married!

It was the first wedding of the season and I was like a giddy little kid with my camera gear sitting by the door, exploding with excitement about seeing these two get married.  Ryan + Janelle picked their perfect wedding venue. The Links at Gettysburg was classy + offered beautiful views for their wedding day.

I am torn between some favorite parts of the day: I had the best time with the girls as they got ready - SUCH a fun wedding party!  Janelle’s beautiful tears during her dance with her father + the way her Maid of Honor held her veil during a breezy ceremony. And even the way Ryan is such a poised person until he is hoisted on his friends’ shoulders during the reception, fist bumping his son, or looking at his beautiful new wife. Speaking of Ryan’s son - that kid has some DANCE MOVES!!


There is something so beautiful about a couple being so honestly + easily in love with each other. Ryan + Janelle are exactly that. I know this wedding is just the beginning to a beautiful new adventure for them.  Enjoy some favorites!