Chris + Ashley - Married!

I’ve never photographed a wedding I didn’t love - but I’ve also never photographed a wedding quite as special as Chris & Ashley’s.  

This was my first time photographing at the Yorktowne Hotel so I arrived extra early. This venue is full of classic charm, lovely textures and the staff was great to work with. Much of the decor was beautifully hand crafted and much of it was handled by the family of the bride and groom. A lot of love went into this wedding.

Even though I’ve had long chats with Chris and Ashley, we never actually worked together.  Their wedding day was the first time I got a glimpse into their lives.  There were a few things that stood out to me on the Tilley’s wedding day.  Firstly, their obvious connection. They light up when they are together. When Ashley walked down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband, their faces immediately changed into blissful grins.  They feel comfort with one another. They support each other.  Ashley's father said during his speech that, “even when they were countries away they never considered the thought of not being together”.  How beautiful and rare is that?

Second, the closeness of their families - like they’ve known each other forever, like even their families were destined to know each other. Chris’s brothers spoke of years of memories with Ashley and you could tell that she was already their sister. Their parents and grandparents (some who I had the pleasure of chatting with) were lovely people and you could tell a great support system for this marriage; people they could look to for advice.

Lastly, Chris gave a toast to his new wife. That’s right. He stood in front of everybody and spoke of how beautiful of a person Ashley is and how she completes him. Talk about a tearjerker! If that’s not a testament of true love, I don’t know what is. This wedding was complete with a fun wedding party, crazy dance moves, and a beautifully spoken ceremony. Oh and more importantly - Sunset pictures on the roof!!!!  I’m almost sad to be done editing this wedding.

Enjoy some favorites from Chris & Ashley’s Wedding Day!

Anthony + Robyn - Engagement Session

It is currently hailing/raining/snowing outside but I’m in Spring mode over here.  Anthony and Robyn’s session was windy and a bit chilly but that didn’t stop them from being the sweetest couple to photograph.  I’ve said it a million times - you can’t pose chemistry like this.  I was so giddy over their images as I was taking them - a beautiful couple in some unique new locations is my Heaven. Enjoy my favorites from Anthony and Robyn’s session!

Camille + JP - Children Session

It’s been almost 2 years since I’ve seen this family and since then their little baby is now a sweet young lady and they added another squishy guy to the mix! To say I had the best time with them is an understatement. Confetti, bubbles, chocolate chip cookies, Frozen songs, lots and lots of balloons - I brought out all the stops for their session! I’m so glad I did because Camille and JP were photographic all stars.  Photographing two under two isn’t always easy but just when I thought the kiddos had had enough, they would bust out their big beautiful smiles.  I have to just mention that their Mama is also an all star - she managed to help throughout the whole session including blowing bubbles, fake sneezing, and making silly faces all while always holding a kiddo at the same time.  Can you say Mom of the Year?!  We managed baby portraits, 2 year portraits, sibling shots, and even some mommy and me shots. All in two hours!!!  As always it was great catching up with this family - they are always a joy to work with.  I made sure to get these edited today just so I could post this next sentence on their blog post…. Happy 2nd birthday, Camille!!! You are the smartest, most beautiful little girl! <3

 Enjoy my favs!

Harper - Cake Smash

Miss Harper ran (and I mean literally RAN) through my studio doors with this big giant grin and she didn’t stop with the cuteness the whole time she was with me.  The last time I saw her was back in October and somehow she managed to transform into little person since that time. What a big, happy personality! It makes you happy just to watch her.

Her session was full of all the things I love - insanely fun parent portraits, tulle outfits, a smiley little lady, and glitter. I was excited about her birthday theme - pink, gold and white Minnie Mouse - but I was so much more excited seeing everything I picked out being tied together and making for the cutest scene. Just add soon-to-be one-year-old and you’re golden! Harper wasn’t a big cake eater (maybe it had something to do with the icing gluing her fingers together) but she smashed the cake jussssstttttt enough to make this a favorite of mine. I can’t blame a girl for not wanting to be messy!  I can’t wait to see where Harper’s beautiful personality puts her in life! I have a feeling, somewhere quite amazing.

So without further ado, my favorites of Harper’s Cake Smash!

Henry - Cake Smash

I died and went to Heaven when Henry walked into my studio door.  Those big beautiful eyes and toothy grin was all I needed to brighten my day. It helps that he has a kick ass wardrobe to go with his handsome self ;)  I have to say I LOVE Henry’s parents. I mean, so FUN. So CARING. And it certainly shows in their family pictures (some of my all-time favorite family shots!)  I was telling the Patrick family that I tend to give too many pictures in galleries; not necessarily because every shot is posed and perfect, but because I feel the most UNperfect shots (you know, the silly ones that show personality!) need to be included to be able to tell the story of Henry. He is the perfect example of this! His gallery is made up of his silly personality, big happy grin, curious nature, and his sweet, cuddly nature, as well too.  I’d like to think when Henry is a teenager or getting married or having his own family that his parents can look back on this session fondly and remember what a sweet kiddo they have raised!

I’m also jealous of Henry’s Cake Smash theme. Airplanes. LOVE THAT IDEA. I had wanted that for my youngest son about a year ago and we just couldn’t pull it off at that time. This time around, I had ideas and the Patricks had a big airplane! We went for a more classic take on this idea by adding an antique plane toy and paper airplanes. I know I say this all the time but… this could be one of my favorite Cake Smashes?!

Enjoy the beautiful personality that is Henry!

Charli - Cake Smash

I promised myself I would stop giving so many pictures in galleries. Thennnn Charli came to the studio and their gallery has 200 some images… I mean do you blame me?! This little girl has a BIG personality and I can’t just throw away the portraits of all of her cute little looks!  Miss Charlotte (obviously) is a dream to work with. As long as we have apple cinnamon cheerios nearby, she’s golden.

Charli’s mama described her style as simple - I can dig that ;)  So we kept everything pink, soft and classic for her session. Can we talk about the tutu Jacquie made for Charli?! And her handmade chalkboard sign?! I already told her I need to hire her - Haha!  My favorite part about this session (besides Charli’s constant adorable faces!!) is how the best portraits were completely unposed and natural.  Cuddling with mommy and daddy, throwing cake in the air, her undeniable bond with her awesome big sister, and the looks I would get from those big, beautiful green eyes.

THIS is why I specialize in Cake Smash sessions. They’re everything I adore - babies, cake, fun, and sweet moments all rolled up into one! Enjoy some of my favorites from Charli’s Cake Smash session.

Lilla - Cake Smash

It is amazing what a year can do to you. I know all too well what it’s like to turn around and realize that your world is completely changed. That in 12 months the things that you loved and hated (late night feedings, tiny baby tootsies, babbles, blow out diapers, their total dependance on you to survive) is all but a memory.  One year.  It can take your sweet tiny baby and turn her into a beautiful little girl with her own big personality in a seemingly blink of an eye. Lilla (or Lilpanda as I’ve lovingly nicknamed her) now runs in circles with my boys, tells me she wants more chicken nuggets, gives big toothy grins, and is a little heartbreaker. Pretty sure a second ago I was holding her at the hospital?

Forgive me for the emotional post but as my best friend’s daughter, Lilla is something special.  Maybe that’s why I went so far as to MAKE her a gold tutu and HAND CUT out gold snow flakes.  That’s true love right there. She’s pretty trained at this point so her session went off without a hitch. We stuck her in the apple crate that I posed her in as a little babe and then we captured special portraits with her mama. This cake smash was pretty incredible. She dug in like she hadn’t eaten in weeks. I almost didn’t get a picture of the cake before it was destroyed!

So here are some of my favorites of a special little girl’s one year old session. Whether she becomes an astronaut someday or a teacher or rockstar or a pro wrestler like her daddy or a public speaker like her mommy, I’ll always be able to show her that time that she devoured a whole cake by herself in 15 minutes.  Perfect for her future boyfriends ;) And remember that, new parents! When you’re tired, when you haven’t showered in days, if things are ever hard, just give it one year. Things will be better. Happy first birthday, my Lilpanda! I can’t wait to see what crazy ideas we can come up with for your next birthday!

Kevin + Erin - Married!


I. LOVED. THIS. WEDDING!

Kevin + Erin were recommended to me by the sweetest past classmate of mine (shout out to Lucy!  You’re the best!) + I’m so happy that she did. Their wedding was at a beautiful venue in Delaware + it was one of the few weddings where I hadn’t yet gotten to know my couple like I usually do due to distance. It was such a breath of fresh air when I finally met these two - not only are they unbelievably good looking but also so laid back, genuine + sweet. I knew it within moments of meeting them. I also knew within moments of meeting them that is wedding was going to be one for the books. And it was.

After a crazy photoshoot with the guys (which involved a lot of beer and a lot of butt grabbing), my second shooter and I set up a First Look. When Kevin turned around and saw his fiancé for the first time - goodness - just look at the look in his eyes! I’ve never seen two people so in love + so happy when they finally were able to wrap their arms around each other.  From there we captured some of my favorite Bridal Party/Couples portraits to date. (Mark my words - one of these images WILL be gracing my studio!)  Between some great people, a very unique location + amazing outfit choices I was jumping up and down with excitement over how stinkin’ good these shots turned out.  Kevin + Erin’s ceremony was intimate with a candle lit ambience.  This was the first time I saw the flower girls and their INCREDIBLE tutus and the ring bearers in their cute little tuxes! Erin’s brother-in-law officiated the wedding + it was such a beautiful touch that made the ceremony that much more special. From there, the party started!

I’ve never had so much to photograph at a reception! This group of people knew how to have fun + I was never at a loss for what to capture. The DJ also commented on how this was the best dressed group of people he had ever seen. I think my favorite moment had to be when Kevin emerged from under Erin’s dress when grabbing her garter belt with his mouth to his Father-in-Law standing over him glaring at him… Haha! (Make sure you check out the pictures of it below because it was hilarious!)  We were also able to stow away for a moment to capture a few nighttime shots - something that I must start doing more often!

I took away so much positivity from the Ralph’s nuptials.  It was so blatantly obvious throughout the whole night just how loved these two are.  Every toast and speech mentioned their caring nature, their love for their dog-baby, how hardworking they are, + how in love they are. From spending the day with them, I could whole heartedly agree with those statements.

Enjoy many favorites from their Big Day <3

Chris + Liz - Married!

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovebirds! What is more Love-Dayesque than sharing some favorites of Chris + Liz’s heartfelt wedding day?!

If I could describe this couple in one word it would be “sweet”. They have the biggest smiles and hearts to go with it. We started the day in their church. Chris and Liz got ready in Sunday school rooms and then we headed outside in the dreary weather for separate bridal party shots. Even though it was very cloudy and drizzling all day, it was warm enough that we were able to get a big chunk of pictures outdoors. In JANUARY!!! How lucky is that?!

The ceremony was such a tear jerker! I don’t think there was a dry eye when Chris + Liz said their vowels.  Once they walked down the aisle I rushed them outside for some portraits (The sun goes down so early in the winter!!). The weather made for some beautifully romantic portraits!  I honestly can’t pick a favorite. I just have to laugh because Chris, an avid Superman lover, had his Superman shirt under his tux.  We encouraged him to unbutton and show the shirt off for some pictures - to which Liz said, “Oh! I didn’t even know he was wearing that! I was wondering why you were asking him to take his clothes off!” Hahaha! I made sure to get lots of details of Liz’s breathtaking dress - oh, the detail!!  And those flowers were to die for!!! So you’ll notice lots of close ups of those as well (Thanks to Weddings and Blooms!)  The best part and the reason I love shooting weddings - Chris + Liz’s natural chemistry. There is nothing I love more than seeing two best friends cuddle, giggle and play with each other. Its the stuff all the best marriages are made of <3

We had a blast at their reception located at The Lodge at Liberty Forge. I LOVE photographing this venue - it’s so unique and beautiful! Lots of laughs, drinks and dancing was head and I went home with a happy heart. Thank you to the Ridens and your families for such a lovely time. Enjoy a few of my favorites from their Big Day! Oh… and happy Valentine’s Day :)

David + Katie -Married!

It was exactly two months ago on a dreary, wet day that David & Katie were primping themselves with their closest friends and family before they walked down the aisle. I had met these two about a year prior thanks to my sweet friend Erin who sent them my way. When we met at Panera it was like I’ve known them my whole life. They talked to me about their family and their friends, how special they were to them. They talked to me about each other, what they’ve been through together and what they dreamed of for their future.  Katie casually brought up their friend Allie, who had passed away from cancer and how it had been a rough year for them. I went home and instantly instagram-stalked them. (I have no shame LOL!)  And I never told them this, but I sat and cried over their Instagram pictures.  Pictures speak a thousand words and I was looking at pictures of David and Katie having date nights in their friend’s hospital room.  I knew from that moment that these two were special.

I had SO wanted the perfect day for them. I was disappointed when there was a 90% chance of rain all day long. But when I arrived to snap getting ready shots, no one was stressed or unhappy. Katie had the biggest smile on her face and David was his usual hilarious self. The weather didn’t matter to them, just that they would soon be Mr. and Mrs.  I have to say that despite the weather, this gallery holds some of my favorite shots of all time. Davie and Katie both ROCKED their getting ready portraits and I couldn’t handle all the sweet moments between Katie and her parents.  The venue was gorgeous for their ceremony and was the perfect setting for David’s tears as his beautiful bride walked down the aisle to a recording of he and their friend Allie singing “You Raise Me Up”. And despite the wind and wetness, the families and bridal party gave me the best smiles and went along with all of my crazy ideas.  Their creative and loving touches - the kids’ favor bags, the many flowers girls and ring bearers, their cake which doubled as Katie’s nephew’s birthday cake, the handmade signs of love, Allie’s keepsakes like her ring and hair pins, her mother speaking to everyone about the selfless people that are the Hiddemens - made this a wedding that no other can ever match and is a true testament for who they are as people.

Mr. and Mrs. Hiddemen wanted a perfect, love-filled day and that’s exactly what they got.  These two deserve the very, and I mean VERY best, and my heart is so happy that they found that in each other.  Something tells me this is just the beginning of something very beautiful.  Enjoy my manyyyyyy favorites.

Second Shooter // Micaela Burkholder

Caterer // The Uncommon Caterer

Videographer // Cinema Capture Films

Venue // Historic Acres of Hershey