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!

This was meant to be a love story.

My grandparents were married 49 happy years.  When they were originally wed they had a small little ceremony - if you can call it that - and lived the rest of their lives relentlessly caring for one another. My pap was the backbone of our family, my nana the heart. 

Nana was excited to have a 50th year anniversary and her ideas were slowly turning into a vow renewal. She wanted a party and flowers and pictures - that was my job. I knew they deserved something special and as a Disney lover I knew their story reminded me of another - the story of the married couple from Up!

If you haven't seen the movie, to sum it up, two young children meet at the beginning of the movie and become friends over their love for adventure. They make plans to travel to South America like their adventurer idol. As they get older, they get married, buy a house, ultimately try for a child but cannot have any, and live out their days still happily in love, doing everything together (this is the part that rings most like my grandparents) and setting their sights on their original adventure of traveling to Paradise Falls. The theme was perfect. I wanted to do an Up! Photoshoot with my grandparents for their anniversary - balloons, antique camera, suit cases, Adventure Book, and all.

This was meant to be a love story.

Unfortunately, the pictures never happened and neither did my grandparents' anniversary. My pap, our family's backbone, passed away unexpectedly before their 50th anniversary was able to arrive and we have all been left heartbroken. And I couldn't help but be disappointed that we missed the chance to have their special photoshoot.

But as my sons' birthdays (both born in August) crept up, I couldn't stop thinking about the Up! theme.  I was still pulled to the idea and I decided we would do it with my sons instead. (Shout out to another wonderful photographer, Amanda Naylor who did this theme with a little guy years ago - that's what inspired me to keep this idea alive!)  Although it wasn't the love story I had originally imagined, it would still be a tribute to a man we love and miss greatly.

Greyson and Paxton LOVED doing this photoshoot. Paxton loved "being like pap" by walking with his mini walker and Greyson was excited to wear Pap's hat and look through their Adventure Book that held pictures of them with their great grand parents. My boys laughed and played and had a wonderful time. And honestly, can you handle how cute they are as little men?! My husband and I couldn't stop laughing!

Although I edited these images awhile ago it's taken some time to actually write about it. My heart aches every day for my nana who is trying to relearn how to live her life. My heart breaks often missing my pap when I need his advice or hugs or even someone to make fun of my love for Leonardo DiCaprio and the holes in my jeans. They never tell you when someone dies, that everyone who loved them dies a little, too. But in seeing these pictures, I see a legacy that a wonderful man left behind - including 2 beautiful great grandsons that were ecstatic to honor his memory. 

So although this wasn't quite the love story I had in my mind with this photoshoot - it's still a love story.  The love the boys have for each other during this photoshoot (and always) was a love that has been taugt and passed down for generations. It's proof that love never dies, it lives on in all of us. This one - and everything - is for you, Pap.

"Thanks for the adventure - now go have a new one!" - Up!

Alex + Aimee - Maternity

Happy parents make happy children. I wish I would have known that little tidbit when I became a mother six years ago. To work with Alex + Aimee, I know I don’t need to give them that advice before their little girl arrives. They ooze cute, sunshiney happiness + were too much fun at their session.  Aimee’s laugh + Alex’s jokes had me rolling the whole time. Aimee is also a florist + made the most gorgeous flower crown + had the amazing idea of floating rose petals down the creek.  LOVE LOVE LOVED this session! Can’t wait to meet baby Bender soon!

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.

Alexa - 2018 Senior

Alexa. What a beautiful soul this one is. The Senior Gods blessed me with this pretty lady and we were able to make magic! Golden light, field romping, almost falling into a lake, rolling in grass, splashing on fishing docks - you name it, we did it. This session is the perfect representation of my senior style. Alexa, you are a doll and I cannot wait to see where that beautiful personality of yours gets you in life! (Andddd I'll be calling about babysitting my boys soon! ;) )

John + Jillian - Engaged!

John + Jillian asked if I could do their engagement session at John’s grandparent’s recently sold farm + I was in love with the idea. Although this farm is no longer in the family, it holds beautiful memories from the past that they can now carry with them into their new future as Mr. + Mrs.  The farm was the perfect background for a fun + relaxed couple like John + Jillian. They also brought their sweet pup who ALMOST stole the show by always laying across their laps, waiting for a belly scratch. One of my favorite shots might be him looking lovingly at his people as they kiss in the barn. I also did a little happy dance when I saw the golden field where we ended their session.  How romantic is it to play around + kiss in a golden field?! Since working with these guys, I’m just counting down the days until their wedding… it’s obviously going to be one for the books! Enjoy! xoxo

Sawyer - Newborn

Sawyer was so sweet to me the day of his session.  It’s amazing - I can come to a session having the worst day, then I get a little angel like this + my day immediately gets better. I haven’t had a baby this little to play with in a longggg time + he is the perfect “prop size”! I fell so deeply in love with his “grump face” when he was awake + the way he cuddled so tightly all on his own.  Can you even handle him with his fur sister?! After working with a baby for about an hour during each session, I always try to decipher which parent he looks more like. With Sawyer, I have no clue! He is such a lovely mix of his beautiful parents.

I completely forget this stage of life for my own babies so I take great responsibility when I do Newborn Sessions. Even if these mamas don't know it yet, there will probably be a day where they forget this. Even miss it - the chaos, exhaustion, baby poop + all. They won’t remember their baby’s smell or how they fit into their armsIt’s my job to capture just a little bit of that for them to remember for a lifetime. Enjoy some favorites of sweet Sawyer.

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!

Shane + Maureen - Married!

This is a love story … about how much I LOVE Shane + Maureen! Unlike most brides + grooms, I was booked by these two before they ever even worked with me after seeing the work I did for a past JSP couple (shout out to Chris + Liz!!).  That can sometimes be worrisome for photographers. What if they work with me + it isn’t anything like they expected? What if they don’t like my corny jokes or crazy ways to get legitimate smiles?! I had nothing to fear. I met with Shane + Maureen just before their wedding + not only were they fun + super compatible but Shane offered me a full course meal instead of a vendor meal making him my favorite groom, ever ;)

By the time I got to Maureen on her wedding day, she was already glowing + I knew this day was going to be PERFECT (That's also thinks to the AMAZING Makeup by Chelsea! Loveee what she does for my beautiful brides!)   I had the best time with Maureen, her girls + her mother but my favorite “getting ready” moment was when Maureen’s dad saw her for the first time. I mean - HOW ADORABLE IS HE?! The whole room was moved to tears. My second shooter covered the guys getting ready + I heard Shane was being very responsible by passing out water bottles to all of the groomsmen. Sorry I missed that, haha!

Shane + Maureen married in a gorgeous Catholic ceremony + we were blessed to have access to shoot all around the church during the ceremony.  Then we headed to a location into Gettysburg for some bridal party shots. Lastly, we ended at The Links at Gettysburg for a beautifully set up reception. To top everything off, we were able to snag some romantic portraits with a rainbow after some drizzle + then the sunset.

I can’t tell you enough how wonderful it was to be a part of Shane + Maureen’s day. To know the Storms is to love them + as much as I love their wedding gallery, it still doesn’t give justice to how genuinely wonderful + in love these two are. Shane, I wish you a lifetime of kisses from Maureen ;)  Enjoy!

Abigail - Newborn

The Hunter Family

The best sessions involve lots of toddler laughs, being in a creek at sunset and blowing dandelions. So basically, everything about this session. Arianna is a little adventurer and just loved being by the creek. So obviouslyyyy, we had to end the session in the water.  Can you even handle how cute this family is with each other?! Enjoy some of my favorites!

Jacob - Newborn

Let’s just say Jacob made quite the first impression when he arrived at my studio.  It involved lots of baby wipes, a clothing change and possibly a need for a new car seat cover - HAHAH! But really Jacob was a total joy. I couldn’t stop photographing him as he was always changing up the poses and doing the cutest things with his hands. I didn’t have the heart to do many hat pictures because - HELLO - the most gorgeous red hair ever! And of course those cute cheeks that just grew when he would smile. One of my favorite images from this gallery is definitely the one with his dad holding him and his mom giving him a kiss on the cheek.  He absolutely adores those two! What a perfect session to share right before Mother’s Day. Enjoy some favorites from this adorable guy’s session!

Seltzer Hart Family / Grace's Donut Smash

Colt + Amanda have always been the King and Queen of Personalized Portrait Sessions! Together they handcraft their own props, bring home-grown flowers + come with such creative ideas. I should have known this session wouldn’t be less than spectacular. 219 edited images later + this session has EVERYTHING! Extended family (shout out to Alyssa + Kevin whose wedding I will be shooting SO soon!), just the 3 of them + a celebration of Grace turning 2. Amanda baked donuts for Grace to have a Donut Smash! (She even sent a bunch home with me - which my boys devoured within days. They were delicious!) Grace, being the child of the coolest parents ever, definitely committed to making this session one-of-kind … by smashing her face in her donuts and giving the most hilarious faces! It’s just something you have to see for yourself. Enjoy a very cut down version of an incredible session!   {Keep scrolling to see the Donut Smash!}

Colin + Chelsea - Engagement

THESE GUYS! <3 I had SUCH a good time laughing, exploring + getting poison ivy with these guys! We were so worried about the weather leading up to their session but the sun came out + it was the perfect day - they SO deserved it! Chelsea had such cool and interesting photography requests (helllllloooo, gorgeous sunset on top of a peak!) so we took a hike to get those for her! We also played around with some gorgeous blossoming trees + laid in some flowers. SO romantic, these two! Colin + Chelsea have an obviously fun, easy-going and loving bond and it was a great time capturing that for them. If their engagement pictures are this good, can you imagine what their wedding is going to be like?! Enjoy some of my favs (even though I wish I could post them all!)

Shane + Amanda - Maternity

Springtime is officially here + my soul adores it! If I was to capture the Springtime glow with anyone, I’m glad it was with this growing family! Amanda did an amazing job planning out her maternity session for baby boy Jaxson (LOVE the spelling!). From the outfits to the props to the location - she did it ALL. It was a little chilly but we had the most beautiful sunlight. I can’t help but think is the most beautiful family in the world! I’ve been taking McKenna’s (big sister-to-be!) pictures at Mini sessions for a few years now + she is SUCH doll. Then to meet her parents, now I totally get where those gorgeous genes come from. Amanda is a pregnancy goddess! I was so excited to work on these that I spent hours editing their 168+ image gallery yesterday and just couldn’t stop.  I hope you all love this session as much as I do.  What a way to kick off the busy season!  Enjoy some favs!

Alexander - Newborn + Maternity

Holy moly, I’m blogging!

This blog post has a little bit of everything amazing. Alexander is the sweetest of the sweet. The hardest part of my job is being able to play with beautiful babies like him - and then having to give him back! He had the best time posing with his mom + dad (although he was a little confused what all the kisses were about!), with his stuffed lamb that made an appearance in his maternity session + in some fun animal gear! Easter is Alexander’s mommy’s fav holiday + rumor has it she was a little teary-eyed while he was sporting his adorable bunny ears ;) And of course, he had to be a deer to put a smile on his hunter dad’s face.

I’m also finally blogging Adrean + Rachel’s maternity session which is a favorite of mine! We had such glowy light, some belly laughs + obviously the cutest parents-to-be.  I loveeee when parents buy packages so I can keep seeing them while their little one grows!  

Enjoy some favorites of these sessions!

Nora - Newborn

Jim + Jenn are the prime example of why I love to do what I do. A few years ago, I photographed their engagement session in an apple orchard. Then I was there to capture their beautiful wedding day. Now, I had the honor of taking pictures of their perfect little girl. I don’t travel for sessions, but to meet sweet Nora I drove all the way to Pittsburgh.  She did not disappoint.

One of the things I have always loved SO much about Jenn is how family oriented she is. It was no surprise to me that she used her little girl’s session to honor their wedding day by getting shots with her wedding dress (with her garter being Nora’s headband - adorable!), surprise her husband with a Harry Potter theme + commemorate her sweet grandmother that sadly left this earth just a short time after their wedding.  And of course, Jim was my entertainment for trip, haha! These two were just born to be parents.

If you ask me, Nora is not only the prettiest little girl I’ve ever seen (those lips, oh my goodness!!!!) but also the most loved. Enjoy favorites from this amazing session!