Lisa + Collin (+1) | Hershey Gardens Engagement Session | Central Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Last week, I met up with Lisa and Collin for their engagement session.  I was so excited to see them again, since we actually first met a little over a year ago at one of my favorite weddings ever!  (I'm talking about you, Jackie and Dustin!)  Even though I only live an hour away from Hershey Gardens, this was my first time visiting.  I can't believe it took me so long to go, and I'm definitely planning on making another trip in the near future.

I'm so glad that Lisa and Collin chose this location as the backdrop for their photos.  We got there as soon as it opened (on one of the hottest days of the year), and we practically had the place to ourselves!  They were so much fun to photograph, and I could tell right away how absolutely head over heels in love they are with each other.  Their engagement session also doubled as a maternity photoshoot, since they will be welcoming a baby into their family in a few short months!  I'm so excited to photograph their wedding next year, and I can't wait to meet their little one the next time I see them!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time together.  Big thanks to my husband, Mako, for assisting me.

The Mauro Family | Historic Shady Lane | Central Pennsylvania Children and Family Photographer

If you live on the east coast, you may have noticed that the temperatures have been a bit on the colder side lately.  I thought I would add some warmth to your hearts by sharing this fun session from November!  Now that holiday cards have all been sent out, it's safe for me to start sharing some of my end-of-year photoshoots that I've been keeping under wraps.

Thank you, Mauro Family, for driving out to Historic Shady Lane for your family photoshoot this fall!  I love the images we made together, and I hope you walked away with some amazing memories as well.  Whenever I photograph this family, I find that my mouth is sore at the end of the session from smiling and laughing so much during our time together.

This was such an incredible venue, and I definitely plan to go back for future sessions!  If you're ever in York, you have to check out this gorgeous gem!

Kailey + Kyle | The Barn at Silverstone Rustic Outdoor Lancaster Wedding | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, Kailey and Kyle got married and I was lucky enough to be there to document it all!  As soon as I met them at their consultation, I instantly realized how deeply in love they are, and I knew that their wedding day was going to be fabulous.  I have been looking forward to this day for almost a year - since way before their amazing engagement session that took place in Berks County at the Wyomissing Park last fall.

Kailey and Kyle's wedding and reception both took place at the Barn at Silverstone, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  (All of the amazing vendors that worked together to make this day a success are listed at the bottom of this blog post!)  Their details and decorations were rustic, romantic, and simply beautiful.  Kailey and Kyle decided against having a first look, opting for the more traditional choice of waiting to see each other until Kailey was walking down the aisle.  I always love watching the groom's reaction as he sees his bride for the first time, and Kyle's reaction had me in tears.  He absolutely glowed when he set his eyes upon Kailey in her wedding dress, as she was escorted down the aisle by her proud father.  Their obvious love for each other had many of us in tears that afternoon.

Kyle's brother officiated the wedding ceremony, and immediately after their romantic bubble exit, we gathered around the stunning stone fireplace for family portraits.  I noticed that a few guests kept checking their phones and watches, and I quickly discovered the reason why - there was a storm approaching, and we were on borrowed time to finish up our outdoor photographs!

It turned out that luck was on our side that evening, and we finished all of the formal portraits just minutes before the sky opened up and gifted us a lucky wedding day downpour.  The rain didn't last long, and we made it back outside for a few more photographs right as the sun was setting.  It was a beautiful day all around, and the lucky thunderstorm just made it even more perfect.

Kailey and Kyle, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.  I can't thank you enough for trusting me to capture your Day #1 for you and your loved ones.

Wedding coordinator:  Katie Slauch, Stylish Occasions

Florist:  Amy Stein, Steins Flowers

Cake artist:  Ady Cakes

DJ:  Kevin High, The Party Express DJs

Hair artist:  Paulene Stromberg, Elle Hair Design

Makeup artist:  Belinda Carrol

Bride's and bridesmaids' dresses:  Darianna Bridal

Groom's and groomsmen's suits:  Jos. A. Bank

Bride's rings:  Neil Lane

Bride's shoes:  Michael Kors

Wedding and reception venue:  The Barn at Silverstone

Officiant:  Kyle's brother

Photography:  Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

Big thanks to Emilly Ziegler for second shooting with me for part of the day!

Cork Factory Hotel Wedding | 2nd Shooting | Lancaster Wedding Photographer

Even though I run a successful wedding photography business myself, I really enjoy second shooting for other photographers on days when I don't have my own weddings booked.  It keeps me fresh and feeds my creativity, and I love being surrounded by so much love and happiness that are guaranteed to be overflowing on wedding days!

I recently had the honor of second shooting Alicia and Rachel's wedding with Ashley Gerrity.  They were married at the Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  The venue was gorgeous, but not as stunning as these two brides!  Their smiles lit up every room they were in, and within seconds of meeting each of them I instantly knew why they were both so loved by everyone attending the wedding.

Here are a few of my photos from the day.  Thanks again to Ashley for asking me to shoot with her!

Lititz, Pennsylvania Wedding | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I second shot Dara and Todd's wedding alongside Rachel Pray, photographer for Ashley Gerrity Photography.  I started my afternoon by hanging out with the groom and groomsmen while they finished getting ready at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Ephrata.  Then, the guys and I headed to Lititz Springs Park for some fun photos (and Pokemon capturing)!  Next, we all headed to the Long Memorial Church in Lancaster for Dara and Todd's beautiful and emotional wedding ceremony.  Our final stop was Brick Gables in Lititz, where the reception took place.

I had such a great time hanging out with the groomsmen and witnessing the incredible love shared by Dara and Todd.  Thank you, Rachel and Ashley, for the opportunity to second shoot for you!  Here are a few of my photos from the day.