Olivia + Paul | Intimate Stirling Mansion Wedding | Reading, Pennsylvania Photographer

Last week, Olivia and Paul got married in an intimate self-uniting wedding ceremony. Their celebration took place at the incredible Stirling Guest Hotel, located in Reading, Pennsylvania. This mansion has so much personality and charm, and I love love love photographing events there! I was honored to document Paul and Olivia’s Day #1 as husband and wife, and I can’t think of a better way to start off my 2019 wedding season. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Marten!

(Olivia, you ROCKED those wedding socks and sneakers!!)

Patsy + Michael | Alvernia University + Heidelberg Country Club | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

I met Patsy and Michael at a wedding that I photographed last summer. I was thrilled when Michael contacted me a few weeks later, asking me if I was available to photograph his own upcoming wedding! When I met him and Patsy at my studio to discuss their wedding day in person, I knew we were going to make a great team.

I wasn’t wrong!

Their wedding day was overflowing with excitement, energy, and LOVE! Their decorations (many of them DIY) were so colorful and full of textures - it was truly a photographer’s dream. Their wedding day vibe was an amalgamation of tradition and romance, with a touch of rustic shabby chic thrown in for good measure.

I began my day photographing the final bridal preparations that took place at Patsy’s home. (I was supposed to begin at the guys’ hotel - but that’s a story for another day. A wedding just isn’t a wedding without some last minute chaos - and believe me, we had it! Luckily, I’m great at going with the flow…)

Next, I headed to the Sacred Heart Chapel to photograph their traditional Catholic ceremony. The chapel is located on Alvernia University’s campus, and is absolutely breathtaking inside! Their ceremony was beautiful, and included mariachi music, readings, prayers, the vow exchange, the bringing of gifts, blessings, and communion - and then Michael and Patsy were officially pronounced husband and wife!

We spent some time taking bridal party portraits around the Alvernia University campus, and then boarded the trolley to head to the reception. The reception took place at the Heidelberg Country Club. Once we arrived, we took a few more photos around the trolley, and then noticed that we were in a race with Mother Nature. We finished our final bride and groom portraits seconds before the skies opened up and poured down rain.

At the reception, Michael and Patsy wowed us all with a choreographed first dance. Afterwards, many of their guests joined them on the dance floor as they celebrated their Day #1 as a married couple. Patsy and Michael went all out, adding their personal touches to their wedding ceremony and reception. It really was a beautiful day, and was perfectly reflective of their love for each other.

Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding day. I hope you enjoy them!

Big thanks to the following people (among others) who helped make Patsy and Michael’s dream wedding day a reality:

Florist: Mary, Sycamore Springs

Cake Artist: Mother of the groom, Lizzette Rodriguez

DJ: Billy, friend of the family

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka

Second Photographer: Adam Naples

Band: Mariachi Flores

Hair Artist: Vanessa New

Wedding Dress Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal (Aime Couture and Pollardi Fashion Group)

Bridesmaid Dresses Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal (Jovani Fashion and Faviana)

Groom’s Suit Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal, Jim’s Formal

Groomsmen’s Suits Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal, Jim’s Formal

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Chapel, Reading, Pennsylvania

Reception Venue: Heidelberg Country Club

Jan + Ian | GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Wedding | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Jan and Ian recently got married at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and I was lucky enough to capture their memories for them.  I would describe their wedding day as romantic, semi-formal, and fun!  Jan grew up in the United States, and Ian grew up in Northern Ireland.  As a result, their day was an amalgamation of US and UK traditions, and it was perfectly reflective of Jan and Ian's unique relationship.

I started my day off with the ladies at an amazing Airbnb rental in Reading, Pennsylvania.  I just don't have the words to describe exactly how fabulous that home was!  I had never been there before, but I will definitely be checking out that hidden gem again in the near future.  (It would make an incredible venue for a day of photoshoots, both indoors and out!)  Meanwhile, my second photographer was hanging out with the guys while they were finishing their preparations at the nearby Doubletree by Hilton.

As soon as everyone was ready, we met up at the GoggleWorks for Jan and Ian's wedding ceremony and reception.  The ceremony and reception decorations were simple, elegant, and fun, consisting entirely of personalized elements.  In fact, Jan created all of the ceremony and reception decorations herself!  Jan threw, glazed, and decorated all of the vases that were used as table centerpieces.  She dyed and arranged the sola wood flowers that were used at the ceremony site and as reception centerpieces.  She made the guest book, table cards, and ceramic tile table numbers.  She even made hundreds of atom-like hanging orbs, to honor Ian who is a physicist!  She painted the wedding arch and arranged the flowers and vines that covered it.  She painted the chandelier that hung in the reception room.  She needle-felted the adorable penguin and bear cake toppers.  She even baked the delicious macarons that served as wedding favors for all of the guests!  She is one of the most talented and creative individuals that I have ever met, and I am truly in awe of her skills (and patience)!  To top it off, the girls even made their own bouquets.

Jan and Ian began their Day #1 as husband and wife surrounded by over 120 of their loved ones.  No one was actually local to Berks County, except for me - most of the guests and bridal party members traveled from places such as Philadelphia, Northern Ireland, and other places in the UK.  As an engineer-turned-teacher-turned-photographer, I felt right at home surrounded by so many other academics and creatives.  I hadn't actually met Jan and Ian prior to that day, but by the end of their ceremony and reception, I felt like I knew them for ages.  The (numerous) speeches had me laughing and crying and laughing again, and the dancing was fabulous!  The food looked and smelled absolutely amazing.  (I didn't actually remember to take a break to taste any - I was having too much fun taking pictures and forgot to take my dinner break!)

Between the ceremony and reception, we managed to sneak outside long enough to capture some great photos of the bridal party, and then of Jan and Ian alone.  We made it back inside just minutes before the sky opened up and poured for the next few hours.  (I tried my hardest to play it cool while texts of tornado warnings kept blowing up my phone...)

Jan and Ian's wedding day was perfect.  I'm so thankful that they asked me to photograph their celebration for them.  And, their celebration isn't quite over yet - they are doing it all over again in Northern Ireland this month!  Oh, how I wish I could join them.

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from their (first) wedding day.

Big thanks to the following vendors for helping make Jan and Ian's wedding day a dream come true:

Photographer:  Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

Second photographer:  Adam Naples

Venue:  GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

Hair and Makeup Artist:  Daneene Jensen

Bride's Wedding Dress:  Sabrina Ann, Ardmore

Bridesmaids' Dresses:  BHLDN and other various shops from Philadelphia and Northern Ireland

Groom's Suit:  Men's Warehouse

Groomsmen's Suits:  Various shops in the United Kingdom

Cake Artist:  Jennifer Low, Frosted Fox Cake Shop

Catering:  Farm Truck Philly

Chairs:  Wolfe's Rental Company

A Studio Session with Momo the Shiba | Berks County Pet Photographer

I brought Momo into my GoggleWorks studio the other day to get ready for a really fun freelance job that I have coming up.  I needed a small, furry model, and Momo fit the bill perfectly!  Momo is a 2-year old Shiba Inu with lots of personality!  Plus, she doesn't break the bank - she works for treats, such as dog biscuits and Starbucks whipped cream.

Here are a few shots from our test session in the studio.  Thanks for your help, Momo!  (Big thanks to my daughter Akina for being the treat handler!)

Amy + John | Wyomissing Park Engagement | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

I met Amy and John a few months ago when we got together over dinner for their wedding consultation.  We immediately hit it off, and I knew we were going to make a great team!  They are about as real as two people can be - my favorite kind of people.  I was thrilled when they officially asked me to be their wedding photographer, because they are incredibly kind and over-the-top fun, and I know their wedding is going to be unique and fabulous in every way! 

Fast forward to October, when we met up at the Wyomissing Park (The Highlands) for their engagement session.  It was everything I thought it would be, and more.  I love how they make each other smile and how they make each other laugh.  Really, I just love how they love each other.  I'm guessing if you have the pleasure of knowing them in person, you already know what I mean.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our afternoon together.  My face hurts from smiling so hard looking at them all over again!  Congratulations again, Amy and John.  I'm so looking forward to your wedding next fall.

Camden | A Gold Hope Project Fighter Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Photographer

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by The Gold Hope Project, asking if I could photograph a "fighter session" for a local family.  When I saw the email come through, I was simultaneously excited and saddened.  I knew this email meant that I had the chance to use my photography to help someone in need, but at the same time I knew that it meant that a local family had a child who was fighting cancer.  I'm always looking for ways to use my passion to bring joy to others, so I instantly agreed to take on the session.  The Gold Hope Project quickly responded with the family's contact information and a brief synopsis of their fighter's story.

Camden is a 22-month old boy who is fighting Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma.  Camden has been a fighter his entire life.  He was born in November 2015 with a condition known as Gastroschisis, which is when there is a hole in the abdomen that gives space for the intestines to be outside of the body.  After being treated for that condition immediately after his birth, he was finally able to go home to be with his family.  However, he started getting very sick, requiring additional hospital stays.  In November 2016, he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.  Since then, this amazing little boy has undergone chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation. He has been living in the hospital on and off for the past 10 months, and his mom has not been able to work since he was diagnosed, so that she is able to care for him and drive him back and forth from CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) on a regular basis.

After reading about Camden's story in The Gold Hope Project email and on Camden's Facebook page, I wasn't sure what to expect at our photoshoot.  I wasn't sure how long his energy would hold out during our photoshoot, or what type of mood he would be in.  I decided to show up without a plan, and to let Camden run the show.

When I arrived, all of my worries were instantly put to ease.  Camden is one of the happiest almost-2-year-olds I have ever met in my life.  His smile and curiosity are contagious, and I could barely keep up with him!  He loved exploring the Reading Museum grounds during our photoshoot, and I loved following him around with my camera.  Camden's mom, dad, brother, and sister joined the photoshoot as well, and we were able to get a bunch of great family photos during our time together.  My favorite part was just hanging back and capturing Camden interacting with his family members, playing with the signs his mom made for the photoshoot, and waving sticks around.  He acts like any other toddler, and just by looking at him and playing with him you would never know the battle that he and his family are currently fighting.  This little boy is so full of life, and his light was shining very brightly during our brief time together.

I would like to thank The Gold Hope Project for giving me this opportunity to help a local family in need.  Most of all, I would like to thank Camden and his family for allowing me into their lives, and for reminding me of what is truly important - family and love and hope.

For more information on Camden's journey, click here.

There is a GoFundMe campaign set up for Camden here.

For The Gold Hope Project's website, click here.

For The Gold Hope Project's Facebook page, click here.

Connor | A Mansion Boudoir Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Boudoir Portrait Photographer

 

“What you do, the way you think, makes you beautiful.” ~Scott Westerfield

This summer, I received numerous requests from female friends of mine to start offering boudoir photoshoots again.  I have photographed boudoir in the past, but back then I was still teaching full time and had to be very careful about what types of photography I advertised or shared on my website and on social media outlets.  Let me make something crystal clear - I think there is absolutely nothing wrong or dirty or perverted about boudoir photography!!  I think it is an art form that is incredibly beautiful and empowering, and I personally feel that all women should experience a boudoir session at least once (if not multiple times) in their lives.  However, for whatever reasons, society doesn't necessarily feel the same way - especially when it comes to school boards and school administrators.  So, even though I greatly enjoyed creating boudoir and glamour art, I kept those sessions under wraps for the time being.

Well, I am no longer a public school teacher, and I now have much more flexibility in what I feel I can share with the public and offer my clients.  For that reason, I decided to appease my friends' requests and recently began advertising and photographing boudoir photoshoots again.  This summer, I was fortunate enough to photograph a number of fabulous, kick-ass women.  My clients have a variety of ages and backgrounds and life stories - and every one of them is beautiful inside and out.  I often hear women say how empowering boudoir photoshoots can be, and I agree wholeheartedly!  Every one of my clients absolutely glowed during their entire session.  Some arrived more nervous than others, but once we got started, every woman found her comfort zone and connected with me and my camera.  (Sometimes a little bubbly helped this happen a bit faster - but that's not a bad thing, and that's why I offer it at my sessions!)  These sessions are not only empowering for my clients, but also for me as a photographer.  I feel so fortunate being trusted by my clients enough for them to allow themselves to be completely vulnerable in front of me.

"I am a woman with thoughts and questions and shit to say. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story – I will." ~Amy Schumer

People often ask me what I enjoy photographing the most.  That's a difficult question to answer, because I love celebrating all stages and phases of life and of love.  However, there is something a bit different about boudoir photography that just pulls me in.  I love being able to help my clients realize just how beautiful they are, while being able to use light and shadows and textures to create stunning portraits that we are both proud of.

While I love every single boudoir session that I have photographed, I'm not always able to share portraits from these photoshoots in order to honor and respect my clients' privacy.  As much as I love these images and would love to share them all with the world, many of my clients choose to keep them private, because of their careers or for a number of other reasons.  And, that is completely fine with me!  My priority is creating art for my clients (and sometimes their partners) to celebrate their beauty - receiving permission to share the images is just an added bonus sometimes.

"The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence." ~Blake Lively

Connor is one of my recent clients who gave me the freedom to share her images.  I was fortunate enough to meet Connor a few years ago while I was being tattooed at Lucky 13 Tattoos & Body Piercings in Kutztown, PA.  Connor has tattooed me multiple times since then, and I have referred a number of friends to her.  We have benefitted from each others' artistic talents over the years - I have photographed Connor and her adorable daughter, and Connor has created tattoos and paintings for me.  She is not only a gifted artist, but is also one of the sweetest, kindest, and real women you will ever meet.  And she's a hell of a lot of fun to hang out with, too!!

Before I share a few images from our recent boudoir session, I'm going to take a moment to plug Connor.  If you're looking for a tattoo artist, check out her work.  She's leaving Lucky 13 in October and will be joining White Oak Tattoo Co. in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Look her up, and if you love her style, get in touch with her!  (http://www.whiteoaktattooco.com/contact.html)

“We are all born sexual creatures,thank God, but it's a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift.” ~Marilyn Monroe

If anyone wants to join my Ladies Only Boudoir VIP Group, or wants to set up a session of your own, get in touch with me!  You can also follow me on Instagram here.

Without any further ado, here is Connor, in all of her beautiful, vulnerable glory.  Our photoshoot took place at the incredible Stirling Mansion in Reading, PA.  Thank you, my friend, for allowing me to create these portraits for you. And, thank you for allowing me to share them with the world.  We really need to do this again soon!

 

“As if you were on fire from within.  The moon lives in the lining of your skin.” ~Pablo Neruda
 

Melissa | Vintage Headshots | Berks County Photographer

Melissa recently contacted me, looking for a vintage style headshot session.  Her vision sounded like a lot of fun, so we set a date and recently met up at my studio at the GoggleWorks!  She is such a natural in front of the camera, and I love what we created together.

Here is a small sampling of my favorites.  I hope you enjoy them!

Thank you again for this fun opportunity, Melissa!  I had a blast, and I'm really looking forward to working with you again in the future.

Jackie + Dustin | Neag Planetarium + Reading Museum | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Happy Mother's Day!  I thought it was the perfect day to post this fabulous, romantic, unique, and FUN wedding on my blog!

Jackie and Dustin got married on Earth Day, and it was out of this world!  (Pun intended.)  They opted for a galaxy theme for their nuptials, and it was amazing!  All of their details and decorations fit the galaxy theme perfectly - their constellation invitations, the groomsmen's constellation socks, their hand-painted galaxy guest sign-in canvas, their vow exchange under the planetarium dome, their constellation table placards, and their stunning purple, blue, and pink flowers!  When you see their photos, I'm sure you will agree!

That morning, I met up with Jackie and Dustin at the Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing for some "getting ready" and detail photos.  Then, we headed to the Reading Museum and Neag Planetarium for their first look.  Let me tell you about that first look - it was my favorite one yet, even in spite of the falling rain!!  Jackie walked up behind Dustin ever so slowly, the anticipation of seeing her soon-to-be husband visibly building on her face.  The instant Jackie tapped Dustin on his shoulder and he turned around, Dustin set his eyes upon her and spurted out some obscenities that shouldn't be repeated on my blog!  He just couldn't contain his excitement, or his love!  It is so obvious that they are crazy in love with each other, and it was so much fun to witness!  They couldn't take their eyes off of each other, taking each other in and realizing that they were going to be husband and wife in just a few short moments.  I posted a bazillion photos of the first look below, so you'll be able to see for yourself!

Everything about this day was all about Jackie and Dustin - as it should be.  They had their first date at the Neag Planetarium, so they decided it would be the perfect location to exchange their wedding vows.  As Jackie's "something blue", she painted the bottoms of her stunning heels a gorgeous shade of blue.  Dustin provided all of the groomsmen - and Jackie - with personalized karate belts.  They threw tradition to the wind, opting for an ice cream sundae bar over a cake, including their own signature ice cream flavor!  Even their wedding rings reflected their unique love for each other, bearing infinity sign designs.  Their officiant was a close friend of theirs who actually joined them on their first date at the planetarium!  And, they exchanged vows in the planetarium underneath a starry sky... which turned to fireworks as they shared their first kiss as newlyweds!

I'm so honored that I was able to celebrate this special day with Jackie, Dustin, and their loved ones.  Big thanks to my friend and fellow photographer April Westhafer for second shooting with me for part of the day!

Congratulations, Jackie and Dustin!  I hope you enjoy this selection of memories from your Day #1.

Here are the vendors that helped make Jackie and Dustin's wedding day a success:

Getting Ready:  Crowne Plaza Hotel, Reading, PA

Florist:  Holly, Froggy's Garden

DJ:  Nick Talarico, The People's DJ

Hair Artist:  Michelle Fischer

Makeup Artist:  Fawn Monique 

Wedding Dress Boutique:  Bijou Bridal

Groom & Groomsmen's Tuxedo Boutique:  Men's Wearhouse

Caterer:  Laurin Fegley, Simply Smooth Catering

Wedding Coordinator:  Laura Oswald, Reading Public Museum

Annabella's Baptism | Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church | Berks County Photographer

Last weekend, Annabella was baptized at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, PA.  This was the first Greek Orthodox baptism I have observed, and it was such a beautiful ceremony!  There were so many stunning details and traditions to photograph and observe.  I could have spent hours photographing the interior architecture of the church alone!

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Dan's Restaurant in Green Hills.  The food was incredible, and the decorations were simple yet beautiful.  I could tell that special attention was taken to make sure that all of the children in attendance had a wonderful experience!

I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to photograph Annabella's special day!  Here is a small selection of photos from her baptism and luncheon.