Jim + Kate | Intimate Shillington Backyard Summer Wedding | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

I’ve been trying to develop more of a “make lemonade out of lemons” mindset this year. In my opinion, if there is one positive thing to come out of the wedding industry during this pandemic, it is the uptick in intimate backyard weddings that have been taking place. Even though I love wedding celebrations of all varieties and sizes, there’s just something extra special about smaller, cozy affairs - like this one. Smaller weddings have proven to provide just as many (if not more) emotional, candid moments as larger-scale events. What made this wedding even more special is that fact that the bride is one of my daughter’s favorite teachers!

While many couples are making the difficult decision to postpone their weddings these days, Jim and Kate actually moved theirs up a little bit. Fortunately for all of us, their celebration took place the same weekend that our Pennsylvania county loosened the restrictions on gatherings. (Ironically, their engagement session was my last session before the Covid stay-at-home orders were issued, and their wedding was my first to take place after the orders were lifted!) On this beautiful June Sunday, Jim and Kate’s closest family and friends gathered in their yard -and street- to witness their much-anticipated marriage. With a little help from some of their favorite local businesses, Jim and Kate’s wedding day vision went off without any hiccups. Even Mother Nature cooperated, and we were gifted the most amazing sunshine and blue skies!

Here are a few of my favorite photos of their celebration. Congratulations again, Stuckert-Rennix Family! It was such a joy to celebrate with all of you.

(But first, thank you to all of these vendors who worked together behind the scenes to make Jim and Kate’s wedding day absolutely perfect!)

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka Photography

Florist: Royer’s in Shillington

Cake: Unique Desserts Chef by Anne-Louise

Ice Cream Truck: Sweet Ride Ice Cream

Table, Tent, and Chair Rentals: Wolfe’s Rental

Boxed Lunches: Panera

Dress: BHLDN

Suits: Menguin

Colleen + Eli (+ Carly) | Intimate Camp Nawakwa, Biglerville Wedding | Adams County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, Colleen and Eli got married in an intimate outdoor ceremony in the forest. Everything from final preparations to the reception took place at Camp Nawakwa, a Lutheran camp located in Biglerville, PA. (It’s in Adams County, if you haven’t heard of it!) This was the second wedding I photographed at Camp Nawakwa, and I hope I get the chance to do many more - it is such an incredible, stunning location! The camp has special meaning to Colleen and Eli, as Eli’s mother works there and he spent much of his childhood hanging out there. I love when my photography backdrops have such special meaning to my couples, and I could tell that everyone felt right at home there, in the middle of this charismatic forest.

Colleen and Eli’s wedding was casual, simple, rustic, and so unique. They described their vibe as “forest formal”, and I think that’s really the best way to put it into words! The adorable flower girls and the ring bearer (their adorable doggo Carly) definitely stole my heart!

We started off with a few family formals and bride and groom portraits at the Upper Temple. Both the view from up there - and the wind - took my breath away! We snuck into the adjacent apple orchard for a few fun photos, and I still break out in laughter-tears when I look back at them. (Eli took my prompt to act like he was kidnapping Colleen very literally! You’ll see what I mean below. I’m in love with the unintentional outtakes!)

Then we made our way back down to Fischer Chapel for a few more formal portraits, followed by their ceremony. As a wedding photographer, I’ve attended more wedding ceremonies than I can count - and Colleen and Eli’s ceremony was one of the sweetest and most engaging that I have ever witnessed. It was a perfect reflection of their relationship and love for each other.

After working through some technical problems with the golf cart, we finished up our portraits at Crafts Hall. Their cocktail hour, reception, and the best (and only) Cookie Table I have ever laid my eyes upon took place at the camp Dining Hall. Apparently, Cookie Tables are a tradition in some parts of Western Pennsylvania, where each of the guests bring desserts to contribute. I hope I get to photograph - and taste - more of these in my future! (No tasting was done at this wedding, unfortunately.)

Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Dolly (and Carly)! I wish you a lifetime of happiness and architectural adventures together.

Alyssa + Tony | Barn at Silverstone | Lancaster, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Alyssa and Tony were married in August in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, at the Barn at Silverstone. (You may remember them from their fabulous engagement session with their Huskies!) I have photographed a number of weddings at Silverstone, and always love shooting here. Their staff is amazing, and there are so many great backdrops for photos. This wedding was no different!

Alyssa and Tony’s wedding day vibe could be described as romantic, rustic, elegant, and (last but definitely not least) incredibly fun! Mother Nature kept us on our toes that day, and their ceremony ended up being postponed by a few minutes to allow a quick storm to roll through. My couples have definitely had their share of lucky (i.e. rainy) days this year! Personally, I never worry about the rain, because we always get amazing photos regardless of the weather. Everyone rolled with it like champs, and we were even rewarded with a rainbow during the reception!

Alyssa and Tony opted against having a first look, waiting to see each other for the first time that day as Alyssa walked down the aisle. It was such a sweet moment, as you will see in the photos. Everything about their wedding day reflected their loving and fun relationship - including the decorations, the gifts that were exchanged, the inclusion of the children in the ceremony who are so important to them, the choreographed dances at the reception, the ice cream truck, and the cake that was customized to include their three doggos. Everything was absolutely stunning and perfect.

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from their Day #1 as husband and wife. Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Kerezsi! It’s taken me a hot minute to edit these, as busy season is in full swing, so without any further ado I will just go ahead and share a ton of my favorite images from their day.

I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who worked together to make Alyssa and Tony’s wedding day a giant success!

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

Wedding Coordinator: Kayla Resh, Simply Events

Florist: Kim Glasson

Cake Artist: Master’s Baker (Grace)

DJ: DJ Andy M

Hair Artist and Makeup Artist: Stefani Burkett, The Bonafide Ginger

Wedding Dress Boutique: Jennifer’s Bridal in Hockessin, DE (Hayley Paige)

Bridesmaids’ Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen’s Tuxedo Boutique: Men’s Wearhouse

Draperies and Twinkle Lights: Shumaker PDT

Linens: John Serock Catering

Officiant: Randy Mims

Ice Cream Truck: Woodside Farm Creamery

Wedding and Reception Venue: The Barn at Silverstone

Taylor + Chris | Eastlyn Golf Course - Greenview Inn Outdoor Summer Wedding | Vineland, New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Taylor reached out to me shortly after I photographed Nona and George’s Cape May wedding, because she loved their photos and knew we would make a great team. Even though I never met Taylor or Chris in person before their wedding day, or even spoke with them on the phone for that matter, when their wedding day arrived and we met for the first time we instantly clicked as if we were long-time friends.

Taylor and Chris described their wedding day vibe as romantic, rustic, fun, intimate, and modern. It was that and so much more! I laughed with them, cried with them, cried some more with them, and tried to keep up on the dance floor. It was obvious that this celebration was not only about Chris and Taylor’s Day #1 as husband and wife, but also a celebration of their families and dear friends. The speeches were incredibly heartwarming, and I have never been pulled away from taking dance photos so many times to capture group portraits - and that’s okay, that’s 100% why I am there! My job is to document the gathering of loved ones from near and far, in celebration of two families coming together as one - and I absolutely love love love this career of mine!

Everything aligned that day to create Chris and Taylor’s dream wedding. From the lovely florals and customized decorations, to the perfect summer weather, to one of the most touching intimate first looks I’ve ever witnessed - everything magically fell into place. Even though Taylor’s mother was physically absent from the wedding, as she sadly lost her battle with cancer years before, it was undeniable that she was there in spirit. I think everyone felt her presence that day.

This was one of the most emotional and chaotic weddings I have ever been a part of - and I am so very thankful for that. These moments filled my heart in addition to my creative soul.

Without any further delay, here are a few of my favorite photos from Chris and Taylor’s wedding day that took place at the Eastlyn Golf Course and Greenview Inn in Vineland, New Jersey. You may notice that these are edited in a different style from much of my other work. I offer my clients a choice in editing styles, and this is the one that spoke to their hearts. (It speaks to mine, too!) Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Grace! I know that you are enjoying the married life, and I hope you love reliving this incredible day over again as you look through these images.

Thank you to everyone who worked together to make Chris and Taylor’s dream wedding become a reality. We really made an incredible team, and I hope I have the opportunity to work with these vendors again in the near future.

Venue: Eastlyn Golf Course in Vineland, NJ

Wedding Coordinator: Kristina Wittig, KW Event Coordination

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka

Videographer: Be Films Wedding Cinema

Florist: Laura Davis, Savannah’s Garden

Lettering: VG Custom Artwork

Cake Artist: Christine Conte, Stella’s Baking Company

DJ: DJ Mugga Stackz

Hair Artist: Taylor did her own hair!

Wedding Dress Boutique: Free Love Bridal, Cape May

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique: Men’s Wearhouse

Officiant: Dan Lockwood

Photo Booth: Royal Experience Events

Lisa + Collin | Tinicum Park Barn Summer Wedding | Bucks County, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Lisa and Collin got married in June, and I’m so excited to share some of the photos from their Day #1 as husband and wife! If you are an avid blog follower, you may recognize Lisa and Collin from their Hershey Gardens engagement session. During our pre-wedding planning, they described their wedding vibe as romantic, soft, casual, simple, rustic, and fun. And, that’s exactly what their day turned out to be - with a few extra surprises thrown in for good measure!

I met Lisa and her bridal squad at her parents’ house in Quakertown, where her final preparations were taking place. I felt instantly at home as I saw some familiar faces (including a former bride of mine, Jackie)! Lisa’s engagement session last year doubled as a maternity session, and I was so excited to finally meet her little girl in person! (Violet has the most kissable cheeks I have ever seen, and was just as much a star of the show as her mommy and daddy that day!)

After some getting ready photos, hugs, and tears, we packed up and headed over to Tinicum Park Barn, where the ceremony and reception would take place. Lisa and Collin opted to have a first look, and it was so heartwarming. They are madly in love with each other, and their eyes absolutely lit up when they saw each other for the first time that day. We squeezed in a few portraits with the bridal party, and then it was time for the ceremony to begin.

Lisa and Collin’s engagement photoshoot took place on one of the hottest days of the year, and their wedding day turned out to be pretty warm as well. That heat, plus the excitement, plus the weight of carrying Violet as her “bouquet” led to Lisa fainting a few minutes into their ceremony. Luckily, the officiants and bridal party members acted quickly, and everything was fine. After a brief water break, the ceremony continued - but Lisa and Collin opted to proceed on chairs for a bit, just to be safe. Everything went as planned, and they concluded with a unity ceremony using puzzle pieces that Collin created himself!

After the ceremony, we snapped a few more photos, then gathered in the Tinicum Park Barn for some speeches, dances, and the most amazing dinner! Then, the rest of the evening was spent celebrating over drinks, conversations, and yard games - lots of yard games. (I love photographing giant Jenga and cornhole competitions, and this wedding didn’t disappoint!)

As I was packing up my car to go home, I noticed the most amazing golden hour sunlight peeking over the trees. I grabbed Lisa and Collin for a few extra photos, because that light - and their love for each other - was absolutely breathtaking that evening. I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if I left without taking advantage of it.

Thank you, Lisa, Collin, and Violet, for welcoming me into your lives. You have not only become clients, but also friends. I am so honored that I was asked to celebrate with you and your loved ones. I hope you enjoy this selection of memories from your wedding day.

Big thanks to the following people for pulling of Lisa and Collin’s dream wedding day:

Florist: Norma Strothers, Thorn & Petals

Hair & Makeup Artist: Hope Fischer, Images Salon & Spa

Wedding Dress Boutique: Melissa Sweet, David’s Bridal

Rentals: Jodi Fermier, Bucks Mont Party Rental

Officiants: Close friends Dustin Karrat and Renee Jonsson

Caterer: Mary Elcavage, The Cactus Grill

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

Anna + Wiley | Pocono Lake Preserve | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of joining Anna, Wiley, and their loved ones at one of their favorite places, as they celebrated their wedding in the Poconos. (We were also joined by a few million mosquitoes, but no one really seemed to mind.) All of the festivities took place at various locations around the Pocono Lake Preserve, a place that is near and dear to their hearts. This was my first time visiting the preserve, and I instantly fell in love with the venue - I can tell why they love it so much!

I would describe their wedding day vibe as casual, rustic, and fun (emphasis placed on fun)! Their wedding party had just as many dogs as humans, which added a nice personal touch to their day. Anna’s theme color was black watch plaid, and the flowers and table decorations complemented her colors perfectly! Wiley had two wedding bands - one made of plain white gold, and the other made of elk horn, whiskey barrels and gold (it was so cool!!).

The speeches brought me to tears, the dance moves had me smiling big silly grins. I was so honored to document this celebration for them and with them. I truly have the absolute best job ever. I hope you understand why when you view this selection of photos from their Day #1 as husband and wife. Thank you again for trusting me with your memories, Anna and Wiley!

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

Wedding Coordinator: Elika Almeida

Florist: Leigh Florist; Denise Herker

Cake Artist: Kitchen Chemistry

Band: The Hoopla Band

Hair Artist: Virginia Slonaker (aka Bunny)

Makeup Artist: Lexi Vidal (Bride’s daughter)

Wedding Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Suit Boutique: Brooks Brothers

String Ensemble: Penn Strings

Officiant: Journeys of the Heart; Susanne Wilson

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

Dan + Ricky | World Cafe Live | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

I don't even know how to start describing Dan and Ricky's wedding day... but I'll try my best!  Dan and Ricky were referred to me a few months ago by another photographer.  (Quick off-topic squirrel moment - I am always honored when other photographers trust me and value my work enough to refer me to potential clients!!  I'm so fortunate to have a supportive network of colleagues in this business!)  Back to Dan and Ricky - I never met Dan and Ricky in person, and all of our consultations happened via email and Skype/Facetime.  However, we hit it off immediately, and never doubted that we would make the perfect team on their wedding day.  Our instincts were correct!

Their day in Philly was filled with so much emotion, energy, and color - it really was a photographer's dream!  Mother Nature tried to throw us off by scheduling torrential rains during much of our planned outdoor photography time, but we were flexible and creative and made some pretty fantastic photographs together in spite of the weather!

Dan and Ricky began their day at The Study at University City, in Philadelphia.  That hotel is one of the coolest venues I have ever visited!  I love the architecture and landscaping, and it perfectly complemented Dan and Ricky's semi-formal, romantic, and modern vibe.  Dan and Ricky got ready in separate suites, then met outside The Study for a quick first look.  After their emotional private moment together, we squeezed as many portraits in as we could before the rain started.

Their wedding and reception took place a few blocks away from The Study at World Cafe Live.  I have never been to this concert venue before, but I have heard great things about it and was excited for this chance to combine my wedding portrait and concert photography passions!  It can be tricky to properly expose photos in concert venues, especially one like World Cafe Live where all of the walls and ceiling are painted black.  Lucky for me, I always overpack gear, and had everything I needed to create beautiful and fun photographs for Ricky and Dan and their loved ones.

After their quick and emotion-filled vow exchange on the stage (that included a sentimental handfasting ceremony), we snuck outside for a few more portraits (just as there was a brief pause in the rain).  Then, it was time for the reception.  I don't think I've ever taken as many dancing photos as I have at this wedding, and I had a blast doing it!  I smiled taking them, I smiled editing them, and I'm smiling again as I share them here.  My face was sore from smiling so much all day, and my body ached in places I didn't even know existed from trying to keep up with this crowd all night!  This wedding was so much fun, and I am honored that I was the one asked to capture these memories for them.

Congratulations again, Ricky and Dan!  I hope you enjoy this selection of moments from your Day #1 as husband and husband. 

Big thanks to my daughter, Kaiya, for assisting me all day, and to these amazing vendors for coming together to make Dan and Ricky's wedding day a success:

Florist:  Teleflora

Cake Artist: (the cake was AMAZING!!)  Floured Hearth Bakery

DJ:  DJ Bishop

Hair & Makeup Artist:  Allyson Jones at Contempo Cuts Salon

Suits:  Men's Wearhouse

Centerpieces:  Created by Ricky's mother

Hotel:  The Study at University City

Venue:  World Cafe Live, Philly

Jeni + Mark | Intimate Wyomissing Park Wedding | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, Jeni and Mark exchanged wedding vows in an intimate ceremony at the Wyomissing Park.  This is one of Jeni's happy places, and I was thrilled with her idea of getting married here!  She asked me to accompany them on their stroll through the park that would culminate in them becoming husband and wife.  We started our walk at one end of the park, while their loved ones waited at the other end.  One of my favorite images (and memories) of this day is when Jeni and Mark crested the hill and saw their loved ones waiting for them at their ceremony location.  Their smiles were huge, and their excitement, joy, and LOVE were palpable.  It is obvious that family comes first in their lives - I'm guessing that is one of the things that they love most about each other.  Jeni and Mark compliment each other perfectly - Jeni is spontaneous and high-energy, and Mark is calm and pensive.  Those are my impressions at least - you can form your own opinions after you check out a small selection of my favorite images of their day.

Jeni and Mark, thank you for you inviting me to be a part of your celebration.  I'm so happy that your hearts found each other, and I know that you're enjoying your time together as husband and wife.

Alexandra + Robert | Bethlehem Steel Stacks Wedding | Lehigh Valley Photographer

A few weeks ago, Alex and Rob threw one heck of a wedding celebration in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  I was lucky enough to be there to document their Day #1, along with almost 300 of their closest family and friends.

Their wedding style was romantic and elegant, with the bridal party dressed in traditional black and white.  The colors and Catholic church service were the only formal parts of their day, however.  If I had to choose one word to describe their day, I would hands-down have to say it was "fun"!

The girls got ready at the historic Hotel Bethlehem, while the guys gathered at the Hyatt Place for their final preparations.  Alex and Rob opted against having a first look, because they wanted to wait to see each other until they arrived at the church.  They chose to exchange their vows at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also located in Bethlehem.  Their wait was worth it - you could feel Rob's anticipation and love as he watched his bride-to-be eagerly approaching him from across the aisle, walking hand-in-hand with her proud father.  Nothing beats the moment that a bride and groom set eyes upon each other for the first time on their wedding day, whether it is during a first look, or the more traditional walk down the church aisle. I love capturing those moments as a photographer!

After the ceremony, we headed back to historic downtown Bethlehem for a few bridal party portraits around Main Street, right outside Hotel Bethlehem.  Our last stop was the reception venue, the Musikfest Cafe at the Steelstacks.  Inside, the flowers and decorations were gorgeous, and outside, the Steel Stacks provided a breathtaking backdrop.  The food stations reflected Alex and Rob's favorite dishes, and the drinks were pouring freely!  There was an entire long table filled with desserts (including the stunning cake) that were all baked with love by Rob's mom!!  There was no shortage of smiles on this day, and it was obvious that Alex and Rob are very, very loved.

Congratulations, Alex and Rob!  Thank you so much for allowing me to be there to document this incredible day.  Best wishes for a long and joyous marriage!

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

Bridal Party Accomodations:  Hotel Bethlehem

Hair Artist:  Apotheca Salon and Boutique

Make-Up Artist:  Helena Coyle

Cake Artist:  Trisha Shaffer, mother of the groom

Band: Night Moves

Bride's Dress:  Nicole Miller Bridal

Groom's Tuxedo:  Mr. T's Tuxedos

Church:  Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Reception:  Musikfest Cafe at Steelstacks

Big thanks to Rachel Wass for second shooting with me!