Kara + Tyler | Ironstone Ranch Intimate Vow Exchange | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
I’m going to start off by sharing Kara and Tyler’s love story…
Kara and Tyler officially met in December 2019. Tyler’s Aunt Nancy & Aunt Marty introduced them. Kara was instantly attracted to Tyler even though he didn’t fit her “type” – a farmer/hunter with no facial hair or tattoos. She flirted with him, but he didn’t pick up on it and they went their separate ways. Tyler’s aunt intervened and encouraged him to text Kara, giving him her number.
Over the next three weeks, he repeatedly texted but never got an answer. In a last ditch effort, he gathered up his courage and called. Finally, someone picked up. But it wasn’t Kara. It was the number of a chocolate shop!
He went back to his aunt in defeat and realized the number he had written down was off by one digit. A little shaken, he decided to go back to texting and asked if she would want to go for a hike the next day. Kara agreed (even though hiking isn’t really her thing). Tyler was nervous, so as they walked he started talking - and next thing he knew, he had told her his life story. Kara had decided she wasn’t going to date, but as she listened to him talking she decided she liked him and thought just maybe she would give him a chance. After that day, they spent a few more days together and began dating two weeks later.
Kara describes their relationship as stable, complimentary, and unexpected while Tyler says it’s a little sappy but definitely intimate and their intentions with each other are always clear. They enjoy spending time outdoors and appreciate simple pleasures like hanging out on the porch at the cabin or spending time on the farm. They both enjoy conversation and most of all, each other’s company.
When they decided to get married, they knew they didn’t want “a lot of fuss” around a wedding because they believe their marriage is at commitment to each other and to God. They know their marriage is the real sacrament and look forward to growing old together, promising to cherish and support each other for all their days on this earth. Kara & Tyler were wed in an intimate ceremony in a church with only immediate family present on Saturday, January 23, 2021.
Now here is where I come in…
Winter is typically a slow time for weddings, and with COVID still lingering, I found myself with some extra time on my hands this January. I was looking for ways to network and stay creative, and I stumbled upon a style shoot that was being hosted at Ironstone Ranch, in nearby Elizabethtown, PA. I reached out to the coordinator of the styled shoot, and she told me she had an opening and thought we would make a great team. So, I signed up! I tend to stay away from styled shoots, because I prefer real emotion and moments over working with models - but I was really itching to create again, and the timing for this was perfect. As it turned out, our models for this shoot were actually a real couple, and they had just gotten married in an intimate ceremony a few days prior. They didn’t have a professional photographer at that ceremony, and had not exchanged personalized wedding vows. When I found out that our styled shoot was actually going to be a real vow exchange for these newlyweds, I was ecstatic. This shoot really was the perfect fit for me. From the getting ready jitters, to the first look anticipation, to the love-filled vow exchange, and intimate portrait session - it was all 100% real.
Without any further delay, I am thrilled to share these photos with you. (Please scroll to the bottom for the names of the awesome creatives who made this fabulous vision come to life!)
Photographer - Carrie Kizuka Photography
Wedding Portfolio & Production Specialist - Dream Team Academie
Venue - Ironstone Ranch
Florals - Blossom Bliss Florist
Rentals - Sage & Co. Event Rentals
Cake - Farmhouse Cakes
Custom Calligraphy Sign - Jess Smith Designs
Videography - Soul Focus Media
Tabitha + Jason | Blue Marsh Fall Engagement Session | Berks County Wedding Photographer
Tabitha and Jason are getting married next Halloween, and they wanted a moody fall vibe reflected in their engagement portraits. We met up recently at one of their favorite spots around Blue Marsh Lake and we absolutely killed their session. (I might be biased, but I bet you’ll agree with me after viewing this selection of images!)
Mother Nature was definitely on our side that evening, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that! We had the most stunning golden hour light, followed by a breathtaking sunset. I really feel like this session was gifted to me for making it halfway through my annual busy season - not only was the weather and light perfect, but Jason and Tabitha are so naturally cuddly and adorable - I feel like they made it too easy for me! (I’m definitely not complaining.)
While we were together, I also captured a few photos of some of their dearest family members who tagged along to help out. Tabitha and Jason have so many cheerleaders excited for this wedding to take place - I don’t know who is looking forward to it the most! And, you can add me to that list! I know their wedding day is going to be absolutely fantastic.
Without any further delay, I present to you Tabitha and Jason (and a few of their closest loved ones). Congratulations again, and I’m so thankful that we found each other! I know we’re going to make an amazing team.
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
Danielle + Jonathan | FEAST at Round Hill | New York Wedding Photographer
I recently had the honor of photographing Danielle and Jonathan’s wedding. Danielle and I met quite a few years ago when we were both students (and fellow Delta Zeta sorority sisters) at Lehigh University. I was absolutely thrilled when she reached out to me and asked me to be her wedding photographer! I’ve mentioned it more than once before, but one of my favorite parts of being a photographer is reconnecting with wonderful people from my past, via my passion for artistically capturing moments in time.
Fast forward to their wedding day - Danielle and Jonathan’s final preparations and celebration took place at FEAST at Round Hill, a lovely venue in Washingtonville, New York. It was my first time photographing at that venue, and I instantly fell in love with its charm and personality. There was still snow on the ground from a recent storm, and even though that made for a slippery first look, it added just the right amount of wintry romance to the scene. It really was the perfect setting for Danielle and Jonathan’s classic, fun, and simply elegant wedding. The bridal party was small and intimate, but the day was overflowing with love and joy - from the romantic first look, to the wedding vows, to the speeches, to the dances. The entire day was a celebration of Danielle and Jonathan’s love for each other.
I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from Danielle and Jonathan’s Day #1 as husband and wife. I know that I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with them (and some of my fellow Lehigh sorority sisters)!
Big thanks to the following team for helping make Danielle and Jonathan’s dream wedding become a reality:
Photographer: Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC
Venue, Wedding Coordinator, Caterer: FEAST at Round Hill
Videographer: Reina Stern
Florist: Rene Rodriguez, New City Florist
Cake Artist: Pastry Garden
DJ: A Perfect Blend Entertainment
Hair Artist: Melissa Serraro Walsh, Dutchess County Hairstylist
Makeup Artist: Tiffany Field, Dutchess County Hairstylist
Wedding Dress Boutique: Azazie
Bridesmaids’ Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Tuxedo Boutique: Foeller’s Men’s Shop
Groomsmen’s Tuxedo Boutique: Foeller’s Men’s Shop
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!!)
Morgan + Mikey | Barn at Silverstone Wedding | Lancaster Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
In September, Morgan and Mikey were married in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, at the Barn at Silverstone. Their wedding day had a romantic and semi-formal vibe, with decorations and details that were rustic and shabby chic. Morgan thought that my “moodier” editing style would be a great fit, so she asked me to add that touch to her wedding photos (which I was happy to do!). The weather has been rather turbulent this year, but we lucked out that day. We had a few showers in the morning - perfect for some extra wedding day luck - and then were gifted the most incredible weather for the rest of the day. Admittedly, it was a bit windy, but they rolled with it like champs!
Morgan, Mikey, and their bridal party were so much fun! They were there to celebrate, and that’s exactly what they did. There were a few emotional moments, too, especially during the first look, wedding ceremony, speeches, and sentimental dances. I was laughing and crying right along with them. And their first dance - they were literally on Cloud 9!! (Wait until you see it!)
I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from their Day #1 as husband and wife. Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Antolino!
Huge props go out to the following vendors for making their dream wedding a reality:
Photographer: Carrie Kizuka
Venue: The Barn at Silverstone
Wedding Coordinator: Christine Helwig, Scarlet Runner Catering
Videographer: Rola Cinema
Florist: The Autumn Olive
Cake Artist: Krystal Moran
DJ: Vince, East Coast Event Group
Hair Artist: John Sentell, Alchemy Studio Hair
Makeup Artisti: Nicole Moeser
Wedding Dress Boutique: Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo; Casablanca
Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: Ashley’s Bridal
Groom and Groomsman Tuxedo Boutique: Men’s Wearhouse
Officiant: Theresa Gilberti
Liz + Phil | Macoby Run Golf Course Wedding | Montgomery County Wedding Photographer
I've been keeping a secret for the past week, and I'm finally allowed to share!
This amazing couple got married in a very intimate ceremony last Saturday before heading to Florida to do it all over again on the beach! They asked me to photograph their church ceremony here in Pennsylvania, which I was honored to do. After they exchanged vows and officially started their Day #1 as husband and wife, we headed to Macoby Run Golf Course for a few more photos. (Phil golfs there pretty frequently, and I could tell he was in his element driving the cart around to a few of his favorite spots! Liz was glowing the entire time - I don't think she cared where we ended up for photos, as long as she was by Phil's side.)
Congratulations, Liz and Phil! I'm honored to share an anniversary date with you. (Big thanks to my husband, Mako, for taking time out of our own anniversary celebration to assist me!)
I hope you enjoy this sample of photos from their (first) wedding day.
Columbia Station Wedding | 2nd Shooting | Chester County Wedding Photographer
When I'm not busy photographing my own weddings or portrait sessions, I can often be found assisting other photographers. I really enjoy the freedom (and lower stress level) that comes along with second shooting! A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of second shooting a wedding for Jessica Lynn Photography.
We met our couple, Danielle and Dan, at the Courtyard Marriott in Collegeville, PA where they were making their final preparations. After a few detail shots and candid photos, we packed up and headed to The Columbia Station, where their first look, wedding ceremony, and reception were going to take place.
Here are a few of my photos from the day. I'm always grateful when the photographers I work with allow me to share my work! Thanks, Jes!
Liz + Phil | Berks County Engagement Session | Penn State Berks | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Last weekend, I met up with Liz and Phil to photograph their engagement session. Liz is my cousin - and one of the biggest Penn State fans that I know! Choosing the Penn State Berks campus as the backdrop for their photoshoot was a pretty easy decision. This location has a lot of meaning for Liz, and I personally love it because there are so many incredible little nooks for portrait backdrops. And, I'm pretty sure Phil is happy anywhere that Liz is by his side. So, Penn State it was!
Liz and Phil had hoped for a wintry backdrop for their photoshoot - and even though the temperatures were definitely winter-appropriate that day, there was no snow to be found. We were, however, gifted some pretty incredible golden light. At the end of our session, we even happened upon an amazing field of yellow flowers. That was a pretty great consolation prize for being denied the snow that we were hoping for. Mother Nature is unpredictable, just like so many aspects of life. At the end of the day, all that matters is how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Everything else is just noise.
That being said, I LOVE how their photographs turned out! I hope you enjoy this little preview from their session. Congratulations, Liz and Phil! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.
(Disclaimer - Liz and Phil brought the empty champagne bottle along that they celebrated with on the night of their engagement!! Awesome, right?! They toasted to their engagement - but they used ginger ale this time. We wouldn't want anyone to get scolded for an innocent, alcohol-free toast on Penn State grounds.)
