Nona + George | Everly at Railroad | Icona Golden Inn, Avalon | New Jersey Wedding Photographer

On Saturday, I had the incredible honor of photographing Nona and George's wedding.  Their engagement session at Longwood Gardens is still one of my all-time favorites - click on the link and you will see why!  While their engagement photoshoot happened to take place on one of the hottest days of summer, their wedding day was just the opposite.  Once I arrived at their hotel in Avalon, however, I didn't even notice the below-freezing temperatures outside.  Just seeing Nona and George instantly warmed me up.  They were absolutely stunning - seriously, they both took my breath away.  But more importantly, the love that surrounded them was palpable.  Anyone in their presence can instantly tell how head-over-heels in love they are for each other, and their friends and family very obviously share in that joy.

Nona and George's final preparations took place at the Icona Golden Inn, in Avalon.  This hotel is amazing!  The rooms were completely white, and gorgeous natural light just poured in through all of the windows.  (Oh, how I wish I lived closer so that I could schedule some sessions there!)  After getting ready with a few of their closest friends and family, Nona and George snuck away to a staircase for their "first look".  Their reactions were priceless, and George shed a few tears at the sight of his stunning bride.  (I have such a soft spot for my grooms who cry!!)

After a few bridal party portraits, we packed up and headed to the wedding venue - Everly at Railroad, in Tuckahoe, NJ.  I hit the venue jackpot today!!  Everly was so unique and full of character, and was the perfect place for Nona and George to exchange their wedding vows.  Nona and George made their marriage official surrounded by their loved ones and a few thousand super cool antiques!  After Nona and George became husband and wife, we snuck outside and braved the cold for a few more portraits across the street at the Tuckahoe Railroad Station.  Then, we came back inside and the girls kicked their shoes off - and replaced them with Eagles socks and glitter sneakers!  When they scheduled their wedding, they had no idea that it would also serve as a pre-Super Bowl party for their favorite NFL team!

What a celebration this was!  The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, the band was so talented and full of energy, and the bridal party and guests were so much fun.  Everything was as perfect as Nona and George had planned it, and more so.  I have to take a moment to praise Nona in this blog.  She is such a talented artist and created so many of the wedding details herself, including the dip-dyed bouquet and boutonniere flowers, the centerpieces, the invitation suite, the hand-painted chalkboard sign easels, and more!  Nona's father built the arbor that they used in their wedding ceremony, and their bridal party created their own wedding version of the "Guess Who" game you probably grew to love as a child!

Nona and George, thank you for including me in your Day #1.  I'm so glad that I happened to be online and came across your Facebook post last year when you were in the hunt for a wedding photographer - and out of the long, long, long list of photographers who threw their names into the mix, that you both chose me.  I'm so honored that our lives are intertwined, and the love that you share for each other inspires me.  I hope that you have an amazing time on your honeymoon!!

I would like to thank all of the incredibly talented people who poured their hearts and talents into Nona and George's wedding day!

Getting Ready Location:  Icona Golden Inn, Avalon, NJ

Wedding Venue:  Everly at Railroad, Tuckahoe, NJ

Wedding Coordinator:  Emily Moulder

Florist:  None!  Nona created the arrangements herself with flowers made of sola wood!

Cake Artist:  They bought their wedding cake and one for every guest table from their local Acme grocery store!

Hair Artist:  Kate Bryan

Makeup Artist:  Micaela Vibanco

Wedding Dress Boutique:  Tesi Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses Boutique:  David's Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique:  Express

Officiant:  Nona's cousin, Jack Poole

Shoes:  Marc Fisher

Catering:  Shore Side Catering

Band: The Red Hotts

Videographer:  Sia Koletas

Lead Photographer:  Carrie Kizuka

Second Photographer:  Olga Hinchman (Olga, you are a rockstar and it was so great working with you!  Thank you for sharing your passion and talent with me today!)

Kayla + Colin | Berks County Winter Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Before I decided to follow my dreams of running my photography business full time, I was a high school math teacher.  As a teacher, you are supposed to make an impact on the lives of those you teach.  However, during that time, I met a a number of students who taught me just as much (if not more) than I taught them. I recently had the honor of photographing one of those students as she and her soulmate celebrated their engagement to each other.

Kayla, Colin, and I met up at Penn State University, Berks Campus for their engagement session.  It was windy.  It was cold.  I think the temperature was somewhere in the teens.  But you would never know it, looking at these photographs that we made together.  From the way Kayla and Colin looked at each other, smiled at each other, breathed each other in, and had a way of doing something at just the right time that would make the other one burst into laughter, I don't think they even noticed the chill in the air.  In fact, I think they hardly noticed me and my camera there at all - which is my goal at all of my photoshoots and weddings.  They were so into each other, and it was amazing to witness.  One of my favorite parts of this job is being surrounded by so much love, and this session did not disappoint!

Kayla and Colin, congratulations on your engagement.  I'm so happy that you found each other, and I'm honored that you asked me to photograph this milestone event in your lives.  Kayla, it has been an absolute joy getting to know you over the years, and watching you turn into the incredible woman who you are today.  Everything happens for a reason, and those reasons brought the two of you together at just the right time in both of your lives.

On a side note, I've been trying to introduce a new editing style into my work that has been really tugging at my soul.  It's difficult to time such an artistic change, but something about the light, the mood, and the energy at this session just made it feel like the right time to do it.  So, I took the leap.  I hope you enjoy these samples from our session.

Finally, I owe big thanks to my daughter Kaiya for braving the cold with us and assisting during the session!

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.

An Extra Special Engagement Session | Wyomissing Park | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Last weekend, I had the honor of photographing Rachel and Mark's engagement session.  I was one of Rachel's high school math teachers more years ago than I care to share, and I was thrilled when she reached out and asked me to be her and Mark's wedding photographer.  I love how my education and photography passions continue to bring and keep amazing people in my life.

We had some extra special guests at this engagement session - Rachel and Mark's son Gavin and pup Venus decided to come along and hop into a few photos!  I'm so glad they decided to get their entire family involved, and I am so looking forward to photographing their wedding in just over one week!!  

Thanks again for this opportunity, and thank you for putting up with the extra-aggressive bugs that afternoon at the Wyomissing Park!  I love how your photos turned out, and I hope you do as well.

See you in a week!

ASHLIE + ERIC | WESTIN KA'ANAPALI MAUI WEDDING | DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Nona + George | Longwood Gardens Engagement Session | New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I don't even know where to begin describing this engagement session.  It was so incredible, in so many ways.  Once you see the photos, you'll know what I mean...

Nona and George live in New Jersey, but wanted to drive closer to me for their engagement session for a little change in scenery.  On our original date, we were going to meet up in Lancaster, but Mother Nature had other plans.  With their 3 hour drive (each way), we decided to play it safe and call it off.  So, we rescheduled for a few days later, and since their original location choice was closed that day we moved the shoot to Longwood Gardens.

We couldn't have picked a better day, time, or location.

We had Longwood Gardens practically to ourselves, and the weather was incredible!  It was a little hot and humid, but honestly, I don't even think Nona and George noticed - they were too mesmerized by each other!!  They have incredible fashion sense, but that was secondary to their chemistry and love for each other.  Everything, and I mean everything, was perfect.

By the way, Nona is a very talented artist herself!  You can find her work here: https://www.facebook.com/DesignByNona/  or here: https://www.instagram.com/designbynona/.

I am so looking forward to their wedding this upcoming winter!  I hope you enjoy this rather large collection of photos from their engagement session - because I had too many favorites to narrow it down any further.

Congratulations, Nona and George!!

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!

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

Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville PA Wedding | 2nd Shooting

When I'm not shooting my own weddings and portraits, I often second shoot weddings for other talented wedding photographers.  I love getting out there and meeting new people, celebrating love, and being creative without always having to be in charge. ;)  A few weeks ago, I second shot this wedding for Jodi Chandler.  It was an honor working alongside Jodi to capture Emilee and Elliott's Day #1.  They were such a fun couple, and their day was filled with so much love and support.  The Glasbern Inn was the perfect backdrop for their wedding day!  Thank you again for asking me to be your sidekick, Jodi!  Here are a few of my photos from their day...

Gring's Mill Couple Session | Lexie + Connor | Berks County Photographer

Connor, a 2016 Wilson HS graduate, has spent the last few months in California participating in Basic Training for the U.S. Air Force Academy.  His high school sweetheart, Lexie, was at the top of the list of people who were eagerly awaiting his visit over the Christmas and New Year holiday.  Lexie's mom wanted to surprise them with a photoshoot during his quick visit home over the holidays, so that they would have some photos to help make future separations a little bit easier on them both.

As soon as they received their gift certificate for their photoshoot, Lexie reached out and we set it up for the next day.  They wanted it to take place at Gring's Mill, since that is where they went on their first date together.  Lexie and Connor, I had such a great time making these photos with you.  I hope you have a fantastic visit together!  Connor, best of luck on your remaining months of training.