Kristen + Maxx + 1 | West Reading Maternity Session | Berks County Photographer

Kristen and Maxx met me at my studio last week, and they arrived with heavy hearts caused by some recent losses in their lives. I offered to reschedule the session, but they wanted to go through with it as planned, to help distract their minds for a bit. I’m so glad that they opted to go on with our photoshoot. During our time together, which started off in my new Shillington studio and ended at the murals in West Reading, I did my best to capture the essence of their deep love for each other and their excitement for their daughter’s upcoming arrival. And, while we created images together that evening, it became clear to me that in challenging times they have found a way to lean into each other and the solid foundation they have built together. On that night, among others, they were able use their combined light to guide them through times of darkness. The dreamy golden hour light that surrounded us that evening was nothing in comparison to the glow that Kristen and Maxx exuded. In life, we often find ourselves in moments of juxtaposition. That night was one of those times for me, and I am guessing perhaps for Kristen and Maxx as well. I hope these images do justice to their love story, and for this miraculous new chapter in their lives.

It turns out that we agreed on the absolute perfect locations for this session! During the few hours that we spent together, I learned that they are both fans of Easy Rider, that Maxx has an art background (and has a hidden talent as a bee whisperer), that they are both incredibly fit - so much so that they motivated me to start working out again. Also, and most importantly, I learned that they are completely smitten with each other and this baby.

Thank you, Kristen and Maxx, for asking me to capture these moments for you and your loved ones. I can’t wait to meet your little girl and tell her how lucky she is to have chosen the two of you to be her mommy and daddy.

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

Colleen + Chad | La Massaria at Bella Vista Outdoor Summer Wedding | Montgomery County Wedding Photographer

I’m so excited to share these photos from Colleen and Chad’s June wedding! (You may remember them from their engagement session that I blogged here.) Everything took place on a gorgeous, sunny Saturday at La Massaria at Bella Vista, located in Gilbertsville, PA.

When I asked Colleen and Chad to describe their wedding day vibe during our planning time, they used the words romantic, formal, elegant, and rustic. (And it turned out to be all of those!) Colleen’s color palette was inspired by blue and purple orchids, because, in her words, “It's a June wedding and I wanted the colors to reflect a summer wedding with bright, fun and vibrant colors, but still look elegant and romantic.” What they didn’t mention is that this wedding was going to be fun - which it absolutely was! I feel so fortunate that I attract couples who are laid back, down to earth, and incredibly, wonderfully, beautifully fun!!! And, Colleen and Chad have raised the fun bar pretty high for my future couples.

Without any further delay, I’m going to let these photos speak for themselves. Thank you again for choosing me to document your Day #1 as husband and wife.

Thank you to everyone who worked together to make Colleen and Chad’s dream wedding become a reality!

Venue: La Massaria at Bella Vista

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka

Videographer: Brock Pemberton, Brock’s Brides

Florist: Scott Olson, Wedding Flowers by Scott

Cake Artist: Dice’s Creative Cakes

DJ: Joe (Jojo) Lorman, Entertainment Engineering Plus

Hair and Makeup Artist: Salon Evolve

Wedding and Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: Pocadiz Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique: Fifty-Fifty Tuxedos

Officiant: Melissa Pennington

Nicole + Stephen | Intimate Backyard Summer Wedding | Reading, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Nicole and Stephen got married in an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony during the hottest hour on the hottest day of 2019 (so far), and I was thrilled to be there to celebrate (and sweat) with them! I have documented so many intimate wedding ceremonies this year - and let me tell you… I love them! I enjoy capturing all types of wedding celebrations, but there is just something extra special about small, intimate ceremonies. Although I personally thrive in chaotic environments, it’s so nice to be able to relax a bit while documenting smaller, laid back celebrations. Smaller weddings still deliver an abundance of emotional moments!

Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you and your loved ones, Nicole and Stephen! Here are a few of my favorite images from their celebration that took place on family property in Reading, Pennsylvania.

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

Macy + Merlin | Reading Museum Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Next up on the blog-catch-up marathon are Macy and Merlin! We met up at the Reading Museum for their engagement session this past fall - you can tell by their outfits that this photoshoot didn’t take place recently! This is another session that fell victim to my crazy fall photography and dissertation schedule and was skipped over on my blog - until now!

Macy and Merlin are getting married this coming November, and I am so excited to be able to celebrate with them! They were so relaxed during their session, and so easy to work with. They were also incredibly fun - and even more in love - which is going to make for fantastic wedding day photos! I’m so honored to be the one capturing their love story for them, and I hope you enjoy these photos from their engagement session.



Kelly + Aron | Lehigh Valley Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Kelly and Aron’s engagement session blog was another victim of my crazy fall season… and I’m making up for it now! We met up at a family property in the Lehigh Valley this past fall and spent the evening laughing together (and picking a few of the neighbor’s flowers) under some incredible Golden Hour light. I know their November wedding is going to be so much fun to photograph, and I can’t wait! Congratulations again, Kelly and Aron, and I promise not to slack so badly on your wedding day blog when that time rolls around.

Alyssa + Tony | Kennett Square Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Alyssa and Tony are starring on this episode of ”sessions that I slacked on blogging”! Their engagement photoshoot took place at two incredible privately owned properties in Kennett Square - and it happened way back when there was still snow on the ground. I knew I was going to love this session, even before the huskies and Camaro joined us. Their pups had me smiling and laughing, and I love the outtakes that we got out of them! I am really looking forward to their wedding this August at the Barn at Silverstone - and I promise not to take so long to blog that one…

Emily + Courtney | Outdoor Tampa, Florida "Game Night" Wedding | Destination Wedding Photographer

I met Courtney and Emily a few years ago while I was photographing Hillary and Eric’s wedding. We kept in touch on instagram, and when Emily reached out to me about photographing her own wedding, I was ecstatic! So, a few months ago, Courtney and Emily flew me to Tampa, Florida to photograph their incredible celebration - and I completely forgot to blog it!! I dropped the ball, and I’m so mad at myself. It’s one of a long list of sessions that I failed to blog when life got crazy busy this past fall. I’m making up for it now and sharing a few of my favorite photos from their emotional and ridiculously fun wedding day!

While we were planning together, I asked Courtney and Emily to describe their wedding day vibe and they responded with the following: DIY, casual, simple, unique, fun, intimate, relaxed, personal, low-key, non-traditional, game night turned wedding. Now that their wedding day is here and gone, I have to say that I agree with all of those descriptors - and I want to add one of my own… perfection. Their wedding day was truly perfect, as it was a perfect reflection of their intimate relationship and their incredible love for each other.

Emily and Courtney’s preparations, ceremony, and reception all took place at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. As it seems to be with most of the weddings I photograph, Mother Nature kept us on our toes that day. There were morning and early afternoon showers, followed by some of the most intense humidity I have ever experienced. If you are familiar with camera gear, you know that photographing in the air conditioning, followed by heat and extreme humidity can be quite tricky. However, I was prepared with multiple sets of gear, and everything went off without a glitch! After the rain left, we were gifted the most glorious Golden Hour light I have ever seen!

This was one of the most emotional wedding days I have been a part of, and I cried more times than I can remember. I was crying (happy tears) when they first saw each other at the beginning of their ceremony, during their personalized vows, as they lit their unity candle, and during the most heartfelt speeches I have ever witnessed during their reception. But, there was no shortage of smiles, either - courtesy of their amazing flower girl and ring bearer with the absolute best personalities, or during the reception which was actually just the raddest game night I’ve ever been a part of, or just the way that Courtney and Emily looked at each other all day long. Unfortunately, there were some loved ones unable to physically attend the ceremony, but you could feel their presence regardless. Love ruled the day, and I am so honored that I was able to celebrate Courtney and Emily’s marriage along with them and their dearest friends and family members.

Congratulations again, Courtney and Emily! I hope that married life is treating you both well, and I hope our paths cross again, either here in PA, down there in FL, or somewhere else fun!

Courtney and Emily’s wedding day was made possible by their own hard work, as well as the collaboration of these vendors:

Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Officiant: Reverend Patricia (Rev P)

Hair artist: Christopher Trevena, Fame & Foils Color Bar

Makeup artist: Emily’s coworker Bella did her makeup, and Courtney did her own makeup

Courtney’s dresses: Torrid

Emily’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Cuban-inspired buffet and cakes: Moreno Bakery

Flowers: Costco & Pinterest

Emily’s bowtie & boutonniere: Etsy

Band/DJ: iTunes and an aux cord

Chair and table rentals: Fiesta Solutions

Lighting: Tampa Lighting

Patsy + Michael | Heritage Center, Gring's Mill Maternity Session | Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

I met up with Patsy and Michael at the Red Covered Bridge (aka Gring’s Mill, aka Heritage Center) last Sunday for their long-awaited maternity session! (If you follow my blog, you may recognize them from their Alvernia University/Heidelberg Country Club wedding photos here.) I was so excited when they reached out to me and asked me to capture this wonderful time in their lives, and was looking forward to seeing them again.

Mother Nature attempted to throw a wrench in our plans, however, as we were receiving thunderstorm warnings throughout the day - for right about the time our photoshoot was supposed to take place.

We decided to move forward with our plans to hold the session anyway, and I am so glad that we did! The weather was on the warmer side, but we had the park practically to ourselves. The light was fabulous, and we finished the photoshoot just as the thunder began rumbling and the first drops of rain started to fall.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time together. It was so hard to choose just a few! Patsy has impeccable taste in fashion. She was absolutely stunning, and I know this is going to be one well-dressed - and very loved - baby! Congrats again, Patsy and Michael!!