Kait + Ruki | Biltmore Estate Surprise Proposal | Asheville, North Carolina Wedding Photographer

Are you looking for a heartwarming story during this crazy time? If so, keep reading - you won’t be disappointed!

A few months ago, Kaitlin mentioned to Haruki (who happens to be my brother-in-law) that it would be great if I came down this summer to update their family portraits. (Ruki has two children from a previous marriage, and they adore Kait with all their hearts!) Ruki agreed, and the gears were instantly set into motion for the most amazing surprise proposal. Ruki figured that Kait would have no idea this was being planned, as she was the one who initiated it all. (And he wasn’t wrong!) Ruki reached out to me again once he asked Kait’s parents for their permission to propose to their daughter, and after he acquired the perfect ring to symbolize his love for Kait. This was all going to take place at their favorite spot in Asheville, the Biltmore Estate. We picked a date, and it was all set! Or so we thought…

Covid stuck around a bit longer than expected, public venues were closing, and travel was becoming more difficult. At the same time, my husband received notice that he was selected for jury duty during the same time as our planned visit. On top of that, hurricane season was upon us. We started to question if this might happen the way we had planned. As the date approached, the Biltmore Estate was allowing visitors again, and jury duty was postponed. And, it looked like the most recent hurricane was going to miss us. Throughout all of this, Ruki had arranged for Kait’s parents to visit at the same time, to surprise Kait and share this special day with them. They arrived the night before the photoshoot was planned, and were secretly staying in a neighbor’s guest house. Everything was officially set.

However, Mother Nature decided to throw one last curveball our way. We had originally planned for a sunset photoshoot, but the forecast showed thunderstorms all afternoon. So, the night before, we quickly rearranged things and aimed for a morning session instead. If the weather apps were correct, we had about a 2-hour window of no rain after the Biltmore opened for the day. We had to make it work one way or the other. There would be no rescheduling. Rain or shine, this was happening the next morning!

The day of the shoot had arrived. Kait’s parents got to Biltmore a few minutes before we did, and hid out of Kait’s view. We arrived shortly after and walked to Ruki and Kait’s favorite spot, which provides the most amazing view of the mansion. We got everyone into place, and our “family photoshoot” began. After I snapped a few portraits of the four of them, Ruki took the ring box out of his back pocket and dropped to one knee. Kait’s look of surprise as she started realizing what was happening was so amazing to witness. I am getting goosebumps again just thinking about it! Ruki asked her to marry him, and of course SHE SAID YES!!! The kids were excited as well! (They were actually in on the secret and didn’t spill the beans!) Her tears of joy, surprise, and LOVE were flowing!

As Kait started walking up the hill, she spotted her parents approaching from a distance. She recognized them immediately, and the tears arrived all over again. Kait and her parents hadn’t seen each other since November, and it meant so much to her to have them there. We had brought Ruki’s mom with us, so she was there as well. Their presence made this day even more perfect. (Great job, Ruki!)

After Kait’s mascara was fixed and everyone’s adrenaline settled a bit, we continued with our photoshoot. The rain arrived a little earlier than we had expected, but it didn’t even matter. We kept on photographing through it all. Nothing was going to ruin this perfect day - not even a torrential downpour. (We took a break during the heaviest rain and rewarded ourselves with some incredible Biltmore ice cream!)

I’m so happy for Kait and Ruki, and I’m honored that I was able to capture these moments for them. Most of all, I’m glad that they each found their perfect person. They deserve all the happiness in the world! This was the best surprise-proposal-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic-and-hurricane ever! Congratulations again, Kait and Ruki. And welcome to the family (officially), Kait! Big thanks to my daughters and husband for their help throughout all of this. Fun fact: This proposal took place on Kait’s parents’ 47th wedding anniversary - and on their wedding day, it rained right after the ceremony and portraits took place, just like today!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time together. Grab some tissues!

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

Jenny + Luke | Intimate Wyomissing Backyard Summer Wedding | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

—Billy Crystal, from When Harry Met Sally

Anyone who has met Jenny and Luke can confirm that they are some of the most positive, optimistic people alive. Luke and I go way back, our friendship initially forged by our mutual love for snowboarding (and for my husband LOL). I met Jenny last year through Luke, and I was instantly drawn to her gentle nature and kind heart. Regardless of the curveballs life may throw their way, they navigate them fabulously, making every day a new adventure full of love, smiles, laughter, and memories. When they reached out and asked me to photograph their intimate backyard wedding, I agreed without any hesitation. I am a happier person whenever I am in their company, and I felt honored to be the one to capture this chapter of their love story in pictures.

You would never know that they brought their wedding-day vision to life in just a few short weeks, or that a surprise thunderstorm the night before forced them to quickly tear down all of their decorations and then set them up again the morning of their wedding! And they did it all with smiles and lots of love. On July 4th, in the middle of a heatwave, Jenny and Luke exchanged their vows and rings in the company of a handful of their closest loved ones in their beautifully decorated backyard. Then, we headed to the nearby Wyomissing Park for a few photos of just the newlyweds. We returned to their home for some delicious food, cold drinks, and some of the most incredible wedding cake I have ever tasted! (I still can’t believe that their red velvet cake was gluten free - it was sooo good!)

Big thanks and socially-distanced high fives go out to the following vendors who made Jenny and Luke’s wedding vision come to life!

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka Photography

Hair/Make-Up Artists: Iron Roots Salon

Florist: Events by Kelly’s Florist

Wedding Rings: Made Jewelry

Cake: The Cake Pros

Catering: Russo’s Gourmet Foods & Market

Here are a few of my favorite moments from their wedding day. Thanks again, Jenny and Luke! Congratulations!!!

Taylor + Storm | Reinhart's Christmas Tree Farm Engagement Session | Berks County Wedding Photographer

Taylor and Storm are getting married next fall at Reinhart’s Barn. So, they thought that Reinhart’s Christmas Tree Farm would be the perfect backdrop for the engagement session! And, I couldn’t agree more. It was a bit chilly that day, but after rescheduling once due to torrential rains, there’s no way we were missing this opportunity to squeeze their session in before the official start of winter. In spite of the wind and cold temps that afternoon, the light was stunning and we had the venue all to ourselves - except for the adorable farm animals that also call that place their home.

Here are a few of my favorites from their photoshoot. I’m so excited for their wedding next September!! Congrats again, Taylor and Storm!

Lindsay + Anthony (+ Khaleesi) | Toms River Engagement Session | New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Last weekend, I drove to Toms River, New Jersey for my last engagement session of 2019! At this time of year, it’s more common for me to be snowboarding in the mountains than photographing on the beach, but I was so excited to finally meet Lindsay, Anthony, and their dog Khaleesi, that I didn’t mind sacrificing a snow day. And, it paid off! We were gifted the most amazing weather and light, especially for December!! It was a bit chilly, but everyone rolled with it like champs.

On my way to their house, I passed this wooded area next to an elementary school that caught my eye. I asked them if they would mind if we started the session there, and they agreed to it without hesitation. (I love when my clients trust my crazy visions!) We stopped there for a few minutes, and let Khaleesi sniff around and get comfortable with me and my camera. (By the way, she is such a fantastic dog, with a heartwarming rescue story. Maybe I’ll tell more of that once their wedding day rolls around…)

Next, we headed to a beach area just down the road from their house. It had the most amazing lighting and was surrounded by tall grasses. This little spot really is a photographer’s dream! The best part is that this area is meaningful to Lindsay and Anthony. They visit this park often, and Anthony proposed to Lindsay on the bench on the dock just a few months earlier!

This was not only my last engagement session of the year, but one of my favorites as well. We made a great team, and I love how all of the images turned out. I am so looking forward to their wedding next fall!!

Congratulations again, Lindsay and Anthony! I hope you love these images as much as I do…

Kelly + Aron | The Grove at Kempton | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Kelly and Aron’s fall wedding celebration at The Grove at Kempton was absolutely fabulous! (Here’s a link to their engagement session that is still one of my favorites!) Their wedding day vibe was a touch of country, a dash of rustic boho, and a whole lot of love! The weather was perfect all day, and this farm/barn venue was incredibly stunning. Their day was filled with so many smiles, laughs, and hugs - it really was a pleasure and honor to be the one chosen to capture their memories for them. One of my personal highlights was their reception, which was catered by the best selection of food trucks I have ever witnessed (and tasted)! It was such a treat to celebrate with everyone that day - and to be fed so well while I was doing it. :)

Kelly and Aron really poured their hearts into making this day reflect their relationship and personalities. Aaron’s passion project was the beer bar, and Kelly created most of the decorations herself, including the hand-painted signs and centerpieces! Their beloved dog Jackson even made an appearance that day! You really need to check out the photos for yourself to appreciate the joy-filled celebration that they had.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan!!

I want to share some love with everyone who helped bring Kelly and Aron’s wedding day vision to life!

Venue: The Grove at Kempton

Wedding Coordinator: Carol Fella, The Grove at Kempton

Videographer: Hannah Bergauer

Florist: Kathryn Piff Townsend, Kempton Floral Design

Cake Artist: The Farm Bakery

DJ: Matt, Big Productions

Makeup Artist: Salon 309

Hair Artist: Salon 309

Wedding Dress Boutique: All Things Bridal, Rebecca Ingram

Bridesmaids Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal

Groom/Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique: Men’s Wearhouse

Carlie + Pat | Grounds for Sculpture Engagement Session | New Jersey Wedding Photographer

When Carlie and Pat suggested we meet up at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey for their engagement session, I was thrilled! Although this is a favorite spot for photographers, I had never personally been there. But, I was more than happy to take the two hour trip to get there, in order to diversify my portfolio and capture Carlie and Pat in a location as unique and fun as their relationship with each other.

I had such a great time wandering around this eclectic outdoor art gallery with them, and I am even more excited now to capture their wedding memories for them next year! Without any further hesitation, here are some of my favorites from our time together. It was so hard to choose images for this blog, as I delivered a record number of images from this session! (I spent quite a bit of time picking burrs off of my clothing and shoes afterwards, too, but it was so worth it!!)

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.

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