Serenity + Tony | Longwood Gardens Engagement Session | Philadelphia Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square, is one of my absolute favorite places to visit. It is stunning at any time of year, and no experience is ever quite the same. Whenever I am there, my troubles melt away and I find myself at peace, my stressors temporarily forgotten. I have had a personal membership for years, and would often visit alone to photograph my favorite orchids, waterlilies, seasonal flowers, fountains, and resident cats. Last year, I decided to upgrade my membership so that I could share that joy with my clients. I started offering sessions at Longwood Gardens, and boy did people respond! I had so many incredible photoshoots there during 2020 and already in 2021 (I lost count at 30).
One of my favorites was with this fun couple, Serenity and Tony. Their May wedding will be here before we know it! I had such a great time getting to know them better at this session. Mother Nature was a bit fickle that day, and surprised us with a misty, foggy morning. Honestly, I think the photos came out even better because of it.
Without any further hesitation, I present the incredibly fun and in-love Serenity and Tony. (Serenity’s hat is pretty awesome, too.)
Hope + Joseph | Intimate Four Seasons Philadelphia Elopement | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
This winter, I had the honor of documenting Hope and Joseph’s intimate Philadelphia elopement. Hope and Joseph are one of the many couples whose original wedding plans were impacted by the Covid pandemic.
Hope and I have had an online friendship for years, but we never actually met in person until her wedding day arrived! She is such a kind soul and has a positive, uplifting personality. Her spunk and smile are contagious! I was so happy to experience the love that she and Joseph have for each other. He absolutely adores her, and they both deserve so much joy and love. I only spent a few hours with them, but it’s obvious they have found that and much more in each other.
They had a first look, and then exchanged vows and wedding rings in their hotel room in the Four Seasons Philadelphia. Their room had the most amazing view of the city skyline! Next, we bundled up and met up with some of their dearest loved ones at Water Works for some family portraits. This day was blustery and downright cold, but they were such good sports through it all.
Thank you again for giving me this honor, Hope and Joseph! I know that you are enjoying life as husband and wife.
Here are a few of my favorites from our wintry afternoon together.
Monica + Micheal | Wind in the Willows Fall Wedding | Grantville, Pennsylvania Wedding and Portrait Photographer
This past fall, I was honored to spend my evening on the most popular wedding date of the year (10/10/2020) with Monica and Micheal. (Yes, that’s how his name is spelled - E before A.) I was originally booked with another couple on that date and turned down many additional inquiries, but their request came through at just the right time. Due to the Covid pandemic, my other couple decided to reschedule their celebration and I ended up being available! I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason - we just don’t always know what the reasons are right away. I guess I was meant to photograph this celebration!
I was actually quite nervous to shoot this wedding, as I had never spoken with the bride or groom ahead of time. Monica’s best friend was taking care of the planning for them, so all of my contact was with her via Instagram. In retrospect, I really need a friend like that in my life! Wedding planning is no joke (especially during 2020) and I bet that kind gesture relieved so much stress and anxiety for them, so they could just focus on their relationship.
I showed up at the Wind in the Willows venue that day ready for just about anything - and the day turned out to be more perfect than I ever imagined. When you see the photos, I’m sure you will agree. The venue was decorated in stunning simplicity, with red and white roses and bunches of eucalyptus. Some of my favorite moments were the emotional first look, when Micheal started singing to Monica during portraits, and the last few minutes we spent together capturing images (and fun memories) in the rowboat! We concluded our portraits just as we were gifted the most amazing golden hour sunset light.
Congratulations again, Monica and Micheal. I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and roadtrips together.
Calla + Mike | Longwood Gardens Intimate Elopement | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Calla and Mike are one of the many couples whose original wedding plans were derailed by the COVID pandemic during 2020. They decided to postpone their grand celebration with their loved ones, but didn’t want to wait any longer to become husband and wife. So, they got married privately in a self-uniting ceremony. (If you’re not from Pennsylvania and don’t know what this is, it goes back to Philadelphia’s “Quaker” roots and allows for couples to legally marry themselves in the absence of an officiant.) Although now legally married on paper, they wanted their vow exchange and ring ceremony to wait until they could be captured in photographs at a beautiful and meaningful location. That is where I come in. Mike reached out to me to see if I was available and up for the job, and I answered an emphatic yes. I was excited to play such an important role in their love story, and the location they chose (Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square) also happens to be one of my favorite places.
When that afternoon arrived, one of my biggest fears as a photographer came true - my car broke down on the way there. I was devastated. My couples mean the world to me, and I give 110% to each and every one of them. Also, this wasn't any session that could be rescheduled, this was a long overdue vow exchange for a couple whose 2020 wedding plans were completely overhauled multiple times through no fault of their own. I couldn't be the reason that they had to change plans yet again - I wouldn't allow that to happen. So, I immediately jumped into problem-solving mode, made a few phone calls, arranged for my husband to pick me up along the PA Turnpike, left a note on my the dashboard of my broken down car, and decided to deal with that issue later.
When I arrived at Longwood Gardens (a little bit late), Calla and Mike were so understanding and gracious. I couldn't have asked for better clients that afternoon - they were just so kind and patient and ready to exchange their vows and wedding rings! They were excited and so eager to finally officially call themselves husband and wife.
And, they did just that, under their favorite tree at Longwood Gardens. (I can’t believe that I have been to Longwood Gardens a gazillion times and never noticed this glorious tree before! It is truly a hidden gem, and I can see why Calla and Mike love it so much.) Following their exchange of vows and rings, we wandered around the rest of the gardens making some incredible images together just as the sun was setting. Everything was incredible that evening. By some stroke of luck, the large fountains went off just as we were walking below them, and the wind blew the mist in a way that created some truly magical portraits for us. We used up every last bit of light we had, and literally got escorted out of the gardens by one of their not-so-fierce security cats.
Thank you again for your flexibility, patience, and kindness, Calla and Mike. And thank you to my husband for being the superhero that he is and jumping in to rescue me so that we could still make this session happen that night. He hadn't planned on assisting me that evening, but he did it with a smile - because that's how incredible he is and how lucky I am to have him as my main supporter. If there’s anything that I learned from 2020, it’s to be more flexible, expect the unexpected, and focus (pun intended) on what really matters in life. Sometimes you just have to rely on love and a little bit of luck.
Congratulations again, Calla and Mike! You make an incredible team, and I hope you are enjoying life’s adventures as husband and wife. I am so honored to have been a part of your story.
And without any further hesitation, here are some of my favorite images from our evening together. They requested that I keep the photos of their actual vow and ring exchange private, but take my word for it, they are equally as stunning as the rest of the images I am sharing here. Maybe even more stunning, because you can truly feel the love they share for each other as they were reciting their vows, exchanging their rings, and renewing their commitment to each other. (Above all, I honor my clients’ wishes when it comes to privacy, regardless of how beautiful the images turn out.) Newlywed bliss just has a way of making couples glow! You’ll see what I mean when you get to the images...
Here are some vendors who deserve some extra love for helping make their elopement dreams come true:
Bride’s Flowers: The Farm at Oxford
Bride’s Makeup and Hair: Emily Alice Salon
Aubrey + Trevor | Intimate Philadelphia Elopement | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
I’m going to be making a solid attempt at catching up on my blogs over the next few weeks. Even though 2020 was a roller coaster of a year, love refused to be cancelled and a number of weddings still took place. That being said, most of the weddings that I photographed in 2020 ended up looking very different from their original blueprints - but they still turned out to be absolutely wonderful celebrations of love and life. For example, we have Aubrey and Trevor’s wedding…
Aubrey and Trevor rearranged their wedding plans three different times due to Covid - and the 3rd time turned out to be the charm. Their original plans for their June wedding included a celebration in rural Delaware with 250 of their beloved family and friends. (June seems so long ago, doesn't it??) We were so sure that life would be much calmer by September - but their second potential wedding date arrived and there we were, still living in a soap opera day by day. So, plans changed again. And again. Their final iteration included just the two of them eloping in the center of Philadelphia on a Thursday evening in September.
And as an outsider looking in to their special relationship, I will say that it seemed to be an absolutely perfect day. I know it's not what they originally planned, but it was still perfect. Aubrey and Trevor are partners in life. They complement each other seamlessly. They finish each others' sentences at just the right time. And they look absolutely stunning together - and it's not just because they are gorgeous human beings - it's because they are so completely in love with each other that it just makes them both glow. They have been on some pretty incredible adventures together already, and I know there are many more in their future. Also, they happen to be some of the nicest people I have ever met.
We met at the Four Seasons Hotel, then drove to Kelly Drive. From there, we visited the Art Museum (and climbed all the stairs!), The Singing Fountain, Fitler Square, Panama Street, and Addison Street. We then walked through Rittenhouse Square and ended up at Vernick Wine, where they had a fabulous private room reserved for just the two of them (and their photographer). While on our stroll through the city, I asked Aubrey and Trevor if I could take a few photos of them crossing an intersection that appealed to me for a reason that I couldn’t quite put my finger on - and later, Trevor revealed that they walked across that exact same intersection together at the end of their first date! It was serendipitous.
I think we all ended up with blisters on our feet that night, but I promise you - it was 100% worth it.
Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Moran! Thank you for giving me the honor of sharing these intimate moments with you. I know the celebration that began a few short months ago is going to last a lifetime, and there will be plenty of chances for the grand party that you both envisioned.
Here are a few of my favorite images from our afternoon together. Be sure to take a moment to properly admire Trevor’s amazing blue suit, Aubrey’s stunning ivory dress, and the bouquet that she made herself from flowers she bought at Whole Foods Market!
FYI - Trevor is an extremely talented photographer himself! Here’s a link to his surf photography work: https://www.instagram.com/tallteef/. Go show him some love.
Photographer: Carrie Kizuka Photography LLC
Bride’s Gown: Shona Joy
Hair: Samantha Dubin
Makeup: Bride
Groom’s Attire: Custom-made by L&K Bespoke Tailor while visiting Hong Kong
Florals: Whole Foods Market (bride made the bouquet and boutonniere)
Overnight Stay Accommodations: Four Seasons Philadelphia
Venue & Cuisine: Vernick Wine
Update: This wedding has been featured on PhillyMagazine! What a gift it is to relive this afternoon over and over again. Aubrey and Trevor deserve every bit of love that comes their way.
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
Taylor + Storm | Reinhart's Christmas Tree Farm Barn Wedding | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
If you follow my blog posts, you might remember Taylor and Storm from their engagement session (click here). They loved their wedding venue so much, they wanted it to be the backdrop for their engagement photos as well. (I really can’t blame them - it is a fabulous venue, and once you see these photos, I’m sure you will agree!)
Fast forward 10 months after that engagement session, and throw in a global pandemic for good measure, and we found ourselves at the same venue - this time ready to celebrate their wedding! Taylor and Storm were so easy going, and managed to roll with some last minute hiccups with an incredible amount of grace. (Big thanks to Mimmo’s for saving the day when the tot cart cancelled at the last minute!!) They were just thankful to be getting married that day, and were focused on themselves and their loved ones. (Something I have noticed during weddings that are taking place during this pandemic is that people are not letting the little things bother them as much - their overwhelming priority is on enjoying their time and making memories with the people they love. People just are not sweating the little things as much anymore, and I hope that trend sticks around long after life returns to “normal” again!)
They were gifted a beautiful day, with a touch of rain for extra good luck. Their venue, Reinhart’s Barn in Bernville, PA, had recently finished some renovations on the bridal suite and reception barn, and it made an absolutely stunning backdrop. Throw in a bunch of Taylor and Storm’s closest family and friends, and we had all of the ingredients for incredible memories (and photos). During their planning, Taylor and Storm described their wedding-day vision as traditional, semi-formal, rustic, and modern - I agree with all of these adjectives… plus a whole lot of fun. With their siblings by their side, Taylor and Storm got married in the intimate tree grove at Reinhart’s, followed by an incredible dance party in the barn, and ending with sparkler sendoff. It truly was an incredible day.
Without any further delay, here is a selection of my favorite images from their Day #1 as husband and wife. Congratulations again, Taylor and Storm. It was a pleasure and incredible honor celebrating with you.
Huge thanks and high fives to the following vendors who helped make Taylor and Storm’s wedding day dream become a reality:
Venue: Reinhart’s Barn Weddings
Coordinator: Camrin Edwards, Tollhouse Shoppes
Florist: Rachel Stevenson, Ever After Floral
Cake Artist: Jamie, Cake A Fare
DJ: Ryan Thomas
Hair Artist: Megan Lutz and Kristen Shirk, Clear Spring Salon
Makeup Artist: Liz, MKUP The Beauty Studio, York
Wedding Dress Boutique: In White, Lancaster
Groomswear Boutique: Jos. A. Bank
Catering: Mission BBQ, Fox Meadows Creamery, Mimmo’s
Kaila + Ryan | Pulpit Rock Surprise Proposal | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Last week, Ryan reached out to me looking for a photographer to capture his upcoming proposal to his long time girlfriend (and best friend) Kaila. After an uncanny chain of events, we were able to book it and the date was set for the following weekend. Over the course of the week, we chatted back and forth a few times, solidifying the plan. I could tell how excited Ryan was, and I was so excited to be able to be a part of this special moment in their lives.
The plan was that we were going to hike the Pulpit Rock section of the Appalachian Trail and would meet at the overlook. I would pretend to be taking portraits for a personal project and would ask them to pose for me, eventually having Kaila stand alone, looking out towards the overlook. Meanwhile, Ryan would get the engagement ring out of his backpack, would quickly drop to one knee, and would propose when Kaila turned around.
Well, today was the day! They ended up arriving at the overlook shortly before I did, because Ryan couldn’t convince Kaila to postpone the hike any longer - so they got a little bit of a head start. (She actually tried to talk Ryan out of hiking a few times earlier in the day, but luckily he persevered!!) Ryan, Kaila, and their 3 year old German Shepard Hutch were waiting at Pulpit Rock when I arrived, and were sitting on one of the boulders enjoying the view. I saw another group of hikers there with a dog, so I pretended to be capturing photos of dogs (and their humans) along the hiking trail. After taking a few photos with that group, I moved on to Kaila, Ryan, and Hutch. I gave them the same story about capturing images of dogs along the trail, and they happily obliged! Eventually, I asked Kaila to turn around and face the overlook, and to pose with her arms spread out while she took in the incredible view. Ryan quickly got into position, and my husband was with me and freed up Ryan’s hands by holding onto Hutch. (The last thing I wanted was for Hutch to tackle Ryan or Kaila along the edge of Pulpit Rock!!) I asked Kaila to turn around, and she quickly began to realize what was happening. Spoiler alert - SHE SAID YES!!!
After letting them have a few moments to themselves to take it all in, we hiked back down the trail together and I captured a few more images along the way.
I loved being a part of this adventure, and I love the emotion that Kaila and Ryan shared with each other in these moments. Kaila, Ryan, and Hutch - it was an honor creating these memories with you. Congratulations, and happy wedding planning!!!
Amanda + Jeff | White Cliffs of Conoy Engagement Session | Central Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
I met up with Amanda and Jeff in September to capture their engagement session and celebrate their upcoming wedding. The White Cliffs of Conoy, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River, made the perfect backdrop for their portraits on this beautiful (and HOT!) afternoon! It’s a 1.6 mile walk to get to the stunning overlook, and we were “gifted” 90+ degree sunny weather that afternoon. Amanda came prepared with a portable fan - and a bottle of cold champagne! Amanda and Jeff had such great chemistry during this session, and I absolutely love how their photos turned out. I’m so looking forward to photographing their wedding at the Barn at Silverstone next April. Congratulations again, you two!
