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

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!!!

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

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.