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

Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival | Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster County | Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

On Sunday, in-between Saturday’s wedding and Sunday’s back-to-back portrait sessions, I woke up at 4:30am and made the short drive to Bird-in-Hand for The Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival. (If you’re not from this area and were unaware, we have some really interesting town names nearby.) Attending a hot air balloon festival was on my mom’s Bucket List, and even though she is terrified of heights (sorry, Mom, for exposing you) she wanted to watch me and my daughters take flight. My mom and oldest daughter opted to keep their feet on the ground, while me and my two younger daughters went up in a balloon. (For the record, my husband was invited along, too, but he is a really cool middle school teacher and had a mountain bike ride planned with his students - so he wasn’t able to join us.)

We arrived at the launch site around 6am, just as the sunlight started peeking over the horizon. The air was chilly, and the grass was covered in dew, and everything was so peaceful and quiet. We were assigned to balloon #7, and made our way to wait in line for our balloon, squinting to see in the dark. After we got to our assigned area, the pilot asked us if we would mind switching to another balloon - I was initially disappointed, because we were told that pilot was a great one to fly with. As it turned out, some higher power had our backs. We were moved to balloon #23 - and I am so thankful for that! I heard that the balloon we were initially assigned to had some issues with takeoff, which I am happy to have avoided. In addition, the pilot of balloon #23 (Patrick) was also incredibly skilled, informative, and funny - which my non-morning-loving-personality really appreciated. There ended up being 7 of us in our basket (including Patrick), and even though we were packed in pretty tightly, it wasn’t super uncomfortable and we had some room to stretch out if we needed to. Our balloon ended up taking off around the middle of the pack, which provided for incredible photo opportunities with the surrounding balloons. Our flight lasted about 1 hour, during which time I created some of my most favorite images to date. Most importantly, I made some lifelong memories with my family.

Not only did I leave with great pictures, but I also left with great memories of my daughters working together as part of a team. (Thanks again, Mom!!) It turns out that flying a hot air balloon really is a team effort, and Patrick did a great job of recruiting members of our group to help with the set-up and tear-down processes. At the end of this post, I have shared photos of my daughters helping with the balloon inflation (they say it was pretty hot!), the balloon deflation, and packing it up at the end.

Here are a few of my favorite images from the balloon festival. I can’t wait to go again! (Next time, I hope my mom, husband, and all three daughters can join me in the balloon!) Big thanks to The United States Hot Air Balloon Team for putting on this event. If you live near Frederick, Maryland, you can fly with Patrick through his company Tailwinds Over Frederick.

And, if you want to purchase any of my images, you can do so here: https://carriekizukaphotography.pic-time.com/-artworkforsale.

Here are some of the behind-the-scenes shots of the preparation and tear down.

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.

The Carr Family | Gifford Pinchot State Park Summer Session | York County Family Photographer

I have had the honor of photographing the Carr Family on a number of occasions. (Like this session at Blue Marsh Lake, and this one at Copper Mountain in Colorado. ) We have had more sessions together, but I’m not sure if I ever blogged them. (Oops!) I always love the time we spend together - and it’s not just because Jeff and Ashley treat me to incredible dinners afterwards! (But I will not deny that I love that part, too!)

Last week, we met up at Gifford Pinchot Park, and walked along some of their favorite trails. Then we stopped at Simpson Park in Mechanicsburg to dip our feet in the water, and finally at a sunflower field near their home. We arrived at the sunflowers just as the sun was setting. It’s rare to find a sunflower field at golden hour that isn’t overrun with photographers (like me) and instagrammers these days - but we hit the jackpot!

Here is a selection of my favorite photos during our evening together. I can’t wait to do it again!!

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.

Baby Erika | Mahwah, New Jersey Newborn Session | Bergen County Family Photographer

I stopped offering newborn sessions this past year while I buckled down and finished the last few requirements of my Ph.D. program. While I was on the final stretch of completing my degree, my niece Erika was born. Of course I couldn’t refuse an opportunity to photograph this sweet girl, so I packed up my camera gear and took a road trip to Mahwah, New Jersey. Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time together!

P.S. I finished my Ph.D. in July and am now offering newborn sessions again!! So, if your family is growing, hit me up for some photos of this exciting time in your lives!

Deciduous Life Clothing Shoot | Penn State Berks Baseball Field | Berks County Pennsylvania Commercial Photographer

I recently met up with some of the folks over at Deciduous Life to update their product shots. This session took place at the Penn State Berks baseball fields. There were many laughs had by all, and we soaked up the golden hour dreaminess like a sponge. Here are a few of my favorites from the session! Thanks for trusting me with your vision!