December 03, 2014

Tia + Zach [Lancaster City Engagement]

December 03, 2014/ Ashley

It was moving day for 13-year-old Zach and his family. As he unloaded things into the new house, he noticed the cutest girl (Tia) helping his sister unpack. Although they would not officially meet until they were in college, he recognized there was something special about this girl... Fast-forward five years. Zach’s parents and Tia’s parents hosted a Super Bowl party together, and Zach happened to be home on break from college. These two met that night and discovered all that they had in common. Several days later, they went on their first date—to Prince Street Café, seen below. Many more dates in Lancaster City ensued, as their love deepened.

One evening this Autumn, Tia and Zach were walking around the city as they frequently do. They ducked into Prince Street for drinks, and Tia had no idea Zach had something up his sleeve. A waitress walked over to their table and handed Tia a package that Zach had prepared for her. In the package was a book, a movie, and a hand-written letter from Zach (all these items related back to their first date at this very spot.)

Later in the evening, they were passing Tellus 360—a spot where they’ve attended numerous concerts together. Zach nonchalantly suggested checking out the rooftop area.

He led her onto the roof, and they stood gazing at the city that had become so dear to their relationship. Zach handed another letter to his girl, in which he expressed his love. When Tia glanced over at him, he was on one knee asking an important question : ) They’re planning a May wedding, and I can’t wait!

This couple braved 20-degree temperatures for this shoot!! I love that we photographed them at significant spots downtown—places where they’ve created memories together. Wait until you see the adorable pics as they painted pottery!

Special thank-you to Kristen who did a beautiful job with Tia’s makeup. (Brides, she's an amazing makeup artist!)

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Reminiscing about their first date. Where their love began.

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They radiate such joy! We dashed across the street for a few shots in front of the Fulton Theatre, where they love watching musicals.

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I'm glad they didn't think I was crazy when I suggested photos on top of the parking garage. I just knew we'd capture some dazzling sunlight. Thankfully, Tia is a graphic designer so she understood when I was raving about the sunset!

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Oh my GOODNESS, you two!! Such cuties.

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After we were half-frozen (brrrr, it was frigid!), we warmed up at Pottery Works. They were totally in their element at their favorite date place.

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I'm so pumped with how these turned out.Christmas decor in the city is so festive and romantic!

October 14, 2014

Aaron + Jill [Hershey Engagement]

October 14, 2014/ Ashley

Aaron was just about ready to propose to the love of his life, Jill. At any moment, Jill would walk through the door of their home—and see the romantic set-up Aaron had prepared. A romantic dinner was planned, and the mood was perfect….until Aaron heard a rapping sound at the door. He flung open the door to see the plumber standing there, ready to repair something at the house. Aaron had to quickly but kindly shoo him out the door, since Jill was due home any moment! Crisis avoided—that would have put a damper on the moment. (Hearing Aaron recount this story gave me a good laugh!) That evening, Aaron declared his love for Jill, and they’re planning a summer 2015 wedding. Jill reached out to me after their engagement and told me she’d been following my blog for several months, which brought a smile to my face! Their recent engagement session was our first time meeting, and we hit it off (just as I anticipated). This couple is thoughtful, genuine, and giddy-in-love!

I never grow tired of hearing how couples met each other. In this case, Jill’s brother and Aaron’s best friend were talking and decided they’d be a good match. The two of them met at Jill’s annual Christmas party this past December, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Jill teaches 6th and 7th grade math, and Aaron’s an accountant, so they lead busy lives. They savor their free time together and enjoy cooking, visiting wineries, attending concerts, talking for hours, and line dancing. Enjoy this Hershey e-session full of cuddles and radiant smiles!

If you tell me you enjoy dancing, I may ask you to bust some moves for your photo session :)

Oh how I love this one! Such a radiant laugh!

Another favorite…this one screamed black + white as I was editing.

Their expressions say it all!

October 09, 2014

Peter + Dana [Lancaster Engagement]

October 09, 2014/ Ashley

Oh, Peter and Dana. My heart is full. These two grinned from ear-to-ear during their entire engagement session. It’s so evident that they’re smitten with one another! We spent an Autumn evening frolicking around Middle Creek, which was perfect for this outdoor-loving couple. And fun side note: Peter is a former client—I took his senior photos years ago! Their love story began several years ago when they were students at Grove City College. Peter and Dana caught each other’s eye at lunch in the cafeteria with friends. Shortly after that, summer break started… they thought about one another from states away (Peter in PA and Dana in NY).

Summer ended, and Peter and Dana arrived back on Grove City’s campus for their junior year. On a brisk Fall day, they sat in Grove City’s courtyard and spent hours talking and getting to know each other. On that day, acquaintances became friends who soon realized they wanted to share their lives together.

Next summer they’ll exchange vows in New York while overlooking Lake Ontario…and I can’t wait to capture it!

I loved hearing their proposal story! More than anything, Peter wanted Dana to be surprised. This past summer after they graduated from college, Dana went home to NY and Peter's in PA. Peter arranged to secretly drive to New York and pop the question at a scenic spot that is special to Dana and her family. But first, Peter had to be sneaky and call Dana’s boss to get her off work!

As Peter was arriving in NY, Dana’s family was assisting with his plan—Dana still didn’t suspect a thing. She simply thought she was celebrating a night out with her family. As Dana and her family walked around Thousand Islands and gazed at the water, she saw a guy who resembled Peter…"But Peter's hundreds of miles away," she thought. As the guy turned around, her heart stopped as she realized it was him. Peter proposed, and a very surprised but joyous Dana said “YES!”