Colleen + Alex [Hershey Engagement]

Colleen and Alex were just a bit too young to date when they became smitten with each other…when you’re in love at age 6, there’s only so much you can do about it! Thankfully, through church and youth group activities, these two kept in touch over the years. When they were around 14, they recognized the potential for their friendship to turn into something more. And they’ve been a couple ever since--for the past seven years! No wonder these two are thrilled they’ll be husband and wife next June.  She values his genuine care and concern for others around him. He appreciates her steadfast trust in God….and her homemade eggplant parmesan.  ; )

Their summer wedding will be an extra special one to photograph, because Colleen and her siblings were the first kids I babysat regularly…many years ago! What a privilege to photograph clients whom I've watched grow up through the years.

I love the sweet symbolism of the emeralds in Colleen’s engagement ring. Colleen’s grandfather gave the emeralds to her grandmother for their 35^th wedding anniversary. Colleen and her grandfather were incredibly close, and he suddenly passed away last year…before Colleen and Alex were engaged. As a symbol of the grandfather’s “blessing” on the marriage, Colleen’s grandma gave the emeralds to Alex to use in the engagement ring. It’s so special that Colleen will always be wearing a token of her grandparents’ love for each other.

We couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous, Autumn evening exploring Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Theater. Could the evening light be any more magical!?

Carrie + Jeff [Historic Shady Lane]

Carrie and Jeff were enjoying a getaway with friends at the Outer Banks, North Carolina this past summer. One warm evening, Jeff invited Carrie on a romantic stroll along the crystal, shimmering water. It was then that Jeff asked Carrie—the girl he has loved since high school—if she’d spend the rest of her days as his wife. With a resounding and joyous “Yes!,” Carrie promised forever. These two are just adorable in every sense of the word; I couldn’t be more excited for their August 2014 wedding at the stunning Drumore Estate. I met up with this sweet couple at a stunning venue, Historic Shady Lane. A big “thank you” for their use of the property! If any of you future brides are looking for a charming venue, make sure you check it out. You can get married outside or in a lovely greenhouse! As I photographed this easy-going couple, I heard a bit more of their love story. They’ve known each other since middle school and officially started dating in high school at Warwick. Post high-school, they both attended University of Pittsburgh.  They’ve essentially grown up together, and their love has only continued to deepen through the years. It’s a busy time in their lives, especially as Carrie works hard to complete medical school at Temple in Philadelphia. No doubt there are exciting things in store for these two!

Carrie reminds me a bit of the actress, Mischa Barton, in this photo!

Zoe + Ryan [and Basset Hounds!]

The moment Ryan and Zoe met resembles a movie scene. They both attended a conference for Audiologists in Texas. One evening, they were all having drinks and getting to know each other at the conference. A friend of Ryan’s turned to one of Zoe’s friends and said, “Do you know a nice girl for Ryan?” At that moment, the friend looked around the room and spontaneously pointed over to Zoe. Ryan confidently introduced himself to Zoe, and something great began that evening. Zoe was attending grad school in New York; Ryan was finishing his last year of grad school by working in Delaware. After dating long-distance, they were excited to both settle in Lancaster. Zoe and Ryan tied the knot in 2012, and I love that they wanted these photos “just because.” I’d like to kindly thank Abby (their Basset-Beagle) and Charlie (their Basset) for their impeccable behavior. Such snuggly, sweet pups. I’m getting spoiled by all the photogenic dogs I’ve photographed lately!