Jenn + Adam [Hershey Gardens]

We live in a day and age where more and more singles are turning to dating sites to meet a potential match. I have photographed countless couples that met this way, and I always love hearing exactly how they caught each other’s eye! In Adam and Jenn’s case, he reached out to her after noticing her wearing his favorite band’s t-shirt. After months of dating and realizing he couldn’t live without her, Adam proposed to Jenn after that band’s concert (A Day to Remember—and it certainly was ; ) They’re eagerly anticipating their September wedding, and Adam enthusiastically shares, “I can’t wait to be with Jen longer than I’ve been without her.” Cute!!

As we strolled through the gorgeous grounds of Hershey Gardens, it was apparent these two adore each other. Jenn gushes, “Adam can make me smile and laugh even on the worst of days…He’s so affectionate and constantly showers me with love. There’s not a mean bone in his body!”

This was an especially fun shoot, because I hadn’t seen Jenn since high-school (nine years!) I’m privileged to document this part of their lives, and I can’t stop gushing over how stunning they look in these photos. We wrapped up our session at the charming Hershey Theatre. Enjoy!

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Laura + Eric [Lancaster Country Barn Wedding]

Where do I start with these two? They are such dear souls, who were overjoyed on their wedding day--excited to celebrate their love story that God orchestrated. Eric and Laura were so incredibly relaxed, able to soak in all the memories with friends and family. They couldn’t be more genuine…during portrait time, they even asked ME if I was enjoying the day! So considerate. It was certainly an honor to document this day that they’ll always remember. I was struck by the plethora of textured buildings at The Country Barn, which provided fun options for portraits!

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Special thanks to makeup artist Kristen of Unfading Beauty. Kristen was a delight to work with, and she made Laura look absolutely flawless.

Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_03 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_04Laura and her grandmother have a very special bond, and I just know this is one of those photos Laura will treasure for years to come.Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_05 Eric was so cool, calm, and collected! Rockin' the bow-ties, boys. Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_06 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_07 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_08 Pay special attention to this bracelet, made especially for Laura. You'll see a description below. (And that pin was her grandma's.) Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_09 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_10Laura's bridesmaids, mama, and grandmother certainly approved of how stunning she looked! Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_11

Laura was my first bride who suggested a separate “first look” with her dad and brother, whom she’s obviously very close to. This was the exact moment when the boys turned around and saw the beautiful bride!

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ahhh, this next photo. I love the symbolism, as Laura’s dad admires her hand-made bracelet (made from her mother’s wedding dress!)

Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_13 It's pretty much a given that I tear up during a couple's "first look." It's always an unforgettable moment; Eric was astounded by his stunning wife-to-be.Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_14 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_15 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_16 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_17 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_18 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_19 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_20 I'm smitten with these next few photographs. When I pulled up and saw a greenhouse, I automatically knew it’d be a unique setting for bride + groom portraits. Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_21 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_22 Did I mention Laura's dress had POCKETS!? Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_23 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_24 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_25 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_26 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_27 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_28 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_29 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_30As you can see in these next four photos, the groom AND the parents were emotional as Laura gracefully walked down the aisle. Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_31 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_32 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_33The bride's father spoke a sweet message about his only daughter. It was also special that the groom's grandfather was the minister. Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_34 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_35 Things got a bit emotional, and it was a good thing Laura whipped out a Kleenex from her dress pocket! Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_36 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_37 Honestly, the flower girl and ring bearers were too cute for words. And such a genuine bridal party to work with!Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_38 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_39 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_40 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_41 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_42 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_43 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_44 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_45 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_46 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_47 On to the reception! Laura and her mom worked endless hours to create the centerpieces and fun details sprinkled throughout the venue. I can't imagine hand-making burlap flowers.

Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_48 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_49 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_50 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_51 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_52 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_53 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_54 Father-daughter dance, as the bride's mother and grandparents look on (left of the photo). Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_55 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_56 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_57 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_58 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_59 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_60 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_61 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_62 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_63 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_64 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_65 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_66 And a few more portraits. These two were so natural and fun to photograph.Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_67 Lancaster_PA_Country_Barn_Wedding_68

Fabiana + Sean [New Jersey Vineyard Engagement Session]

At age 14, Sean entered Biology class and saw Fabiana from across the room. Besides the obvious fact that she was gorgeous, he knew there was something special about her. They formed a strong friendship and began dating in the fall of 2004 just a few months later. Over the past TEN years of dating, their love has carried them through a lot—including four years at separate colleges. Needless to say, they’re exuberant about being engaged! Their proposal story sounds even better than a movie. Sean dreamed up a fantastic plan for his sweetheart. Last October, they traveled to New York City; Fabiana was expecting to spend the day shopping for a picturesque diamond ring. Little did she know what Sean had up his sleeve.

While strolling hand-in-hand through Central Park, they “stumbled upon” an extravagant picnic planned by Sean. I mean how romantic is that!? Fabiana saw Sean down on one knee, and she answered with a resounding “yes” when he asked to marry her.  They wrapped up the day celebrating the joyous occasion with friends and family who have poured into this couple for the last ten years.

I’m eager to share this session with you all. This couple looked so classy and fabulous; a vineyard near their home in New Jersey was an ideal setting.

new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_01 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_02 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_03 This is easily one of my favorite images I've ever taken. They look so natural and content. new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_04 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_05 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_06 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_07 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_08 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_09 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_10 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_11 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_12 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_13 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_14 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_15Fabiana and Sean tell me they're not professional models, but seriously look at this next one….they're naturals! new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_16 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_17 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_18 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_19 new_jersey_vineyard_engagement_session_20