Colleen + Alex [Lancaster Backyard Wedding]

The groom’s elegant bride glided down the aisle towards him. The girl he had loved since age six was about to be his wife! Their devotion has been steadfast over many years. Someone should have reminded me to wear waterproof mascara to this wedding, because I babysat Colleen when I was a young teen and have watched her grow up. What a privilege to capture these childhood sweethearts pledge their love.

Many of the guests have known Colleen and Alex nearly their whole lives, so this backyard wedding was a joyous celebration indeed. The couple’s first dance to Michael Buble was a piece they choreographed, and they looked super snazzy while dancing! It was especially fitting since Colleen has been a dancer her entire life--which is also why she chose to wear shoes designed like dancers' "point shoes."

Enjoy the glimpse into their memorable day!

Colleen was such an elegant and graceful bride! I l love this portrait, just moments before the ceremony.Both of them looked fantastic, in their timeless attire. Colleen's brother led worship and shortly thereafter, the bride and groom served communion to their guests. I've never seen that before and thought it was a neat symbol!  Finally, after many years, they are married!! These next two portraits are certainly my favorites from the day. Time to party! I always enjoy watching the parents' expressions during first dances. How stunning is the bride's mom as she watches her husband and daughter share a special moment. The bride and her mom executed a beautiful vision, and they hunted down various china for the reception. I also want to brag on my mom, who headed up the making of the favors: the exquisite Springerle cookies (in the left photo.)  The bride and groom taught their guests a traditional, Greek dance which provided plenty of laughs! Hey, I know that couple in the top left photo--my adorable sister (a bridesmaid) and her stylin' husband! The bottom left shot is sentimental, as it shows both the groom's parents and bride's parents. The day ended with dancing, and then the couple embarked for a fun honeymoon in the Virgin Islands.

Laura [Lancaster Photography Mentor Session]

I desire to be constantly learning as well as teaching and helping others. Last week was unique, in that I attended a photography workshop in Washington DC (hosted by one of the best in the wedding photography industry, Jasmine Star). On the flip side, in that same week I taught an incredibly fun mentor session with the lovely Laura Patrick Photography. I am grateful to the individuals who poured into me during my first few years of business. I’m a strong believer that we’re not meant to do life alone; so much growth comes out of one-on-one conversations, workshops, etc. It was exciting to see Laura’s desire to grow as I shared various tips I’ve learned through the years.

Laura is off to an amazing start in her career, but like all of us, she had specific areas she wanted to improve. We spent several hours covering the business end of things (tracking mileage, taxes—fun fun), helpful timesaver tools for the workflow, equipment, and how to best prepare for wedding days. And we wrapped up the morning with some head shots of this stunning lady.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your enthusiasm and passion with me. It was a privilege to play a role in your story, and I know great things are ahead! 

Bree + Jonny [Lancaster Backyard Wedding]

I can still remember the way Bree’s entire face lit up as she gushed about her first date with Jonny back in 2012. Almost two years later, they both radiated that same glow as they exchanged vows, their hearts bursting with love and elation. As I captured each joy-filled moment, I saw that Bree & Jonny ensured their special day would be a FUN occasion for their guests…one small example: as nearly 300 guests arrived to the outdoor ceremony, they were given refreshing drinks and fresh popcorn from a vintage cart. Their family friend’s stunning property was the quintessential setting for a summertime, backyard wedding.

I hope you can feel Bree & Jonny’s excitement and devotion to each other as you peruse these photos. And a special “thank you” to my talented second-shooter, Chelsea…she happens to be my sister, and she’ll be working with me at upcoming weddings!!  The pool house, where the bride & bridesmaids got ready, was a photographer's dream --perfect, natural light! Jonny surprised her with a charm for her bracelet (featuring wedding rings) The handsome groom could not WAIT to see his stunning bride for the first time During their "First Look," Jonny couldn't stop admiring Bree! One of many perks of a "First Look:" it allows several minutes of peace & quiet for the bride and groom. Jonny led them in prayer, so I grabbed my 70-200mm lens and caught this sweet moment from a distance. Seriously, you two….so stunning!! The loveliest, most enthusiastic group of bridesmaids! I love the image on the right, because that's the groom's sister (left) and his cousin on the right (she gets the credit for Jonny and Bree meeting! : ) I'm still swooning over their bouquets, and I'm glad Chelsea snapped this photo. Can we please talk about how precious (and well-behaved) these SIX kiddos were? Love this perspective from Chelsea. The snazzy groomsmen were a blast to hang out with. Notice the aforementioned freshly-popped popcorn for guests when they arrived to the ceremony! Oh, the anticipation from the groom as she walks down the aisle…my favorite moment of a wedding day. Band members from Victory Church lead heartfelt worship, as you see in the next two photos. Who doesn't love a radiant groom!? Officially Mr. and Mrs! Off to the reception, which was a complete and total blast The speeches were obviously a hit! (Also, Jonny and Bree chose to sit at a table with their family, to honor their parents and siblings. So neat.) One of my favorite details to their reception…yum! The wide-eyed ring bearer!  A romantic canoe ride wrapped up the evening!