Phil + Kristen [Lancaster Engagement]

Before the existence of Twitter or Instagram, there was AOL instant messenger. (Who else remembers the sound of the creaking door when your crush signed on to chat!?) One summer afternoon in high school, Phil approached Kristen and had the courage to ask for her AOL IM screen name. They both attended the same high school and were in a school club together, and he longed to get to know this pretty girl! They talked that afternoon in the Lititz Springs Park, and a friendship started developing. Their love has grown deeper with each passing year. After seven years of dating, Kristen and Phil are eagerly anticipating their elegant wedding at Cameron Estates. I couldn’t be more excited to capture their day as they promise forever.

I loved getting to know these two during the engagement session. Not only are they fascinating to talk to—Kristen is a dance movement therapist and Phil is a nuclear engineer—they’re also joyful, so in love, and hilarious!

Hair and makeup by the incredible Kristen of Unfading Beauty, who's always wonderful to work with!

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Jenna + Nate [Lancaster Engagement]

Music often provides inspiration as I sit down to write these blog posts about the crazy-in-love couples I’m honored to work with. I’m currently listening to (and maybe belting out ;) the Les Mis soundtrack...which is fitting, because Jenna + Nate’s second date was watching Les Mis at the Fulton Opera House in Lancaster. It didn’t take long for Jenna to agree to that second date, after Nate’s creative-planning on their first date! He planned a picnic during a summer concert at Long’s Park and thought ahead to bring along a sweatshirt (if Jenna was cold) and fresh cut-up fruit. They ended the evening talking over a crackling fire pit, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Backing up to December 2013, Jenna and Nate officially met through church…exactly a year later, right before Christmas 2014, Nate cooked a delicious meal of cranberry chicken for Jenna. After dinner, they danced to “Just the Way You Are” –-reliving the first time they ever danced together. Once they exchanged Christmas gifts, Nate told Jenna that he had one more gift….before she realized what was happening, the love of her life was down on one knee holding a gorgeous ring and proposing.

As you’ll see in the photos, these two light up when they look at each other! I’m eager for their backyard wedding, and they chose a great date to get married—June 27, which happens to be my 28th birthday. Can’t wait to spend the day capturing their vows!

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I love the joy that just oozes from this photo! Jenna, you're flawless! You'll be a stunning bride : ) These two were naturally cuddly the whole time! 

Travis + Tonya [Lancaster Engagement]

It’s a rare, beautiful thing when you meet your future spouse in middle school! Tonya and Travis were friends at that young age but eventually lost touch. Fast-forward years later; life brought them together when they both ran a Spartan Race. Cute side note: during the race, Travis could have ran ahead at full-speed, but instead he hung back to help Tonya over the walls…good move, Travis ; ) Several months ago, this sweet couple was walking through a park overlooking the Susquehanna River on a chilly evening. Tonya was absolutely giddy when she turned around and saw Christmas lights that spelled out “marry me” as Travis got down on one knee and proposed.

I can’t even express how elated I am that spring is finally here in PA after a long, frigid winter. We roamed around Stoudtburg Village on a recent warm evening, and I loved getting to know these two.

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(That's how I found then standing while I was tweaking settings on my camera. I said, "Ummm guys. Perfect! Don't move!") Isn't this village so picturesque? It's here in Pennsylvania but modeled after a town in Germany. Seriously, you two….love this shot! :) Stunning, Tonya!!