Danielle & Bill- Penn Oaks Golf Club Wedding

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day for Danielle and Bill’s Penn Oaks Golf Club Wedding. Danielle and her bridesmaids were getting ready in the bridal suite at Penn Oaks when we arrived. Makeup was done by Dylan Michael Cosmetics and Up Your Do created beautiful updos for all the ladies. We hung the Maggie Sottero gown in the window and I loved the way the light came through the satin. This exquisite ball gown wedding dress was complete with floral lace appliques drifting down the skirt, an elegant illusion V-neckline, and a glittering Swarovski crystal belt. I couldn’t wait to see Danielle in it! After shooting the gown, I focused on shoes, invitations, veil and jewelry. Once I completed the details, I asked everyone to get dressed. The bridesmaids wore blue, floor length dresses and cute wedge heels. Danielle’s mom and sister helped her get into her gown….she looked amazing. We grabbed her all white bouquet from Matlack Florist and started on bridal portraits. I could tell Danielle was a little nervous so I asked everyone to step out of the room for a few minutes. She definitely loosened up and I love the way her portraits came out.

Next I found Billy and we headed to the ballroom. He was wearing a gray suit with a white tie and I could tell he was excited. After a few portraits, he filled us in on a couple of surprises that would be coming at the reception. I could tell it was going to be a fun night. We finished up and sent Billy off to relax with his groomsmen before the ceremony. Next we headed back to the bridal suite to catch Danielle’s dad seeing her for the first time in her gown. There was not a dry eye in the room! It was such a sweet moment and I’m so happy I was able to capture it. We then head outside to the ceremony site.

Danielle’s dad walked her down the aisle to meet Billy under the beautiful gazebo. The couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends and I don’t think they stopped smiling throughout the whole ceremony. Guests then head into the Tuscan patio for cocktail hour. The open air tent overlooks the historical grounds, with picturesque trees and lovely greens spanning across the countryside. We took the family out for formals and then had some fun with the wedding party. Next we head out on the golf cart with Danielle and Billy. The grounds of Penn Oaks are so picturesque that I could have kept the couple out there for hours, but we had to get back for the reception.

DJ Eric from East Coast Event Group was ready to have some fun and so was the wedding party. They all had great entrances and then the bride and groom made their way in to a roaring crowd. They went right into their first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran…then came a fun surprise; a dance compilation! Nobody knew about this break out dance and it was awesome. You could really tell what a fun couple they are. When the applause finally subsided, everyone took a seat so dinner could be served. Danielle’s little sister and maid of honor started off the toasts. She spoke about how much she would miss having her sister at home and how she admires her. The best man, Billy’s brother, followed and spoke of the couple’s incredible dedication to each other as well as their educations and careers. The overall message was always the same; the two were meant to be together. After dinner, Danielle danced with her dad to “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw and Billy with his mom to “My Wish” by Rascal Flats. They then cut into the all-white cake by The Master’s Baker.

With all the formalities finished it was time to party! The DJ had the dance floor packed in no time and everyone was having a blast. I have to admit, there were some great dancers. I pulled Danielle and Bill away from the party one last time to go outside for a quick night photo; I had to get them in front of the amazing Chinese cherry blossom tree. Not long after we got back inside another surprise showed up…Domino’s Pizza. You see, the couple met down the shore back in 2009 when Billy tried to sell Danielle a piece of Domino’s pizza. She declined the pizza, but they ended up exchanging numbers. The rest is history.

I really had fun spending the day with Danielle and Billy. It was such a privilege to photograph their wedding day. I hope they love their photos as much as I do.

Alicia & Damon- Hilltop House Wedding

Alicia and Damon had perfect weather for their Hilltop House wedding in Devon, Pennsylvania. This wedding was the perfect combination of classic elegance with modern touches. The entire wedding took place at the Hilltop House which helped make the day run smoothly. The day started with a bustling bridal suite. Hair was done by Scott and Kim Greis and makeup by Helene Homovich. The girls all looked amazing. Scott even helped get my pony tail in check! Alicia’s wedding gown may have been one of the most unique dresses I have ever seen. It was designed by Rue DeSeine and made completely of cotton with a slip underneath. It fit Alicia perfectly. After some bridal portraits we headed across the hall for some portraits of the guys. Funnily enough, the guys seemed to take longer to get ready than the girls. After portraits of Damon, we headed out to the lawn and gardens for their first look. Damon seemed a bit nervous waiting for Alicia to arrive. When she finally appeared they got to share a beautiful private moment. It was clear to see they both were excited for the real wedding day to begin. I think having a first look also helped them to get their nerves out of the way. We spent a little time on the grounds doing portraits and bridal party photos. We then headed indoors to meet with Ellie Shaffer, the cantor. She lead Alicia and Damon in the signing of their gorgeous Katuba.

The ceremony took place in the garden. Ellie told the story of how Alicia and Damon met, both coaching water polo at Episcopal Academy. Ellie’s wit and charm captivated the entire audience. The ceremony music was played by the Wimington Street Ensemble. “All you Need is Love” played as Alicia and Damon processed down the aisle. It was truly beautiful.

The reception took place both in the house and on the large back porch at the Hilltop House. The tables were adorned with amazing center pieces filled with peonies and roses from Long Stems. During dinner, by Catering by Rich, we stepped out for a few minutes to catch the sunset. There is a matter of about 1o minutes of light that is just amazing that can’t be beat at the end of the day. I always try to get my couples to go out for a few minutes during that time if the day allows us to. Once dinner was done, dancing followed. DJ Howard  kept the dance floor moving! Everyone had a great time, particularly during the Hora. I battled my way through and honestly feared being knocked over on more than one occasion. Alicia’s parents’ cake topper from their wedding sat atop Alicia and Damon’s wedding cake. Pastries and cookies were also served. I loved spending the day with Alicia and Damon and their families. The focus of the day was truly on their love for each other, and the love felt from their friends and family. Alicia and Damon, thank you so much for trusting me to capture such a special day. I wish you all the best!

More images in the slideshow below. To book your wedding or engagement please contact me!

Courtney & Tim- St. Malachi Church and Loch Nairn Golf Club Wedding

Courtney and Tim’s Loch Nairn Golf Club wedding was a day full of love and family. I met Courtney and Tim ages ago when I was really just beginning my business. I loved them from the start and I really feel like I have gotten to know them well over the last few years. They are both very laid back and easy to work with. The best thing about working with them is that I don’t need to give them very much direction. Their love for each other shines through in their photos. I just set them up where I want them and let them be themselves.

Their wedding day started with getting ready at Courtney’s parent’s house. It was great to have open space to work in. It was also fun to see all of the photos throughout the house. Courtney’s father is a great photographer himself and has spent years documenting his family. After getting ready and bridal portraits, we set off to the church.

The church was St. Malachi Church in Cochranville, PA. My assistant, Katie, and I really thought we were lost on the way. It is located on Chester County back roads. It feels like you are in the middle of no where and then a church appears on a hill. This church was truly amazing. It was built in 1838 and still maintained its old world charm. After Courtney and Tim said “I do” we took some family formals behind the church and then headed to The Loch Nairn Golf Club.

When we arrived at Loch Nairn we immediately set off to take bridal party photos and portraits. The bridal party was so much fun! Everyone was easy going and helpful. As you can see from the photos, Courtney and Tim were just perfect for their portraits. I hoped that the sun would peek through but the day stayed gray. We actually were thankful for that! The entire week before and after their wedding was full of rain.

The reception space was decorated perfectly to fit Courtney’s style. Nothing was overdone or fussy. Everything was simple and elegant. There were photos of Courtney and Tim on many tables. The tables were decorated simply with gorgeous flowers in jars from Cottage Flowers who have been Courtney’s family florist for years. The cake was from a local baker Yori’s Church Street Bakery.  The crowd was great! They had a blast dancing the night away with music played by the DJ Anthony DiGregorio.  What a fun night!

It was wonderful working with Courtney and Tim and their families. I have really loved getting to know them over the years. I am honored that they have trusted me with their memories. Courtney and Tim, thank you so much for everything. I wish you years of happiness together!

More images in the slideshow below! To view photos from their West Chester engagement session click here!

Longwood Gardens Proposal- Bill & Jess

There is nothing more romantic than a Longwood Gardens proposal. Bill had everything planned perfectly. He took Jess on a private gardens tour. The tour ended at the famous Italian water gardens, Jess’ favorite Longwood spot. They were allowed access inside the garden, which is typically restricted. It was a very busy day at Longwood. This private access allowed them the get away from the crowds. Aside from the onlookers (including myself and their families) on the bridge, they were able to have some privacy. I had butterflies in my stomach watching and waiting. I love capturing such a special moment! When Bill proposed, you could clearly see Jess’ surprise. Everyone on the bridge cheered for them. It was truly a beautiful moment. I’m so glad I was able to capture it for them! Bill and Jess’ parents and children were secretly watching as well. I have had the opportunity to shoot a few Longwood Gardens proposal, but this one was certainly extra special. I wish Bill and Jess all the best! If you are thinking about proposing and would like to have the moment captured, please contact me!