Most of our pictures were taken in downtown Altoona.  Not too shabby, Nathan….

Lots of lovin’ from the ladies…

Some details…

I love this moment!

It seemed fitting to have some pictures in an alley : )

The next two: Lindsey with her grandfather and then Lindsey with her brothers

The little people were sooooo cute.

And off to wander around downtown…

Wow!!!

Lindsey, you are radiant!

I could have photographed you two all day!!!

Their laughter was contagious.

One of my favorite parts of downtown, a cobblestone alley!

Laughter is my favorite thing to photograph.

The day was filled with lots of favorite moments!

Overlooking the city

Love it!

Ahhhhh…. sunshine.

And off to the party at the Altoona Heritage Discovery Center

Lindsey’s fruit theme was so much fun.

I want to give a special shout out to the guys at Local Motion (State College, PA) for helping to make this party a blast.

Love it!

Lindsey and Nathan, thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!   May the years only sweeten the romance…

One of my favorite phone calls of the year came from Derek.  He was giddy.  ”I’m going to propose to Elizabeth, would you be willing to photograph it?” he asked.

Elizabeth is one of my dearest friends.  She’s done hard. As a widow with 3 small children, she’s lived hard with more courage and grace than what I knew was possible.

This proposal is a one of my favorite photography moments yet.  On my climb to the top of the rain soaked mountain and back I got to photograph a little picture of redeeming love.

At the mention of his name she gently touches her face and giggles.  I’m caught off guard by the warmth of her smile and her humble grace.  Kris and Kristen… she loves that their names are so cute together.

He’s spent the past several years serving our country abroad in army special forces.  Yet in the midst of all of the seriousness and sacrifice that his station requires, he still makes her laugh with his silliness.  Their playfulness is intimate.  And Sacred.

Kris and Kristen, the whole day was a delight for me.  Thanks for letting me photograph a picture of your world.

Much to my delight, Kris and Kristen opted for the first look.  These moments are ALWAYS so touching.  

The exchange of cards…

The time before the ceremony at the Women’s Club of Altoona was so relaxing and sweet.

Wow!

I can’t get enough of how much love radiated from Kris and Kristen!

Kristen, you are amazing!!!

Girl time!

And everyone holds there breath for the big moment. 

The ceremony took place in the magnificent Baker Mansion lawn.   Afterwards we wandered around the ground for more amazing pictures!

Love it!!!

Just a couple details I want to point out: the unity tree and the amazing cake.   I just want to give a shout out to the amazing crew at the Casino at Lakemont; you all really know how to throw a rocking party!

Thank you, Kris and Kristen, for including me in the first day of your lifelong commitment to each other.  May your journey get sweeter as the years pass by.

So without further ado, some of the details from Stacy and Trevor’s Raystown wedding…

I love the fresh snow in Stacy’s hair and the radiant smile on her face.

A warm hearth on a blistery day + a gorgeous bride

Stacy and Trevor’s winter fall wonderland wedding takes place at Raystown Conference Center (Entriken, PA).  Shooting at Lake Raystown has become like a second home to me and the amazing staff have become friends.  I can’t say enough about how well they treat brides (and feed guests : )

By the afternoon the snow let up and we were off for some couple pictures on the breathtaking grounds at Raystown.

Stacy, you are an exquisite bride.

I love this!!!

Wow!

Trevor, you’re not too shabby yourself.

And back inside for the party…  Hats off to Country Hearts & Flowers (Portage, PA) and Amy’s Cakes (Lilly, PA).  We even had s’more cupcakes.

First dance

Lots of laughter….

And then we rocked the night away with the uber talented Flood City Brass (Johnstown, PA).

One of the best Central Pa wedding traditions is the dollar dance to the polka.  I love when it ends in the groom crowd surfing!

I just want to give a final shout out to some of the fabulous vendors that made this day so lovely…

Ceremony Musicians- The McKees (State College, PA)

Dress- LuCretias II (Altoona, PA)

Hair & Makeup- The Colleseum (Altoona, PA)

Many blessing to you, Stacy and Trevor, on your new journey together.  Thank you for the privilege of being a part of your wedding day!

As I look back on the blog from this year, I’m embarrassed to admit how few of these incredible weddings have made it here.  The most recent blog is from an spectacular wedding way back in April : )  I’ve been really busy shooting and editing and hope to get busy blogging in the coming winter months.

So without further ado, here is a sneak peak into my most recent wedding…

I love love loved Melissa’s dress.  We started the day of at The Georgian Inn.

Here’s Melissa’s family waiting to see the bride at the inn.  All smiles….

I love how this picture captures Melissa, calm and collected, and her sister, scurrying around in the background attending to all of the last minute details.  Melissa’s sister totally rocked the maid of honor roll.

We shot some of Melissa at a beautifully lit sun room at the inn.

And on to the church… I can’t get enough of this shot!!!

This is one of the coolest aisle decorations ever!

The kiss : )

Bubbles and one of my favorite candids of the day…

Then off to a railroad bridge about a mile a way for my favorite time of the day… couple shots : )

I totally love this moment!!! 

Oh, Melissa, you are exquisite!

This is my favorite picture of Dan from the day.  I love the contentment in his eyes.

And on to the reception at Green Gables in Jennerstown, PA.  The cake was designed by Melissa’s oh so awesome sister/maid of honor extraordinaire.

And there was the fabulous string ensemble who entertained us the entire evening.

More of that amazing contentment I was talking about.

These ladies rocked it for the for bridesmaids’ photos.

The bouquet designed by Melissa’s sister.

And now much to my delight more couple time!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dan and Melissa!  I felt so privileged to be included in your glorious day!

One of my greatest earthly delights is taking you to the ocean. Our fall vacation this year was no exception.  May God’s splendor always lead you into delight and wonder.

Love always,

Mommy

I love these words.

And with these words in mind, it’s no wonder that Greta and Steve’s love story strikes such a deep chord with me.  Their journey is all wrapped up in these traditional yet timeless vows.

They were friends for a long time, but it was hardship and pain and sorrow, that brought them to love.  As she watched her mother care for her critically ill father, she knew.  She knew that

love is not aways easy,

but it is rich and enduring.

As she watched him grieve at his mother’s funeral, she knew.  She knew this is the man that I could promise all of my life… good times and bad… sickness and health… till death do us part.

Their’s is a story of love forged in the fires of all things real and hard and true.

Thank you, Greta and Steve, for living out genuine love.   Thank you for a wedding day that made belly laugh, shed tears, and experience the joy of real love.

Greta, you are radiant!

I want to give a special shout out to Christine Hart from Events by Hart for making the day run so beautifully.

There’s nothing like a grandfather’s kiss.

After the ceremony we headed over to General Potter Farm, the reception site and background to the Greta and Steve’s couple pictures. 

I’m a bit behind on blogging, months behind, but even after several months I can still taste this delicious cake by Delectible Delights by Heather Luse

Here’s a list of some of Greta and Steve’s fabulous vendors.

Reception – General Potter Farm

Cake – Delectible Delights by Heather Luse

Flowers- Emily Rickard Pocketful of Posies

Catering-  Benjamins Catering

DJ – Richard Wylie (I just want to point out that this guy can serenade the couple with guitar music and dj a hopping party)

Coordinator – Events by Hart

Dress – Simply Elegant Gowns

Hair – Designers Denn

She looks at him and giggles.  ”Maybe you should tell it, Torey.  You’re better at the details.”

He grins and warns me, “It might take a while.”

So Torey’s story begins.  From organizing a hiking expedition with friends just to get to know her, to asking her dad AND her four brothers for permission to marry her, to the engagement band that’s been in the family for 6 generations:  the journey thus far is paved with all things beautiful and true.

As told the story was magnificent and not short.  I hope to catch up with you in 50 years, Torey and Heather, and hear how the rest of it goes.

I’m so excited for your wedding in May!!!

We went up to the top of a hill overlooking Blair County on Heather’s family property.

I will warn you, we had a TON of fun on this photo shoot.

Heather and Torey are wonderfully adventurous.

And soooo in love.

Heather, you’re stunning!

You’re not so bad yourself, Torey.

Barns and haystacks and horses… there was no lack of fun places to explore at the lodge.

Torey and Heather spent most of this photoshoot shoeless

This is a new horse on the property.  I’m not sure he wanted his picture taken

Heather spent a huge portion of our time giggling.  I love it!

I can’t get enough of Heather’s smile.

Or of Torey’s admiration for his bride to be.

More laughter

And some goofiness.  You’re not going to get away that easily, Torey.

I love this!!!

Thanks for a fabulous day!  I can’t wait for May!!!

The snow is beautiful outside.  Absolutely amazing.  But it’s March, and I’m longing for warmth.

I find myself browsing the internet for sandals and swimsuits at ridiculous times of the night.  I have called multiple pools about swim lessons for my kids.  I’m cranking the heat up a few more degrees and wearing shorts in the house.  I’m ready for May!

This long winter has me remembering Joe and Shannon’s lovely wedding at one of my favorite venues – Starr Hill Winery and Vineyard.

Shannon and Joe were so much fun together.

I love the mutual admiration of this couple for each other.

Shannon and Joe, you are regal.

Shannon, you were radiant all day!

One of my favorite parts of photography is capturing laughter.

Shannon and Joe, these glorious memories are warming my snowy March.  Thanks again for a fabulous day!

Some of the fabulous vendors at the wedding:

• Flowers: Brady Street Florist, Dubois, PA 814-371-0360
• Cake: Sweet Creations, Reynoldsville, PA (814) 653-2371
• Catering: Luigi’s Ristorante, Dubois, (814) 375-9113

When writing about Stephen and Jessica, I can’t help but include a quote from one of literature’s most beloved tales, Anne of Green Gables.  God has endowed Jessica, like Anne Shirley, with an abundant scope for imagination, with spirit, and with a zest for life.  Not many would traipse outside in January’s frigid, snowy landscape for pictures.  And do so with a skip in her step.

And who else but Jessica’s Gilbert, her steady and affectionate Stephen, would admirely grin at his bride and wrap his arm around her delicate shoulder, ready for the adventure?

Jessica and Stephen, may your adventures be many, and may you always find your Avonlea in each others arms.

I love this picture of Jess’ mom putting the finishing touches on the dress…

And what a dress!!!    Jess found the perfect match for her day at Formalities by Tracina Fisher (Bellefonte, PA).

The details of this wedding were amazing!!  Each bouquet was unique.  Here’s a special shout out to Daniel Vaughn Designs (State College, PA) for an incredible job with the florals.

The girls…

This was the first time Jess’ dad saw her.   There were tears all around.

Jess, you are magnificent!!!

Here’s Stephen reading a last minute love note from his bride and opening her wedding gift to him.

And the ceremony begins…  I adore this shot of Jess leaning on Stephen.

The kiss!!

Jess and Stephen really wanted winter wonderland pictures.  I think these are some of my favorites…. ever.  

We headed down to the park in Bellefonte.  I love this!!!

Snowstorms have to be the epitome of romance.

And here’s my favorite pictures of the day taken on the bridge.  

We were starting to get pretty cold here, but Jess and Stephen were still radiant.

And onto the reception at the American Philatelic Society in Bellefonte.

Jess and Stephen work on the slopes in Colorado.  Their cake was the perfect fit for their passions.  Hats off to Delectable Delights by Heather Luse.

Some details…

The ski cake, the rings on the stamps, the table settings… each with favorite old books and labels matching the couples favorite skiing haunts.

I loved working with Hannah Walker.  She did an impressive job at coordinating the day from start to finish.

As some of you may know, the father/daughter dance is one of my favorites from the day.  We were all crying for this one.

Some sweet moments in front of the way-cool urban walls at the Philatelic Society.

Let the party begin.

The guys at Smart Media Weddings did an amazing job not only DJ-ing the wedding but videoing it as well.

Fun!  Fun!  Fun!

Thank you, Jess and Stephen for a fabulous winter wonderland wedding!