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I love intimate weddings so much.  Part of my wedding brand is intimate portraits that you share with you new bride or groom in those moments.  I was so ready and elated when I received an email from Wendy about her upcoming wedding.  She warned me ahead of time that this was going to be quick and not full of extra “stuff”.  they just wanted to be married and join their families.  How adorable is that right? I was ready to do whatever they needed and so excited to share this evening with them.  We met at a coffee shop, and as Joe and Wendy sat down I could already tell just how crazy about each other they are.  I still get all the feels when I think about it! Their “elopement at home” as we dubbed it was going to be short and sweet, with a nice private dinner after.  Everything was held at The Sheraton on the Bay, in their beautiful private dining room.

As I arrived, still checking the weather forecast, I grew wary.  I had a back up plan for my back up plan but I know the feeling as a bride who had rain on her wedding day, it was stressful. The bayfront was full of prom goers scattered all over the usual portrait locations with moms and dads ooh-ing and ahh-ing.  I totally had a plan. Thankfully, someone was looking out for us.  it was as if the exact moment we had finished portraits and went inside for dinner the skies that had been holding back burst open.  I have never been so thankful for weather in my life.

The ceremony, while short and sweet just as promised, was so beautiful.  Officiant Barbara Brown always blows me away with her words and prayer.  She takes the time to get a feel for what’s about to happen, and she uses the most wonderful connections and scripture.  It was really exactly what they wanted, and I could tell from the back of that room how special it was.  There was a sand ceremony that included all of their children, and I have seen many a sand ceremony but this was one of the most emotional ones I’ve seen yet.  All of their children really took the words and meaning to heart and they just had the best emotional reactions to their parents coming together.  They were so happy to see them happy together and as a parent and child myself, I had to wipe a tear or two.

Joe had one surprise for his bride, and thankfully I was filled in before the fact! he had their wedding bands engraved with the words ” A Perfect Match 05-19-18″. She had no idea, and when he told her you could see her smile light up miles away.  It was just the sweetest. Enjoy some of my favorite moments from this beautiful and intimate elopement on the bay!

A big thank you to The Sheraton for always creating beautiful weddings here in Erie Pennsylvania.  They utilize the location perfectly.  Also to Allburn’s Florals for creating the perfect delicate spring floral pieces.  Joe and Wendy, I wish you both a happy life together.  The spark that comes off of you love could light the lighthouses up and down the coast.  It was truly an honor.

Venue: Erie Pa Sheraton on the Bay  

Florist: Allburn’s Florist

Officiant: Becoming One, Barbara Brown

Rings: 25 Karats