welcome to the blog!

“Do you travel?” I get the most amazing questions and as soon as I started talking with Kristina I knew this would be so amazing. As I started to gather more and more information in our first few emails, I decided to look up where exactly I was going.  I already knew that I’d be traveling a fair distance from Erie but I just wanted to know for sure.  Little did I know that I’d get to make one of the most beautiful drives 4 times! We met at Lake Minnewaska for their clifftop engagement session and I fell in love with the area just as much as I did with Kristina and Anthony.

I pulled into the driveway at New Beginnings Farmstead cautious but excited.  I drove through some crazy fog and rain but the sun was out to play so I was ready.  It was hot, and humid.  There wasn’t even a breeze blowing through the now yellow-green trees.  I heard laughter from the cute little cottage and I knocked.  Kristina was inside with all of her girls and her brother.  It was a party! They were all smiling but so, so calm.  It was like there wasn’t a wedding about to happen in a few hours and they were just hanging out getting glammed up.  Kristina handed me a box full of the most beautiful details.  As we unpacked them and I saw the invitation suite she made herself I was shocked.  I can’t imagine the amount of time that went into just one of them. Everything flowed so effortlessly, including all of the layers on her beautiful gown.

As we go closer to the first look, I could tell that some nerves were creeping in on our bride and groom. Nothing crazy, but I think that it was just hitting them what time is was. People were asking questions and everyone was so excited! I was stifling how excited I was after seeing all of the different pieces coming together.  After the Luke from Mesh Films and I had a quick game plan change (the place we originally picked for the first look ended up being the parking lot!) it was time for Anthony to see his bride! I love first looks for so many reasons, but it was just the most romantic thing ever to watch.  She called his name and he turned and just stood there taking in how beautiful she looked.  As Kristina walked closer she brought her hands up to Anthony’s face and they just stood there together.  Perfectly still.  It was almost cinematic.

As the guests were brought to the ceremony in the middle of the woods, we got ready to go.  Kristina put her stunningly long veil in, grabbed her bouquet and off she went! Walking from the wagon up the path, it became clear that her train was going to get dirty.  We didn’t feel great about that so they found an adorable boy to pick up the back! For not being 100% planned, it was adorable.  Kristina and her parents made a quick stop at the end of the aisle for a bug spray spritz and then it was go time.  The ceremony was performed by Kristina’s other brother, and it was so beautiful.  He even provided mints moments before the kiss! As they were announced as the new Mr. & Mrs. Cooper, guests opened their bubbles and created a magical bubble tube for them to walk back through!

I could talk about their portraits for days, but I’ll try to condense it for you.  The sun was out in full force.  It was hot but the bridal party brought their A game and pushed through smiling and cheering and blowing more bubbles.  They were troopers.   Once we dismissed them, I went into crazy Sam mode.  When this happens I am usually so excited about the images coming form behind the camera that I look a little nuts.  It was fine they totally knew what was happening.  It was so easy to just let them be in a pose and have them interact there without me saying a word.  We saw a few butterflies in a field, rode in a 4 wheel drive golf cart, and did lots of nuzzling.  I am elated oversharing these portraits.  I even managed to convince them to leave the reception for a few moments are grab some late evening light! Can you get any better than that? Nope. Here’s a look!

I loved working with all of the vendors who made this day go so smoothly.  I mean it was a dream team.  Thank you all so much!

Dress: 
David’s Bridal

Florist:
Adams Fairacre Farm 

Ceremony/Reception Venue:
New Beginnings Farmstead

DJ/ Entertainment Services:
DJ Quest (Greg Wagner)

Videographer:
Luke Berg–Mesh Films

Cake:
Karen Zimmerman

Catering:
Hickory BBQ and Smokehouse

Bridesmaids Dresses: 
David’s Bridal

Groomsmen and Groom attire:
Men’s warehouse

Rentals:
Sav-On Party Central 

Anthony and Kristina, where do I begin? I can’t tell you how much that I loved being able to share this day with you.  It was beautiful and so special in so many ways. I am so happy that we were able to connect, that I didn’t get mauled by a bear on the highway, and that the sun came out for your day.  The love that you guys share is one that’s so rare and beautiful.  It’s hard to put into words just how happy I was to simply be in the same space as all of your closest friends and family.  I can’t wait to see where this new life takes you together.  Thank you for opening your hearts to myself and all of the other vendors who came together to give you the most magical day.