Casual, warm, inviting. I knew that it was going to be the kind of day that felt like a group of good friends spending time together and family members reuniting for a big party.

The Details

I really liked the little details they had in place with casual nods to their travel addiction. Purple, lavender, and blue blooms layered in clear glass, nothing overdone, just well-chosen.

Getting Ready

The groomsmen seemed like a really tight-knit group of family members and close friends.

The First Look

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting this one to hit the way it did. We found a quiet spot where Alison and Joshua could have their first look together and read their vows to each other before the ceremony, just the two of them. I’m not an overly emotional person, but these moments always get me a little bit. You have two people who truly just get to be themselves and react how they truly feel instead of worrying about their reaction in front of groups of people. There’s no pressure, just being in the moment.

At the end of the night, after the dancing and the toasts and kisses by the fountain, there was a private dance for the newlyweds while everyone was getting set up for the sparkler sendoff outside.

Quick side note: there was a pierogi truck. I’ve shot a lot of weddings and I have never seen a pierogi truck. I ate some. That buttery, doughy goodness was exactly what I needed at the end of a long day.

The whole vendor team made this one easy. The staff at Glasbern is always a pleasure to work alongside. Joel kept the dance floor moving all night, there’s a reason he’s on my preferred vendor list. And Ryan and Carmen from the video side were great, as usual. I always enjoy seeing what they put together from a day like this.

Alison and Joshua, thanks for having me. It was exactly the kind of day I’d expect from you both.

If you’re interested in wedding photography, reach out. We’d love to hear from you.

Our collaborative partners:

• DJ: joel shimer https://www.joelshimer.com/professional.php · @joelonair · joelshimer.com
• Caterer: Joe’s Homemade Pierogies and Mini Doughnuts · @joes_pierogies_doughnuts · facebook.com

Location: Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville, PA · @glasberninn · glasbern.com

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Ella and Oren are the kind of couple where you don’t have to look hard to see it. Throughout the whole day, there were these moments where they’d catch each other’s eye and you could just tell, they’re sure about each other. That kind of ease between two people makes the whole day easier to photograph. I wasn’t chasing connection. It was already there.

Morning at Camp

The morning had a different energy than most wedding days I walk into. People were hanging out, having breakfast, being social. Nobody seemed anxious. It felt more like the first morning of a great weekend with close friends than the hours before a ceremony. These photos from getting ready are a good reflection of that.

The First Look on the Dock

The first look was on a wooden dock by the water. It’s a setting that does a lot of the work on its own, and Ella and Oren didn’t need much help filling it.

The Reception

Jewish weddings are the ones I look forward to most. The traditions give the day a real structure and energy, and the hora is one of those moments where the whole room is present at the same time. This reception had that. The dance floor was packed, arms in the air, guests and groomsmen going all in.

And then, after the first dance, Ella and Oren kicked off a dance mob to “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. The room went with them immediately. That’s the kind of moment you can’t plan for, it either happens or it doesn’t, and when it does, you just make sure you’re ready.

A quick note on the vendor team: everyone brought their best. Hair, makeup, cake, food, all of it was excellent. But I especially want to call out Gavin, the wedding coordinator. His attention to detail made the day run cleanly, and he was genuinely fun to work alongside. A good coordinator changes everything about how a wedding day feels from the inside, and Gavin is one of the best I’ve worked with.

If you’re interested in wedding photography, reach out. We’d love to hear from you.

Our collaborative partners:

• Event Planner: Gavin Esham Events · @gavineshamevents · gavineshamevents.com
• DJ: Joel Shimer Entertainment · @joelonair · joelshimer.com
• Hair & Makeup: MMUAV · @mmuavpro · mmuavpro.com

Location: Tyler Hill Camp, Tyler Hill, PA · gatheroundus.com

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July 2nd. It was probably the hottest day of the entire year. I think we hit 110 degrees. We had planned to do their first look and most of the couple’s session outside, but that wasn’t happening. Everything moved inside, and Jill and Asa took it in stride. The team at Landmark Tavern at Stonehouse in Warren, NJ made those adjustments fast and without any drama, the day kept moving like nothing had changed. That kind of venue support matters more than people realize.

Getting Ready

Jill is one of the most laid-back people I’ve photographed. The energy in the bridal suite matched that, easy, unhurried, a lot of laughing.

The First Look

There was a set of tall red doors at the venue that Jill and Asa had specifically wanted for their first look. We got out there, got the moment, and came back inside quickly, nobody wanted to stand in 110-degree heat any longer than necessary. But those few minutes in front of those doors were genuinely sweet. Private, quiet, just the two of them.

Wedding Party Portraits

With everything moved inside, we worked with what the venue gave us. Drew was right there in the mix, which made my job easier, familiar faces tend to loosen a group up.

The Ceremony

I have to say something about Asa’s face. I’ve been doing this for fourteen years, and I don’t think I’ve ever photographed someone with a more expressive face. Every moment registered; you could read exactly what he was feeling from across the room. That makes my job a lot easier, and it makes the photos a lot better.

Reception

Once the dancing started, the heat outside was a distant memory. These are people who know how to celebrate, and it showed.

Asa and Jill put in the work, in the gym, in their careers, in their relationship. That kind of dedication doesn’t really turn off. You could see it in how they were with their guests, how they handled a curveball of a weather day, and honestly, in how they looked at each other all night. I’m glad Drew pulled me into their orbit a few years back.

If you’re interested in wedding photography, reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

Location: Landmark Tavern at Stonehouse, Warren, NJ · @stonehousenj · bylandmark.com

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Fall Wedding at Cameron Estates

Fall weddings in Pennsylvania hit that sweet spot — comfortable weather, the light is always amazing, and colors can range from summery greens (without the heat) to yellows and reds. Matthew and Claire’s Cameron Estates wedding in Mount Joy checked all the boxes for the perfect day.

The Setting

Cameron Estates is one of those historic Pennsylvania wedding venues that feels effortlessly classic. The mansion’s architecture, the open lawns, and that soft afternoon light give every photo a timeless look. The venue fit Matthew and Claire perfectly — simply elegant, and full of character!

Getting Ready

Claire and the bridesmaids spent the morning with Lynne Evans’ amazing team of hair and makeup artists. Matthew and the groomsmen had some time to relax in the groom’s suite.

The First Looks

Claire requested a special first look with her dad. As father, this is one of the parts of a wedding day that always gets me emotional, but it’s one of my favorite parts of the day! After the first look with her dad, we took a few photos with our stunning bride and her parents, then we were off to meet Matthew for their first look together. After a short walk to the bridge by the creek, Claire and Matthew shared a private moment before the day kicked off.

The Ceremony

Just a short walk from the mansion is the ceremony site. Matthew and Claire shared the vows they wrote in front of the people that matter the most in their lives. It was a perfect mix of tears (the good kind) and humor as they said “I do” in front of their invited witnesses.

The Reception

After cocktail hour, DJ Big John Functions kicked off the reception by introducing the newlyweds. The couple celebrated their first dance and followed it with a speech thanking all of the guests in attendance. Claire’s dad gave an amazing speech which had some Star Wars references in it (hits home with me!) The party kicked up a few notches as the night went on, finishing with some ballads from Matthew and his fraternity brothers.

Final Thoughts

This wedding was a perfect mix of calm and celebration — the kind of day that photographs beautifully because everyone was simply enjoying it.

If you’re planning your own Cameron Estates wedding or another celebration in Lancaster or the Lehigh Valley and want images that tell the story naturally, I’d love to connect. You can see more about how I tell wedding stories here or learn more about Cameron Estates Inn in Mount Joy, PA.

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Senior Portrait Session Resources

Check out a few of these articles I put together to help you get ready for your session. From what to wear to helping you feel confident, I’ve got your back!

What to Wear for Your Portraits

Stuck on choosing an outfit for your session? Here’s a short guide to help you out.

What to Wear!

10 Top Senior Portrait Poses and Ideas

Knowing what to do in front of the camera can be tough. Here’s a few tips to help you out!

10 Posing Tips

6 Tips for Your Session

Six tips to help you get the most out of your session. From sleep (yep, it’s important) to what to wear, I’m here to guide you.

Tips for Your Session

Lehigh Valley Portrait Locations

Here are a few of the most popular locations for senior portraits in the Lehigh Valley. I’m open to new locations too!

Portrait Locations

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Take me home, country roads. West Virgina Bound!

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