Natalya & Brent - Harrisburg Wedding Photography

It's funny as I look back on my blog posts and see that I really am getting around the country this year for weddings! Last weekend's wedding took me to Harrisburg, PA, a town I'm familiar with only from driving through to see miscellaneous relatives in the Lancaster area. I have a new appreciation for it now.

Natalya found me on TheKnot.com, and booked me without us ever even speaking on the phone! When I showed up the day of the wedding and introduced myself, she told me she felt like she already knew me, and I have to say I thought the same thing! Between the multiple emails and facebook messages we exchanged prior to the big day, I felt like I had a good grasp on what she was looking for in her photographer and her photos, and I hope I delivered!

I think I've said this about every wedding I've shot recently, but seriously, this one was unbelievably gorgeous!! Brent and Natalya's ceremony was in the State Capitol building, and wow, what a location. I could have shot there for hours. (Side note: I'm also pretty sure every person in the wedding party could have been a model.)

The thing that stands out to me about this wedding how hard I laughed during the reception. Brent had planned an entire "act" (for lack of a better word) for his much-anticipated garter removal, including a hilarious dance and pulling out a mousetrap from underneath Natalya's dress. Sooo funny! You can see the whole show here on YouTube. Oh, and let's not forget the groomsman who pulled off a backflip during introductions. Impressive.

A special shout-out goes to Stephen Elliot of Mud Productions for helping me out as a second photographer. I think ALL of his images from the wedding are awesome - I'm going to have so much trouble narrowing them down. I included a few at the end of this post.

A few of Stephen's photos from the day: 

Brielle & Lincoln - Barren Ridge Vineyards Wedding Photography

Wow, this wedding was GORGEOUS! Beautiful people, amazing decorations, and a unbelievable setting. I visited Barren Ridge Vineyards once before, but didn't really see it as a wedding venue until Brielle and Lincoln's wedding. It was perfect, so much so I actually contemplated getting married there myself (if or when that day ever comes - not rushing it!). The winery sits atop a hill overlooking green vineyards and miles of Virginia countryside (conveniently right where the sun sets too.) Kim Moody from Texture Design Studios did an awesome job making Brielle's vision become a reality. The colorful chinese lanterns were stunning and I've never in my life seen them so big! It didn't hurt that Brielle and Lincoln are so good-looking too. They were super nice and cooperative, and I don't think I heard them complain once about the 100 degree weather (or maybe I was complaining enough for all of us, ha!). 

I had Alyssa Ashdown as an assistant/second photographer at this wedding, and she did a great job! Her positive attitude and willingness to experiment with me got us some really great shots. Having a second person meant I got to play around more with some off-camera lighting (which I love to use).

Oh, and I know I talk about food all the time in my blog, but seriously, the dinner at this wedding was pretty much the best I've eaten to date. 

Katie & Matt - A Hike in the Woods

When Katie and Matt suggested we go to the spot where they got engaged, I thought it was a great idea. But when their directions sent me to the back of an apartment complex and we started trekking along dirt paths through the woods, I wasn't sure what to expect! (Mostly I was thinking I should NOT have worn flip flops.) We climbed over fallen trees, stumbled down rocky hills, and fended off bugs in the field for these photos, and I have to say I think it was worth it! I took home three mosquito bites and some dog slobber on my camera bag, but also a slew of great photos. :) The setting was perfect for Katie and Matt, and bringing their dog along only added to the fun! (Make sure you check out the dog's jumping shot.) 

Katie and Matt have such fun-loving spirits, and I could tell they really enjoy each other's company. I'm hoping to be lucky enough to photograph their wedding in January!