Country roads take me home...
Before Katie and Jonathan were even engaged she commented on one of my posts saying "You will photograph my wedding one day!", I was SOOO astonished, out of all the photographers in the world she would choose me to photograph such a special day. I have known Katie for such a long time, we grew up rodeoing together in PHSRA and were really good friends. If you're in the rodeo world you know that those people become just like family, we spent weekends together, cheered each other on, attended rodeo prom, and most of all just made a lot of memories together. I believe it was only about 4 or 5 months after she commented on my post that I got a message from her, it was a picture of her on the top of a mountain with a ring on her hand (A beautiful one at that!) and a message saying "You're going to have a pa wedding to work your magic". Of course we messaged about planning with such excitement, I was the first person to know and they were trying to keep it a secret to surprise their family. One of the best parts about being a photographer is knowing all the secrets first and getting to photograph such special moments! A few months later, on June 14th 2019 I flew to Wilks-Bare PA, where Katie picked me up from the airport. I absolutely LOVE flying and traveling, any chance I get I take because..... YOLO! Once I arrived we did some last minute running around, took a nap, and refreshed ourselves to get ready for the big moment! Katies family came to help her get ready and then we headed off to their special first look place. We went to the top of a field owned by Jonathans family and it was gorgeous! Being in NC during the summer time you're used to dead short grass because it is so dang hot, and I always forget how beautifully green and full the trees and grass are in Pennsylvania. Katies brother drove her up in an old turquoise truck and the moment Jonathan turned around tears filled his face. Katie was by far one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen, I love when brides incorporate lace and cowgirl/turquoise jewelry (I mean who doesn't?!). It was such a beautiful, intimate moment that they were able to share alone and really become one. They both poured their hearts out in their vows with tears rolling down their face, and in that moment you could see just how much they really love and adore each other. We took some amazing portraits and even got to include their pup! Once we were done we headed off to their beautiful location on the top of a mountain that looked out over a lake, this location was EVERY photographers dream. Before the ceremony Jonathans father lead us in a prayer that was so special and inspirational to the new journey they are taking. Their ceremony was short, sweet, and to the point which was exactly what they were dreaming of. After the ceremony we continued to take portraits, and then headed off to the local ice cream shop to cut the cake and eat some ice cream, and end the night on a perfect note! I could not say more amazing things about this day, it went so quick but I was so grateful to be able to be there for it. Every photo I took came out so perfect right out of camera, it made it so easy to find the perfect editing story to go with it. Handing over this gallery I was so excited because I knew they were going to love every photo! This is something I will remember for the rest of my life and hold so dearly knowing I got to photograph such a special day for an old friend of mine. When you choose me as a photographer I like to believe we are creating a forever friendship threw these special times.
