As a New Jersey wedding photographer, I don’t often get to travel to Pennsylvania but when I do, boy is it ever worth it! I talked about it in the post about my own wedding, but I grew up in PA and can’t help but love the nostalgia when I return. This striking summer wedding was extra special, not only because my husband Matt came with me, but because Brittany and Eric are friends of ours (Eric used to work with Matt) and they welcomed us not only as their wedding photographer, but also as guests (they even had a seat saved for myself, Matt, and my amazing second shooter Rachel at the reception!). I was beyond honored to not only celebrate with them but be trusted to capture all of the once-in-a-lifetime moments on their wedding day.
Getting Ready Photos at their Wedding Venue
When Brittany and Eric met at a house party in 2016, she drunkenly told him she wanted to marry him. A year later, they went on their first date. Five years later – which we all know goes by SO quickly – they were ready to walk down the aisle. When we showed up to capture their getting-ready photos (at their stunning wedding venue – La Massaria At Bella Vista), there was so much love and anticipation in the air. Especially because they had chosen not to have a first look, and wouldn’t see each other until the ceremony. As a wedding photographer, I always love to capture as many candid photos during the “getting ready” time as possible. Brittany and Eric have such fun, goofy, spirits and I wanted to capture that in the photos!
Outdoor First Look with the Bride & Her Dad
Being a summer wedding, we wanted to take advantage of as much outdoor time as possible! The venue was as stunning on the outside as on the inside. After getting ready photos, we set up Brittany and her dad to have their first look photos right outside the front of the venue. Be prepared for a swell of emotion as you see your parents on your wedding day. It was such a sweet moment and a reminder to always have a handkerchief for the (inevitable) tears!
Outdoor Summer Wedding Ceremony at La Massaria At Bella Vista
Brittany and Eric’s summer wedding had a gorgeous french country feel, with a stunning palette of eucalyptus, gold, white, and just hints of orange and pink. They chose to have an unplugged ceremony, which meant guests could be fully present with them, and we wouldn’t have guests and their phones interfering with their precious wedding photos!
It was definitely a wedding ceremony worth being present during (as if there are any other kinds!) as the pastor was a friend of Brittany’s grandmother, and was incredibly meaningful. On top of that, the couple wrote their own vows and performed a unity sand ceremony, representing the two of them becoming one. Overall, the ceremony was filled with incredibly sweet and sentimental moments. By the end, everyone was ready to celebrate!
Wedding Party Photos!
Because Brittany and Eric chose not to have a first look, we chose to get a little creative with their wedding party photos! As wedding photographers, we are used to working on a tight timeline. Brittany and Eric wanted to attend (at least) some of their cocktail hour, which meant we had to work fast. Before the wedding ceremony, we took photos of Brittany and her bridal party, and Eric and his groomsmen, separately. After the ceremony, we took a few quick group photos with both sides of the wedding party, and spent the rest of the time focusing on Brittany and Eric’s wedding portraits. I’m happy to say, we finished up well before cocktail hour was over!
Stunning Summer Wedding Reception
Their gorgeous color palette carried through to their reception, with some classic and stunning wedding details. We made sure to capture them ALL. After their grand entrance, Brittany and Eric immediately went into their first dance as husband and wife. The entire evening had a very flowy, intimate vibe. It was filled with more dancing, toasts, and their live band kept things so much fun! As a wedding photographer, I often find a quiet spot to eat a vendor meal as quickly as possible but Brittany and Eric had spots at a table for us so we could enjoy the food “as guests” for part of the reception. I shouldn’t be surprised because the two of them are so incredibly thoughtful all of the time.
An Incredible Summer Wedding in Pennsylvania!
Like I said before, every time we head to Pennsylvania, it has been well worth the trip. I could not be happier for Brittany and Eric. Their love story is going to continue to get more and more incredible. I was so grateful they trusted me to capture their wedding day moments. When they initially reached out, they said they were excited for a night dancing and celebrating with their family and friends. They definitely understood the assignment. It was the most incredible summer wedding evening full of love and laughter that naturally represented their light-hearted vibe as a couple.
Shameless plug here: Att Mile Square Moments, we love to photograph love. If you and yours are looking for romantic & photo-journalistic wedding photos (with a bit of an editorial edge), we would love to be considered. You can learn more about our wedding photography packages here, or click the button below to book!
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Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography company in New Jersey. For more information on our packages (including a Photo/Video package with Murphy Studio), you can head to our services page here. As you can tell, we love getting to know each couple personally. You might be a MSM couple if you love a night in binge-watching Netflix, but you also aren’t afraid of a little PDA in photos. Currently planning a wedding in Hoboken, NJ or beyond? Get in touch here to inquire about our photography packages. Prefer Instagram? We love sharing fun love stories on Instagram. For more stunning venue inspiration in New Jersey, check out this stunning Antique Loft wedding.
