I love engagement sessions because they always give me a chance to get to know my clients on a more personal level prior to the actual wedding day. Angela and Isidro were among the first whose weddings I shot without an engagement session, and it was a strange feeling walking in and meeting Angela for the first time already half “bride-d” — hair done, veil on and still in comfy’s. She seemed particularly nervous as well, but it was, after all, her wedding day.

She ran upstairs for a quick change while I waited in the lobby of the little Inn where she was staying in Reading, PA, for her to finish up. When she came down, her beautiful long gown with red accents was stunning, and I held her up just one extra minute to sit for the quicky bridal portrait we had originally planned on, but now really didn’t have time for. I only had time for probably 10 clicks before I was forced to send her to her chariot.

When we arrived at the venue, I was ushered into a very dark room by Wedding Planner Danielle Pasternak www.52Productions.com, where Angela and the other female members of her wedding party were waiting for the ceremony to begin. I took advantage of the opportunity for just one more quicky bridal portrait. After editing it, I’m all bubbly inside at the thought of my first vintage-style photo!

In what seemed like no time at all the ceremony had begun and Angela’s father was lifting her veil and giving her away. It was an especially emotional moment for her sister and Maid of Honor who can be found in the background of this photo.

As the ceremony progressed, the tally of crying people quickly rose… It actually became hard to keep from crying myself taking pictures of them all!

Bride…

Groom…

I had also noticed these gorgeous double doors as we entered the chapel and made it a point to back up at some point and get a shot like this one.

The couple’s first kiss was a combination first kiss/hug.

Shortly after the ceremony, there was a moment where people gathered before moving to the reception hall. I saw the couple’s brand new baby slung over the groom’s shoulder and caught an image of the cute little guy.

We took the group formals and then focused on getting some shots of Angela and Isidro together. This spiral staircase was breathtaking! I walked up and down it and made a pouty face because there was a giant tree plant exactly where I wanted the couple to stand. Night-in-shining-armor Isidro thankfully removed the pesky foliage and I was able to get my perfect shot of the couple at the base of the stairs.

We then headed over to a local water museum and took a few shots on the bridge there, which was conveniently also red.

And one under a nearby tree… Doesn’t Angela look just lovely here?

The reception began and, forget the couple, these three little munchkins were tearing up the dance floor like it was the best day of THEIR lives!

During the father/daughter dance, the bride’s father twirled her around the dance floor…

Then it was the groom’s turn… I love the emotion in this photo. The entire day you could just REALLY tell how much these two loved each other. I have to give my hubby credit, he joined me casually for this wedding for the first time and this shot was all him.

I loved this dance-happy reception, and while Angela and her sister seemed to be having quite the time coming up with new dance moves …

I think Isidro struck even higher on the fun-o-meter while searching for the garter.

To the new happy husband and wife: I feel very privileged to have been part of such a special occasion in your lives and wish you and your little plus one all the strength and joy that marriage has to offer!