I officially became Andrea and Don’s wedding photographer back in September, 2010. We never had the chance to meet before the wedding, and up until two months ago she was one of my most quiet clients; I practically never heard from her! Then all of a sudden she contacted me with an amazing story to share. Since first trying on her wedding dress, Andrea had lost a total of 60lbs! I was so happy for her, and in celebrating with her, I felt like that was when our relationship first really started to form. After that, I heard from Andrea all of the time, and I felt like I was truly part of her wedding-planning process. It’s been a pleasure getting to know her better and the more I did the more clear it became what a wonderful, sweet person she is.

When I first arrived at Andrea’s for some getting ready photos, the first thing I noticed was that she looked absolutely AMAZING! The second thing I noticed, was that unlike most couples who choose a peacock wedding theme, she didn’t just pick it for the pretty color scheme; she truly loved peacocks! In fact, most of her house was painted in the peacock colors, and she had ceramic peacocks and other memorabilia, some of which I make good use of for the detail shots where possible.

Besides the details, Andrea made sure we had some time to capture a few solo shots of her in the dress. Again, I just can’t say how wonderful she looks… she didn’t just pay for these photos, she EARNED them!

The ceremony was a full traditional Mass at St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church. Andrea’s original priest got sick right before the wedding, but her wonderful replacement actually ended up being one of the most photographer-friendly priests I’ve met! He actually came up to me before the mass and said “Are you the official photographer for the event?” I said “Yes,” and braced myself for what was to come next. To my surprise he said, “No restrictions, let me know if you need anything.” Wow!

The ceremony was an emotional one. Not only did the parents of the bride-and-groom have a heart-wrenching reaction, in one beautiful moment, Andrea wiped a tear from Don’s cheek and so became my favorite shot of the day.

The couple made their grand exit and I got a few shots during the receiving line.

After getting the formals out of the way, we headed over to Moffat Estate in Moscow, PA, to take Bridal Party/Bride-and-Groom Photos. Andrea and I worked so hard to choose just the right location for photos, and then two things surprised us; 1.) it RAINED! (they were seriously not calling for rain), and 2.) Moffat Estate – our indoor location – was in a complete state of disarray! There was NO furniture and cardboard boxes EVERYWHERE. Even still, I was counting our lucky stars we had even chosen someplace indoors at all and looking at the final photos (some after a lot of Photoshopping, haha), I can’t believe how well it all worked out!

Then, there was the reception, and OH MY GOSH, the RECEPTION! I’ll never forget these unbelievably elegant vintage-baroque peacock details…

Andrea only had about an hour and a half of reception coverage total, but she was willing to do all of the major events back to back in the last 15 minutes before I was scheduled to leave. After that, the DJ called everyone out on the dance floor and low and behold, this was one of the liveliest receptions I’d seen! Andrea, Don, her guests, and her DAD, Frank – who I quickly got to know and love, haha – were a total BLAST! I did NOT want to leave. In just the 15 extra minutes I stayed, Andrea got more amazing dance shots than I have gotten at some receptions I’ve covered from start to finish!

To Andrea and Don: thank you so, so much for having me at your wedding! You truly made me feel like a guest, and part of the wonderful celebration that was your special day. You two are a fun, sweet couple and clearly share the same awesome sense of humor, which is enough to get you through anything life throws your way. That and anyone who can agree to do their reception entrance to the Rocky soundtrack is okay by me! Congrats again you two!

Second Shooter: Jim Heine
Venue: Colarussos LaPalazzo, Moosic, PA
Photo Location: Moffat Estate, Moscow, PA