I was very lucky to book Renae and Shamus for their late October wedding at the Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA, as Renae is actually a blogger bride for a popular wedding website/forum called, “It’s a Bride’s Life!”
For those of you who aren’t familiar, the site’s bloggers are among a very few carefully selected brides responsible for the blogs posted daily on the site’s homepage. Of the hundreds who must apply, only a few are accepted and active based on their awesome personalities and exceptional ability to convey a unique and upbeat message through writing. Having gotten to know Renae a bit during our last couple of sessions together, “exceptional” is actually just the word for her, and I’ve been so grateful to have her as one of my 2011 brides!
Renae’s day started at the Woodloch Springs Resort Community, where Renae and Shamus got ready in separate townhouses. I covered the girls, while Sean headed over to capture some shots of the boys.
I think Sean had a pretty good deal covering quite possibly the cutest ring bearer ever and the couples’ two dogs as well – who doesn’t just love pictures of puppies and babies!? Oh yeah, and the groom wasn’t so bad either 😉
Being avid followers of my “Wedding Tip Wednesday” tips for brides, the couple decided to take a great deal of my advice, including opting for a “first look,” which we did on the nearby grounds at the Woodloch Resort. Afterwards, Renae had a second “first look” with her and Shamus’ two pups, and Sean was able to capture her priceless expression.
As per Wedding Tip Seven, haha, Renae and Shamus decided to travel just a short five minutes to a nearby watermill for some bride-and-groom photo time just before the wedding. Things were running a bit late, so it was a tight squeeze on time but Sean and I managed to get some really nice shots of this beautiful couple before heading over to the ceremony site. Great location choice Renae!
Out of nowhere it seemed the temperature dropped 10 more degrees on an already very cool day. As guests slowly filtered out to brave the cold in anticipation of the ceremony, the officiant conducted something called a “ring warming” where the rings were passed around in a small red bag for the couples’ guests to hold and say a prayer for Renae and Shamus’ lifelong happiness as a married couple.
The ceremony was beautiful, with a lovely fall theme and a rose-petal exit!
After the ceremony, bride, groom, bridal party and guests alike literally BOLTED back to the warmth of the indoors, only to have Sean and I drag them back out into the cold for their family formals and bridal party photos – fast as we could shoot them!
The reception hall was decorated in an afternoon-luncheon feel, and the view of the Fall leaves out the window of the resort was second to none.
After an awesome first dance as husband and wife, the best man and maid of honor gave some extremely heart-wrenching speeches. The second the best man lost his composure recalling what an amazing and dedicated guy Shamus is, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
People danced in celebration, and I must say, there were a few guests in the mix who could really bust a move! I can’t wait to share Tim Robinson’s video of the Thriller Solo!
To Renae & Shamus: Thank you both so much for having us be part of your day! You are some of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, and working with you has been a pleasure from day one. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to have as clients or friends!
Second Shooter: Sean Brimhall
Venue: Woodloch Resort
Engagement Session: Longwood Gardens
Videographer: Tim Robinson
DJ: Joel Miller