Trash that dress!

I often get the look of horror when brides (and their mothers) look at my pricing list and see the option for a "Trash the Dress" session. For those of you who missed the Today Show this morning or who have not heard of this new trend, let me explain. A "Trash the Dress" session (aka TTD), is a post wedding session for the bride, or bride and groom, where new locations and poses can be used that no girl would ever consider prior to showing off her spotless gown at the wedding. The actual 'trashing' of the dress can be as minor or extravagant as the bride wants and the experience is a great chance to put that dress on one more time and really show it off.

Danielle didn't get the bridal portraits that she dreamed of from her wedding a year ago, so she contacted me to do a TTD session. We had a great time exploring my favorite nooks and crannies of down town along with the great rustic elements of Central PA.

It was so hard to narrow it down to just a few teasers!

Recipe to kill a duck

Take two adorable dogs, combine with two even more adorable boys, add a pinch of mom and what do you get? One PSU duck that will forever be scarred by the memory of almost being puppy chow. Wednesday I had the extreme pleasure of taking family photos at the Alumni Gardens. The weather was beautiful and the family a treat to work with. It has been a while since my last family photo session, but I think my roots are still strong.

Sealed with a kiss

Lindsay and I have gotten to know each other well over the past few months. Through the engagement session to her secret Boudoir session and all the e-mails in between we built a friendship that I hope will last well beyond the wedding album design.

Lindsay and Justin got married in McVeytown on a warm, sunny day surrounded by family and friends. Their ceremony was heartfelt and sealed with a dramatic kiss - those military men really know how to put on a show!

I hope you enjoy the teasers as much as I enjoyed the wedding!

Sweet Emotions

This past weekend I was able to be a part of a very special wedding - that of my baby brother. I am not an overly emotional person when it comes to weddings - in fact until last weekend I have never cried at a wedding, but watching my brother fight back tears through his smile as he watched his wife walk down the aisle to him was more than my tear ducts could handle.

This is a couple that do not hold back their love for one another or their love for God. The wedding contained not only the traditional readings, but also hand written vows, worship music and an opportunity for them to wash each other's feet. They stood barefoot on holy ground and were pronounced man and wife.

Jon, I am so proud of you; and Erica, my sister, I love you with all my heart.

Not a Wedding

That is right, this post is not about a wedding - but rather two completely adorable children. There is something magical about photographing children in a natural setting. Capturing them as they explore the world around them and seeing the joy that they have when at play. A simple flower garden or a run down swing set are transformed through a child's smile into something more captivating, something more delightful, simply something more.

Something Blue...

There may have been blue skies and blue dresses, but there were no blue moods in July when Mandy and Adam tied the knot. If you are looking for a rustic reception, check out General Potter's Farms (known to many, or at least to me, as the recent Henry and Co. red barn). The barn can hold quite a few guests, provides ample space for dancing, and the combination of natural light with the strung twinkle lights made for gorgeous images. All in all, this was a laid back wedding with natural charm and a couple who know how to let loose - I wish I had video of the groom going after the garter! Now will someone please tell the groomsmen that my name is not 'Kodak Kerry'?

Details, Details

Antique lace, porcelain pitchers, and English gardens were just a few of the details that set Jessica and Al's wedding apart as unique. Using lottery tickets as seating cards and hanging boxers to denote the bathroom facilities, this couple knew just how to infuse the right amount of fun into their timeless reception. They also opened my eyes to a new venue located in Lemont. The Lemont Granary and Village Green served as the backdrop and not even torrential downpours could keep the smiles away.