wedding, bride and groom, the mill at manor falls, millersville pa,

There are seasons to life. Seasons to work, and seasons to play. Seasons to laugh, and seasons to cry. We had the pleasure of shooting Alex and Jackie’s engagement pictures and their wedding photos in the same location in two drastically different seasons. Their engagement photos were taken last summer when it was extremely hot, and we needed to take a break every 20 minutes or so to cool off under some shade or in a building. In contrast, their wedding took place in the middle of November when the weather was decidedly colder. They had blankets as you entered the ceremony area because it was so windy and cold. The blankets were a really great touch, by the way, and definitely got used. Through it all, through the hot and the cold, there was one thing that was constant. Alex and Jackie could not have been happier being together. The different seasons that we get in central Pennsylvania can certainly pose a challenge for photography at times, but at least they come with a pattern. Fall always follows summer. There’s a consistency, an ability to plan… there’s even a sort of informal dress code. The seasons in life are unfortunately, without pattern. Life comes in waves, with the good sometimes building up like a tidal wave, covering everything up with so much joy and love that you can’t even imagine anything else. Sometimes it is not so great. In both times the best advice I can give is that you find that one person who is willing to be with you through the highs and lows, the ups and the downs, the good and the bad, and hang on for everything you’re worth. The bad times become bearable, and the good times become so much better, which I hope you can catch a glimpse of through Alex and Jackie’s beaming smiles and contagious laughter.

Alex and Jackie got married at The Mill at Manor Falls in Millersville, PA, one of my favorite venues. We started the day with details, like usual, and Jackie’s details were simply perfect. From the custom wooden ring box and the sweet little charm on her bouquet to her gorgeous flowers and her stunning dress! Oh, and I can’t forget the juxtaposition of her fancy shoes and her “Bride” Converse All Stars. Way to be both cute and comfy, Jackie!! I love when brides incorporate special family items that mean a lot to them and also are able to show their personality. Jackie did just that, and it was awesome :) Obviously, the groom details are typically a lot simpler since there’s not usually a whole lot to photograph, but I gotta say, Alex’s purple tie and “groom” sunglasses were pretty fun too.

After all the getting ready, it was time for the First Looks. Yes, I said Looks, as in more than one. Jackie had not one, not two, but three First Looks, and they were all fantastic. First, there was the one with her bridesmaids, who were so cute. And then there was the First Look with Jackie and her dad, which was so sweet. From his proud reaction and his thumbs up of approval to their emotional hug, you could tell Jackie is very much still her daddy’s little girl. Finally, it was time for Alex and Jackie to have their moment together. They first wanted to have a quiet “no-look” moment where they held hands around the barn door. And then it was time for Alex to see his bride! Following their First Look, Alex and Jackie exchanged gifts and then got ready for the ceremony! Despite the cold, they were determined to keep the ceremony outside, so I was very glad we brought hand warmers. Side note, when the weather is cold, rest assured, we always bring extra Hot Hands along for the bride and groom and bridal party to make sure they stay warm enough during portrait time :) And I’m also thankful for the officiant, who made a last minute decision to drastically shorten his message when he realized how cold everyone would be if they had to sit through a long ceremony. After quickly wrapping up family pictures and doing a few more “just married” pictures with Jackie and Alex, we all headed inside to warm up and get the reception started!

Enjoy this little recap of Alex and Jackie’s beautiful wedding day, it was such a pleasure getting to document it for them!