Category Archives: WEDDING
ANNOUNCING OUR WEDDING WORKSHOP 2013
Well friends….we are planning. AND oh, we are excited.
I have been shooting wedding for 6 years now. When I first started….weddings would make me sick on my stomach! I was so SCARED! The whole week leading up to wedding I would fret and worry and stress. Like…what if I really messed and missed the first kiss? What if the bride didn’t like the photos? What in the WORLD was I doing saying ‘Yes, I would love to photograph your wedding?!!’ Me? I mean, weddings are a BIG DEAL. Like no second chances. No room for mistakes. Ah, yes. I was SO scared of photographing weddings. But we all learn. We all start somewhere. And there is nothing wrong with that. Part of the journey, my friends. As my dad would say, “That is how we learn”.
And learn I did! I learned how to set myself up for success on a wedding day. I learned how to come up with a game plan for a wedding day…and not just wing it! I learned how to organize and shoot the family and bridal party photos quickly. I learned what to do when I needed to shoot midday in the bright sun. Or in a dark church. How to shoot wedding details and create pretty ‘getting ready’ photos…even is that is in a Sunday school room. I learned how to be intentional about TELLING THE STORY of the wedding day.
And most importantly, how to look fear in the face and say…”Oh no, you are not having the final say here.’
We learn. Today is feels so nice to walk into a wedding day with confidence….I know I did it before, I can do it again. Yes, it still is a lot of hard work and it requires a lot of energy and preparation…but I does not scare me to death anymore.
SO FRIENDS…we want to meet you…collaborate with you…spend the day with you! Share with you a little but of ourselves. Give you the tools needed to successfully shoot a wedding day.
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ANNOUNCING OUR 2013 WEDDING WORKSHOP!!!
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*Credit for the this graphic goes to MARGO, our awesome intern. You will meet her soon! Can you believe she hand drew that design…then scanned..and well, I was lost after that.;)*
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This workshop will be a one-day intensive workshop with the CHAR team focusing on equipping you with all you need for successfully shooting a wedding. The workshop will cover coming up with a game plan for the big day, shooting the wedding details and getting ready photos, organizing and posing the family and bridal party photos quickly, bride and groom portraits, utilizing ALL types light…even if that is bright midday sun or dark churches, shooting for variety, simplifying the editing workflow, marketing, establishing your style, setting goals, and overcoming fear. You are guaranteed to go home inspired and ready to take your business to the next level!
The fun-filled day includes a full styled photo shoot by our stylists, GRACE and Karen. If they are doing the styling? You know it will be STELLAR. For a sneak peek into what Grace is planning, go HERE. In addition, there will be hands on training, plenty of Q&A, as well as an opportunity for one-on-one conversation.
FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO GRAB YOUR SEAT, GO HERE!
Don’t miss the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL and you chance to win a FREE SEAT. See you in June! :)
2012 BRIDES:)
*Before I get started…little side-note, Due to the amazing support of all you fine folk, we are going to have one FULL house on January 31st! We are no longer accepting additional workshop attendees. Preparations are being made and we cannot wait to meet everybody that is coming! Keep in mind, we have another workshop planned for February…and this one will be more in depth. If you are interested, please get in touch at info@charphotography.com for details.*
Okay….looking back….:)
Aaaah, the fun of looking back. Being it is January, I am thinking about this coming year. What, who, how, why…. I have also been looking back. Reading what I wrote in my journal at the beginning of 2012. It is amazing how a person changes in a year. Changes can be so gradual, we barley notice them….until we look back to where we were a year ago. Or two. I find I learn a lot about myself when I look back. Did I act on things I said I was going to….or were they just words? Did I grow in the areas I wanted to grow in? Would I want to live another year similar to the past…if not, why? What am I going to do about that? Looking back……:)
My 2012 brides….you are fabulous. I have become a better person because you invited me into your lives. My perspective on life, people, relationships, and laughter is deeper, bigger, wider and richer because of you. And for this I am so grateful.
Starting from most recent…here are the fabulous 2012 brides (and grooms:)….
My little sister’s wedding….CRYSTAL + ANDREW
Just cause I love this photo…my three little men.:)
Love bridesmaids! Always so fun to photograph a bunch of laughing girlfriends.
One of my favorite flower girl shots…
ALLISON + BRENT (photographed with Jeremy)
2012 brides….thank-YOU.
CHARLOTTE + BUCK’S WEDDING :: WINTERTIME PLUM AND PINECONE LOVELINESS
She smiles. And the whole room lights up. She embodies genuine kindness. So pretty and so unassuming at the same time. Him? Country boy that would do anything for his little lady. ;) These two are the sweetest ever and I felt so incredibly blessed to witness who they are together. Charlotte and Buck…you two are an inspiration. Thank-you for inviting me to document your day. Here is to you and many beautiful years.
Thank-you LARRY and HALEY for working with me AND being so awesome.
See Charlotte and Buck’s slide-show HERE.
This is Charlotte and Buck on their wedding day…surrounded by family and friends and so much love.
Enjoy their wedding day story…
Sister and mother helping Charlotte….
The aaaaah moment…this is happening. For real? Let me grab a picture…;)
Just gorgeous…
Charlotte had Buck’s ring engraved as a surprise for him….”Country boy, you have my heart.”
I love that Charlotte stitched their initials and date onto her stockings!
Photos of grandmothers. Details….aaaah, they make a wedding day so special!
First looks are the best!
Buck, looking so good!
And the kiss! Under the mistletoe, that is.
Daddy and daughter…
Little bit of celebrating does the heart good….;)
“This is our night and this starts you and I forever, baby.”
KATIE + BRANDON :: BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE WEDDING AND CORK FACTORY RECEPTION
The sky was gray and the breeze carried a chill. Back winding, narrow country roads, rolling hills as far as the eye can see, miles of board rail fence, with a tumbling creek….in the middle God’s county, stood a little white chapel with a cross on top. It was here. The beginning of one of life’s truest love stories. A perfect fit. She makes him smile and he makes her feel like no one else ever has. We documented them. And all that they are together.
Katie and Brandon…your day. Sigh. Twas divine. You two? Just lovely. Thank-you for inviting us to be part of your day.
See the slide show HERE.
I will let the images tell their story…
Just gorgeous. Love, love the lace detail.
The flowers were beautiful. Brides, if you want flowers that feel organic, natural, vibrant, free flowing, ‘just picked’….in a really good way, with lots of detail…then you much check out SANDRA. Oh her work, is spot on. Just gorgeous.
Katie carried a family heirloom pearl clutch.
All the pretty ladies! Such pretty detail on their dresses.
Sisters….:)
Brandon and the guys looking good.
Wreath designed by Sandra…
Being the flower girl is a lot of pressure…:)
We played with lighting for a few at the The Cork Factory.
ANDREA totally set up this shot and I love the results.
Touching moment after a speech by the father of the bride.
Forever and always. Amen.
SHARON + HANS ARE MARRIED!
Wahoo! Sharon and Hans are MARRIED!
She’s a business consultant from Brooklyn, New York and He’s is a Doctor in Alaska. Together, I am thinking, they make a dynamic pair. Genuine, down to earth, and just perfect together. I have known Sharon for years…in fact, our friendship goes WAY back to boy crushes and youth group activities. Whew, long time ago. It is so fun photographing a wedding day when I was able to watch the journey leading up to the big day. Sharon and Hans….thank-you allowing me to photograph your day! Here is to YOU, all you are, and many blessed years doing life side by side.
Thank-you to Janae and Larry from Weaver Images for working with me! :)
Sharon and Hans, check out your slideshow HERE.
Sharon, you look gorgeous.
A favorite.
And another.
Girlfriends! Love the rich fall colors.
Sharon requested a “Christmas Brunch” photo. We all go back almost 20 years (oh my goodness, that makes me sound SO old). It is a standing tradition….meeting over the holidays for a brunch. That is about the only time we see each other and it is always so good to catch up. It was fun to be together again to celebrate Sharon’s day with her!
STACEY + DUSTIN :: CENTRAL PA LAKESIDE WEDDING
Stacey and Dustin are married!
Two weeks ago Andrea and I had the opportunity to be part of Dustin and Stacey’s wedding day. Farmhouse, twinkle lights in the barn, farm pond, horses, lemonade in mason jars, hayride, lots of lemons and limes, and a friendly farm cat. And plenty of friends, family, laughter, and love. So much to love about this day. Stacey and Dustin are so sincere and kind and it was such a privilege to be there.
Stacey and Dustin. Thank-you. For inviting us to be part of your day. You guys are awesome and I am blessed to know you. CONGRATS.:)
See their slideshow HERE.
Here’s their story…:)
So gorgeous, Stacey!
Ready! And looking good.
First look. Aaaah, yes.
Girlfriends!
They insisted. Boys will be boys. :)
What a gorgeous view from the ceremony.
Oh my goodness, this makes me smile. This handsome ring-bearer was seriously concentrating during prayer.
We had a hay ride! So fun!
So many lovely details.
The bride and groom glasses…perfection:)
Twas a lovely night. Indeed!
MY LITTLE SISTER’S WEDDING :: CRYSTAL AND ANDREW ARE MARRIED!
You will need to bear with me. This is going to be one long post. But you see, it is my sister’s wedding. And I cannot help myself. I want to show you everything. She was so beautiful. The sun was so warm. The sky so blue. The laughter so happy. The joy so tangible. The dancing so jolly. The hugs so tight. The food so good. It was my sister’s wedding day….let me tell you the story with pictures. It was a perfect wedding day for my little sister. You will see.
I admit, I was torn between my role as a bridesmaid and wanting to go crazy with my camera. So, I kinda did both. A little, at least. I photographed parts of the day when my role as a bridesmaid was not involved. Andrea and Jamie rocked their cameras and many of the photos you will see here are their images. Thank-YOU Andrea and Jamie!
To see Crystal and Andrew’s wedding even more than this post, see the slideshow HERE.
Together these two are adventure, life, and laughter! Crystal and Andrew….here is to you and ALL you are together. Love you both dearly. :)
The day took place at Tulpehocken Manor & Estate.
The was gorgeous. The whole week was. On the morning of her wedding, Crystal posted on her Facebook wall…”Today… I get married! And it’s a perfect beautiful day. It’s like all of heaven is rejoicing!” :) Yup.
We started off right with bacon and banana pancakes on the patio. :)
The DRESS. Ok, let me tell you just a little about this dress. Crystal and a seamstress worked together to design this dress. Each piece of fabric was tea dyed to a ‘just right’ golden hue. Each piece of lace was carefully selected and then placed on the dress. This dress was designed to be all about texture, whimsy, organic. It was a series of fittings, tweaking, adjusting, tea dying some more…until PERFECTION. The entire process was so Crystal. So pretty.
Crystal and details get along quite well. Details make Crystal’s eyes sparkle. She made each of the bridesmaids our very own personal hanger.
Groomsmen attire.:)
In many ways, everybody had a part in the day…it was family and friends coming together all adding there piece. See the Crystal’s head piece on the left? Our brother Daryl made this for her.
GRACE pampered. And did makeup. :)
Little sister Amber writing a note for the bride.
We knew our mother was watching from heaven. Oh how she would have loved to be part of the day. I know she would have beamed and have been so very proud. Crystal’s ‘something blue’ was a piece of fabric from our mother’s wedding dress. Yes, our mother’s wedding dress was blue. :) Tacked inside Crystal’s dress just above her heart. :)
So lovely.
AND, the man of the day…Andrew. This man treats my little sister like a queen. For real. I think he would do almost anything for her. Nothing too high or too far for this man….you name, he will go for it at all possible. Yup, I approve. :)
First look…
Pure joy. Most of the day, Crystal either had her head back laughing or was grinning at Andrew. Andrew, well he was quite smitten. ;)
The Manor’s old car was fun to have as part of the day.
She glowed. For real.
All the handsome fellows.
This is our brother, Daryl. He did ALL the flowers. Nope, he is not a florist. Just really good at anything he wants to be good at at. He did all the boutonnieres, bouquets, and reception centerpieces.
Crystal wanted a very natural-untamed-wildflower-thrown together-just picked from the garden feel to the bouquets.
Me and my sisters:)
And our family.
Ok, can I brag for a minute?? These our my babies….oh my, melt my heart looking so handsome in their bow ties and suspenders.
My family.:)
Mr Adler.
Almost time to walk the aisle. Reading a letter from Andrew…
Final touches.
Riley was the ring bear. The rings were carried on our mother’s Bible. Sunflowers were her favorite flower.
Dad and Crystal.
SO happy.
Loved Crystal’s flowers.
Adler, Riley, and cousin Lincoln were the ring bearers.
Festivities included yard games such as croquet, bocce ball, and yard sized checkers.
Photo booth.:)
Andrew made the checkers game!
Andrew made the flower boxes for the tables from old barn wood. Daryl filled them with flowers. Many of the flowers and all of the hens and chicks were cut from our family’s back yards.
Bridal table and flannel shirt ready to go for later in the evening.:)
Just cause I think he is cute.;)
The smores fixings.
Tabitha, our sister-in-law, did a fantastic job designing the candy station.
So pretty.
All of the dishes used on the dessert table were borrowed from aunts and our Grandma. In fact, one of the cake stands used was a wedding gift to our Grandma at her wedding! The blue chickens are from our Grandma’s collection…she has a whole cabinet full of them!
Aaaah, love the lighting.
See the wooden dance floor? Made by Andrew with their names and date carved in the middle. Yup, labor of love this man did to give his bride her dream wedding.
And the night was finished off with dancing under the stars. Square dancing to be exact!
And a little line dancing too. :)
At that is my little sister and her wedding day. Sigh. :)
ASHLEY + ED :: INN AT LEOLA VILLAGE WEDDING
It was a beautiful cloudy day…the air was warm and soft….to celebrate Ashley and Ed. Surrounded by loving family members and friendships that go way back, these two said their vows to each other and began life together. Ashley and Ed choose to get married at The Inn at Leola Village. Such a pretty venue!
Ashley and Ed, thank-YOU for inviting me to be part of your wedding day. What an honor! You two…just fit. Perfectly! :) See your slideshow HERE.
Andrea and Anna worked with me on this wedding day…and what a fun day it was!
Shoes with a little spice…:)
Ashley…you were a gorgeous bride!
Sweet first look.
Love this shot by Andrea!
Abby, you are lovely. :) Abby’s senior photos was one of the first seniors I photographed and the family has been such a support to me and the business ever since. To be asked again by the family…for a wedding, at that…is humbling and one of the biggest compliments ever.
Just married….
Ashley and Ed…here is to you and many beautiful years together! Much appreciation.
RACHEL + DION’S WEDDING :: CENTRAL PA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Rachel and Dion are married! And what a beautiful day it was. Take two beautiful people…inside and out, charisma, and genuine kindness….and you have Rachel and Dion. Surrounded by friends that adored them and family that would do anything for them, these two lovebirds celebrated life, love, relationships, and the big beautiful future. Rachel and Dion both attended Princeton University and they choose to have their wedding at a church on Princeton University campus. What a gorgeous campus!
Rachel and Dion, thank-you. You radiate light and life and it was beautiful to see through the lens. It was an honor to be part of something so amazing.
Special Thank-you to Jeremy and Janae for being so incredible to work with.
See Rachel and Dion’s slideshow HERE.
Makeup done by a best friend. :)
Big day for mother and daughter both….
Rachel’s clutch and earrings were heirlooms from her grandmother.
Simple and so lovely.
Rachel and Dion planned a First Look in the little chapel. :)
Mmmm, I felt like a kid in a candy store with all the beautiful locations and photo opportunities on this campus.
All the lovely ladies…:)
Looking good!
Rachel and her father…this was one of the most beautiful and touching Father and Daughter dance I have ever witnessed.
Here is to FOREVER. :)
KRISTIE + SAM’S WEDDING :: CENTRAL PA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kristie and Sam are beautiful people through and through! They crossed paths at age 12 and 13 and well, ….it’s pretty much history from there. They are honestly two of the sweetest people and their love is evident to anyone that knows them. Who they are was written all over every detail that graced the wedding. As always, I felt so honored to be able to document every piece of it. The weather was gorgeous and the day was perfect.
Kristie and Sam…you are the best. Thank-YOU for inviting me to be part of your day. Here is to you guys and a million blessings. :)
A special thank-you to Tara and also Jeremy from Jeremy Bischoff Photography for working with me!
See the slideshow HERE.
Enjoy their day….
So very gorgeous you were, Kristie.
Mother daughter moments are some of my favorites…
Proud daddy…
Kristie’s little sister:)
Girlfriends!
Making the fence look good, we are.:)
THE MOMENT.
Beanbags that matched the wedding!
Lovely details…
“This is the beginning of something really good. Yes, it is.”









































































































































































































































































































































































































