Gwen & Kevin’s Wedding Sneak Peeks

Warning, massive amount of delicious images ahead…

Above is the gorgeous venue for the Grand event.  So tell me, how cool is this?  The Wedding took place inside what used to be a church but is now the home of their very wonderful friends Louise & Jake.  Considering all the work put in over the years to turn this church into a home, it felt kind of ironic to see all the effort that had been put into changing the home back into a church again.  This only added to the immense charm of the venue and provides a really great background story.

Besties!

Party crashers beware…

The First Look

Suggesting a “First Look” to a newly engaged couple, usually gets an instant reaction of “No”, even before I can tout it’s many benefits.  But, not with Gwen & Kevin.  In fact they brought it up first!  That was the first of many signs that I knew I just scored an AWESOME WEDDING!

Their 1st look & the Bridal Portraits taken right afterwards was just out of this world in yumminess!!!

Photo above = Very Gwen & Kevinish.  They have perfected the art of hamming it up, and they do it with such conviction!

 

 

The Ceremony

To view more of my favorites from the first half of the Wedding, please click on the image below!  (That’s right, there is a part 2 on it’s way as well!)

Feel free to make a bowl of popcorn & enjoy, this is not a short viewing.

A very special thanks to Rebekah Grove for her wonderful assistance during this Wedding.

And a HUGE congrats to Mrs. Gwendolyn Soult & Mr. Kevin Case!

BTW Gwen Soult & her family own & run Wayside Acres which is a Dairy Goat Farm in Newport, PA.  They sell all Natural Goat’s milk from very happy Dairy Goats (I met a bunch of them and know for a fact, that they are very happy!).

Grace

Newport & Central PA Wedding Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

 

Vendors

Thanks to the phenomenal Vendors & Key People that worked together to create such an unforgettably kick butt day for Gwen & Kevin.

Photography Assistant: Rebekah Grove

Venue: Jake & Louise’s Estate of Longacre Farms

DJ & Music: Kraig Nace of Juke Box Hits

Cake: Wendi Saposnek of SweeTreats Cake Boutique

 

Gwen & Kevin’s Engagement Book | The Juicy Details | Newport Engagement & Wedding Photographer

Gwen ♥ Kevin | Newport Engagement Portraits

Kevin ♥ Gwen Teasers | Newport Engagement Photographer

Hope + Jon’s Wedding at Albright College | Reading Wedding Photographer

Laura & Matt Tie The Knot! | Sneak Peeks | Lancaster Wedding Photographer

Kate + Mark = Happily Ever After! | Wedding Sneak Peeks Part 1 | Palmyra Wedding Photographer

 

It was kind of ironic, the same time Megan was about to tie the knot with Lee, tropical storm Lee was tying knots of it’s own along the east coast.  Megan & her guests lucked out with The “Good”, I mean The ”Grrrrreat!!!” Lee, thank goodness!  And we all lucked out being that tropical storm Lee was still several days away from Central PA and as a result we celebrated this beautiful day with equally beautiful weather!

(Not Lee’s Bike, but it pleaded to be photographed.)

H A N D S O M E !!!

Meet Megan’s Dress…  I feel like it should have it’s own Facebook Page & Twitter account, and if it did it would have at least 100k fans & followers.  I can’t even begin to express how gorgeous this dress…  The beauty of how the luxurious details come together is complete perfection…  Her Mom was swooning when she tried to describe it to me during our venue tour a month prior to the Big Day.  And when I finally got to lay my eyes on it, I understood…

The thing is, as gorgeous as it is by itself, it elevates to an otherworldly level once Megan puts it on.  Sigh…

You are thinking “WOW so freaking GORGEOUS!”.  Oh my goodness… I can’t even begin to explain…

First Look…

Lee is thinking “WOW so freaking HOT!” as well as “I am the luckiest man in the world!!!” & “Oh my gosh, Megan in this Dress should have it’s own Facebook Page & Twitter account because I would definitely follow them!”.

We did it!!!!

The Wedding Party – Too cool for school

Awwww…. friends are the best!!!

Commentary not necessary…

I remember when I first met with Megan & Lee and we talked about the things that were the most important to the Them.  And on the very top of their list was Family.

At the beginning of the Reception, Megan gave the most touching, honest, from-the-heart ”Thank You” speech that expressed this so fully…  One of my favorite moments from the whole day…

Just… beautiful…

A huge congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Yoder & their Family!  May you fill the world with beautiful babies with hearts as equally beautiful as yours!  (Or at least have 1.) For more deliciousness, please click on the image below!

A huge thanks to the Marvelous Missy Zile for her assistance on this day.  Thank you so much for filling in, you did amazing!  (I had the honor of photographing Missy & Ben’s Wedding in October of 2009, so a very Happy recent 2nd Anniversary!)

And special thanks to the following Vendors who helped make this beautiful day possible!

Vendors

Photographer’s Assistance by Missy Zile <– If you are looking for gift ideas for the Holidays check out her site!

Venue + Catering by Susquehanna Vallery Country Club

Music by DJ C – Chris Snyder 570-847-8265

Flowers by Graceful Blossoms

Cake by Bella’s Bliss Bakery

Dress by Alfred Angelo

~ Grace

Susquehanna Valley Country Club Wedding Photographer & Central PA Wedding Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

Meet Nate!  This little munchkin is just the cutest!!!  And so is Sam!!  Who now gets to proudly wear the new title of “Big Bro”.  Not quite 2, Sam had the refreshing curiosity you would find in a happy toddler boy.  It was really cute to watch how he interacted with, observed & examined his little baby brother.  (My, what is that curious thing sticking out of his belly button?    )  And what an awesome model!  When asked to give Nate a kiss, he humored me every time!  Oh if these 2 only knew how much playing & fun is in store for them as they get older…  How wonderful to always have someone to play with!

I had the opportunity to chat & correspond with Amanda several times before our session and what a beautiful person she is inside & out.  Although I am sure her hands are quite full with 2 young boys, her heart is enormous enough for dozens more.  Just kidding!  (I am imagining Lance’s eyeballs growing wide at this statement)  Amanda radiates such warmth, love & pride when talking about her 3 favorite guys in her life.

So a big yellow birdie told me that Nate’s room is decorated in a vintage Sesame Street theme.  I bet it looks stunning just listening to some of the things Mom & Dad collected to pull the look together.  One of the items is an antique Philco record player/radio which they brought to the Session, complete with a treasure trove of old vinyl Sesame Street records.  (Wonderful, wonderful idea Amanda!)  We incorporated them into a few shots for some beautiful one of a kind vintage laced Sesame Street themed portraits which I envision to be the pièce de résistance in Nate’s nursery!

For more of this handsome little cookie monster & his beautiful Family, please click on the image below & enjoy!

And a warm welcome, despite the pre Halloween snow (crazy!), to Central PA.  I can only imagine the kind of impression that might be felt to someone who just moved to the area and had to deal with all of these unusual and extreme weather events.  I promise, it is a fluke, Central PA is usually way more relaxed than this.  =)

And thanks to the always amazing Jackie Malocu owner of Mark of Elegance Salon & Beautiful Dream Team Hairstyles & Makeup for fitting in a cut on short notice.  Love you doll!

Grace

Hummelstown Newborn Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

I have been photographing the Marshall Family ever since this adorable ball of energy, giggles & beautiful curls was snuggled inside her gorgeous Mommy’s belly.  And now she is 2!  Unbelievable!  It is just the cutest to hear her talk now with her cute little voice.  And I LOVE Hailey’s smile!  It is like her whole body is smiling and it makes me smile just looking at her’s!  And those beautiful curly locks… don’t get me started on those…

She inherits her curly locks from her stunning Mommy Leslie.  And I like to say that Leslie is one of the most beautiful people I know inside & out.  She has the brilliance, positivity & warmth of sunshine.  I adore her to pieces and feel so fortunate to have become friends with her over the years.

So how in the world can the Marshall Family become any more cuter or more awesome then they are?  Well… by getting the cutest puppy in the world of course!!!  The Marshall’s recently adopted this Autralian Shepherd AKA the sweetest little ball of fur!  And they said she is normally a handful but I find that hard to believe, she was such a good puppy!   I want one too!

For more of the Marshall Family, just click on the image below & enjoy!

Please leave a comment and let us know, did you smile as soon as you saw Hailey’s smile?  =)  Betcha did!

Grace

Mechanicsburg Family, Child & Pet Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

I was really excited to meet & photograph Chris.  I photographed Jordyn’s, Chris’s older Sister, Senior Portraits a couple of years ago and not only was she way cool, gorgeous, super athletic & sweet, her results turned out AWESOME!  I remember her Mom describing Chris even back then as an extremely social & popular kid.

So Chris describes himself as someone who gives 100% in everything he does and never gives up.  And by all accounts, he is also an amazing star athlete and involved in a huge variety of sports.  I knew a big personality was going to walk into my studio and I wanted to be sure that I was going to capture it so that it could be expressed in a not so subtle way.

I love it when people describe to me shots they would like to try out, especially when they talk in terms of lighting.  Even if they are not familiar with lighting, it shows that they can pick up on & appreciate how different lighting affects the feel & look of a shot.  I was impressed with how Chris described some of the more dramatic shots, low light shots he wanted to try out, especially for the sports shots.

Oh & BTW, the first time we tried to do Chris’s session, within 30 minutes, a crazy thunderstorm rolled through and we lost power in the studio. Usually if we lose power, it comes right back on within a minute, 15 minutes max. So I assured them we could wait it out. So here we are sitting around chatting in the dark, when my husband peeks into the studio and announces that one of the light poles nearby is on fire! Huh, really? So we ended up having to reschedule.  Chris’s Mom Aimee told me at the 2nd session that not only was the pole on fire but so was the road!!!

It is so refreshing to see someone Chris’s age living their life with so much confidence, determination & passion.  And not only that, he is such an incredibly nice guy!  For more sneak peeks from Chris’s Senior Session, please click on the image below!

- Grace

Halifax Senior Portrait Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

Meet Drew!  I was SOOO eager to meet this handsome little guy!  His stunning Mommy Erin styles our Family’s hair and we have gotten to know & adore her and her Family over the years.  As her due date was coming closer, I was of course checking in regularly on Facebook for any news of Baby Drew’s arrival.  When he did arrive, the masses of “Yay!!!!!” & “Congrats!!!!” posted on her wall were deafening!  This is one very celebrated little boy =)

And what a lucky little guy to be born into such a loving & close knit Family…  I hear Chloe is an amazing big Sister.

Congrats Erin, Matt & Chloe!!!

For more of Drew and his gorgeous Family please click on the cuteness below!

- Grace

Camp Hill Newborn & Family Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

I simply adore Kate & Mark, they are not only so sweetly lovable, but I love how they throw traditions to the wind to make things fit to what is important and special to them.  And Family is definitely one of those things that is deeply important to Kate & Mark.  And how could it not?  They have such an amazingly close, loving, fun and really awesome Family!  So instead of going with just an Engagement Session, they asked if I would instead provide coverage for their Wedding Rehearsal & Dinner.  Well of course I would!  And BTW, I wasn’t about to let them off the hook with Engagement Portraits that easy…

Since this was mostly photo journalistic coverage, it was difficult to narrow down which ones would make it into this post since it was important that they did tell at least some of the story of that evening.  Enjoy!

The rehearsal was the day before the BIG DAY (which I can’t wait to share photos from!!!)!  The rehearsal dinner was scrumptiously catered.  My mouth literally starts to water whenever I look at the food photos…  And Mark the Groom gave such a moving toast during dinner… I know heart sizes grew tremendously from it…

- Grace

Palmyra Engagement & Wedding Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

Two of the most sweetest & amazing people on Earth have united in Wedded Bliss to create one of the most incredible Couples known to mankind.  I am not kidding you!

Laura & Matt enjoyed one of the most important days & celebrations of their lives this past June, surrounded by loved ones, at the charmingly gorgeous Riverdale Manor in Lancaster, PA.

And I am just so excited to be sharing some Sneak Peeks from that day!

If you want to know what true love really looks like, you need not look much further…

We’d love to hear your comments so pretty please leave one if you enjoyed this post!  If at least 20 people leave a comment, we will give this awesome couple a free 5×7.  And if at least 40 people leave a comment, we will upgrade it to an 8×10!

- Grace

Lancaster Wedding Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

A special thanks to my assistant Jaime Thebes.  And the following vendors that worked so hard to make the day so beautiful & memorable.

Venue & Catering | Riverdale Manor

DJ | Christopher Garrett of Mixed Up Productions (Click to view their video from Matt & Laura’s Wedding)

Florist | Petals with Style

Cake | Bella Manse

Hair & Make Up | Beautiful Dream Team

Officiant | The Reverend Andrea Minick Rudoph

Videographer | Robert Manning | 570.648.9842

 Happy 4th of July everyone!  In addition to the food, fun, festivities & fireworks, we are thankful and celebrating our freedoms which so many have fought & died for and that we are well aware that others less fortunate in this world still do today. 

One of our favorite 4th of July photos at one of our favorite places in the US, Cape May, New Jersey…

And one of our sweetest…

Happy Independence Day!

- Grace

Central PA Portrait & Wedding Photographer |  Cape May Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography

Once upon a time Melanie started a new job.  That is when she first laid eyes on Dave.  After that very first day of working together, she announced to her friend that she was going to marry Dave.  And so it came beautifully true… Dave just didn’t have a chance, and from what I gather there was very little resistance

And this is where I make up what I believe happens next…  After becoming Mr. & Mrs. and enjoying married life for a while, Melanie announces ”I am going to have the cutest, happiest little baby boy ever!  He is going to have his Dad’s eyes and my hair.  He is going to expand our definition of love & happiness & open the door to new and amazing adventures.  And we will love him to pieces…”.  And so it came beautifully true…

And Grant is such an amazingly handsome and happy little guy!  He could easily be the face of “The Happiest Baby on the Block”.  Grant just enjoyed his very first birthday this past month!  And what a perfect way to celebrate this most wonderful time in this Family’s life…

For more of Grant & his 2 most favorite people in the world, please click on the image below!

Enola Family Photographer | Grace Lightner Photography