I backspaced 5 times already trying to find the words to begin this post. But I don’t feel like anything will do Michele and Craig justice. Maybe it was the grandmothers wedding rings that were photographed alongside Michele and Craig’s, or maybe it was that Michele wore her mother’s veil. It could have been that they wed in Craig’s church, where family rested nearby. It might have been the special dance, dedicated to Michele’s father who had long passed or it could have been the most epic first dance of all time remixed to a myriad of songs including FOOTLOOSE and the packed dance floor with DJ Kevin of Rockin’ Ramaley. Whatever it was, it left my feet more tired than ever, my smile bigger, my tears more frequent and my heart more full.
I think it was about a year and a half ago when they found me and contacted me about their wedding at the Hanover Grande Ballroom in Bethlehem, PA. After our initial consultation, I knew there was an IMMEDIATE connection with all of us. I REALLY wanted to be their photographer, and luckily- they felt the same way!
Throughout the entire process from booking their wedding to leading up to it, I felt like Michele and Craig were people I knew my whole life. They felt more like friends and for that I could never be more grateful. It’s what makes giving up every weekend so worth it because I feel like I’m always celebrating with friends! Their engagement session was in New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ and we had such a blast at dinner afterward!
They met at a mutual friends’ BBQ and I absolutely adore how Michele tells their story: “I immediately felt comfortable around him and literally felt like I could tell him anything. It was as if we had been friends forever. I was totally attracted to him too and could not believe the unbelievable feeling in the pit of my stomach. Never in my life had I felt this way. When it came time to say goodbye, as I was standing in our friend’s kitchen, in front of their refrigerator, I realized I had finally found my person. As cliche as it sounds, never in my life was I so sure of something. My life changed forever at that very moment. Til this day I tell Craig, “You had me at refrigerator”, and that is how our fairy tale love story began.
The wedding day continued the fairy tale. Surrounded by so many dear friends and family, Michele and Craig’s wedding day was nothing short of amazing. The weather was GORGEOUS, the sky was blue, the sun was shining. Michele and Craig opted to do a first look and I’m SO glad they did because these are some of my favorite portraits from the day!! The garden was so pretty and in full bloom and you know I can’t deny pictures in a good field!
Loved Craig’s Reaction!
And Michele’s Reaction was priceless!
Scott being all amazing at taking pictures and all.
One of my favorites!!
I hope you always look at each other in this way.
You guys are seriously STUNNING!
From there, we went to the Ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem which was GORGEOUS and filled with so much natural light! A photographer’s dream!!
Michele’s little helper!
Allison and Corrine made the cutest flower girls!!
The new extended family!
After the ceremony we hopped in the car and went down to Monocacy Creek for Portraits and Wedding Party formals!! This is when you know your couple is awesome because of all the seriously awesome people they surround themselves with. Their bridal party was so much fun and me and Scott had such a great time spending the day with them!!
And then it was portrait time!
You guys are seriously beautiful!
And then came the seriously awesome part… the First Dance. Michele and Craig surprised ALL their guests- including their families and Wedding Party with the most epic first dance of all time! They started out slow and then the song remixed to Footloose, some Michael Jackson, Shut up and Dance and a few others! It was SO MUCH FUN! DJ Kevin + Kevin from Rockin’ Ramaley kept the dance floor full all night and we had such a blast hanging with their friends, family and awesome vendor team!
The Reception was held at the Hanover Grande Ballroom in Bethlehem, PA
FOOTLOSE!!
Michele had such a sweet dance with her Mom.
And then it was finally time to PARTY!
I think maybe Craig was doing the running man. =)
You guys are seriously EPIC. You never ceased to amaze me with your dance moves all night!
The whole wedding!!
Props to Kevin, the seriously awesome DJ for lighting up the building with this uplighting and their custom monogram!
Michele and Craig, I can’t wait to see what your next adventure holds and Scott and I can’t wait for a double date with you guys!! We had such a blast with you and it has been my absolute pleasure working with you over the last year. I can’t wait to hear about your honeymoon and hope to see both of you very soon!!
Major thanks to my wonderful second shooter and other half, Scott!
And to the amazing vendors who made this day possible! It was such a pleasure working with you all!
VENUE: Hanover Grande Ballroom
FLORIST: Pondelek’s Florist & Gifts
CAKE ARTIST: Piece ‘a Cake
DJ: Rockin’ Ramaley [Kevin and Kevin]
CAKE ARTIST: Piece ‘a Cake
DJ: Rockin’ Ramaley [Kevin and Kevin]
PhotoBooth: Rockin’ Photobooth
MAKEUP: Nicole Lynne A Feel Beautiful Salon [Claudia]
HAIR: Nicole Lynne A Feel Beautiful Salon [Liz]
MAKEUP: Nicole Lynne A Feel Beautiful Salon [Claudia]
HAIR: Nicole Lynne A Feel Beautiful Salon [Liz]
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: RK Bridal New York
BRIDE’S DRESS: RK Bridal New York; Allure Bridal
TUXES: Men’s Warehouse
BRIDE’S DRESS: RK Bridal New York; Allure Bridal
TUXES: Men’s Warehouse
TRANSPORTATION: Limo Today
STATIONERY SUITE: Minted
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