On Saturday, Scott and I got to photograph Raquel and Daniel’s Wedding at the Rodale Institute, an experimental farm in Kutztown PA. And oh you guys, this weekend was an absolute dream. All day long emotions and nerves were running high. I walked into the house where Raquel was getting ready and she was almost done with hair and make-up. She was a little shaky. Nervous, excited, anxious to see her groom, her best friend.

I shot the details in the farmhouse (absolutely beautiful!) and Raquel kept giving me little momentos like their sweet ring box that is personally engraved for them. I have never seen anything like that and I LOVED it.

The wrote personal vows in these vow books and I just loved all the special touches they had!I love this ring box!!  Totally bookmarking that in my mind for the future!I always dreamed of a dress shot like this. =)The flower girl’s flower crown! So cute!

We had so much time in the morning so the girls and I got to go outside and have a little dance party before Raquel put her dress on. And then when it was time, all eyes in the room including mine lit up. My jaw dropped to the floor. I could not even believe how stunning she looked. The dress was perfect, it was an Allure Bridal gown and it twirled with tulle and was complete with a beaded belt. I had never seen a dress like that and I was completely in awe of how beautiful Raquel looked. 

Because when you’re getting ready in a hour that looks that cute, why do it inside?

After her mother, Nina and Maid of Honor, Corrine helped her with the finishing touches of her dress, it was time for her first look with her father. I LOVE these moments so much, and this one was so special. Daddy’s only little girl. They twirled and hugged and shed a few tears (or at least I did) and Raquel happily helped him with his boutonniere. When the look was complete and the tears stopped streaming just for a moment, it was finally time to see her groom.

Love this moment with her dad!So while the girls were having a dance party, the guys were playing with baby goats and having a ping pong tournament, I don’t know about you but that it my kind of wedding prep!!Hopefully Daniel won.HOW CUTE ARE THESE BABY GOATS!! ONE WEEK OLD!Of course, they had to take some pictures with the animals!!Raquel’s bridesmaids got her two sweet gifts, a pair of Kate Spade “Mrs.” earrings and a framed print of their wedding song over a map of Kutztown. What sweet bridesmaids!!

We went up to the apple orchard for their first look and did things a little different this time. Since Raquel’s dress was a little difficult to walk in, we had Daniel come to her and she turned around to a look I’ll never forget and Daniel’s loss for words. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” she asked. “I’m just looking at you, soaking it all in.”

We went right into portraits and you guys, I have to say this may be my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken. The love was beautiful, the setting was to die for and the sky was so powerful and luminous. I was swooning the ENTIRE time we were taking portraits. I can’t believe some of these!!!

This was such a wonderful moment. I LOVE first looks!One of my favorite pictures of the day!!My favorite picture, maybe ever, In Raquel’s dad’s blessing/speech he told Daniel to never stop looking at her the way he does. I thnk that was great advice and hope that this laughter never silences for these two. The most beautiful bride I could imagine in her Allure Bridal gown!!
Sorry for the influx of a million portraits but how could I narrow these down?! They’re stunning!!I was absolutely in love with this bouquet by Allium Floral Design!
Love this simple baby breath bouquets!One good looking wedding party!! Asbolutely love this ceremony set-up at Rodale Institute. 

Finally, it was time for the ceremony in the gardens and the tears came once more. They exchanged personal vows and ended the ceremony with a champagne toast.

Sand, for their unity ceremony.All the guests threw flower petals as they walked down the aisle!Finally, after a day of dark clouds (which I loved) the sun came out!! 

The party was held in the barn, that they decorated themselves and it was truly beautiful!!! I can’t wait to shoot my next rustic wedding, I could get used to that!

Love these details! Vintage rentals were from The Fox and the Finch!

Raquel and Daniel, Scott and I were so excited to be there to celebrate you two on your wedding day. We had an absolute blast capturing these memories for you and I’m so excited to see what your future holds. Wishing you so much happiness and a big congratulations!! 

And a major thanks for all the incredible vendors who made this day go off without a hitch! This day was truly beautiful and I’m so glad I got to document your work and work alongside you all!

Venue: Rodale Institute Experimental Farm
Video: Rob McConahy Videography
Florist: Allium Floral Design
Cake: Simply Smooth
DJ: PLATHAMIX
Make-Up: Miranda Richards Artistry
Hair: Revive Hair Salon
Bridal Gown: RK Bridal, Allure Bridal Line
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff via RK Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Vintage Rentals: Fox and Finch
Stationery: TBD