Amara+Andrew’s early autumn wedding took place on Andrew’s family’s land just outside of Warren PA. A place that they have a shared love for. A place where both of their families and all of their friends were able to come together to celebrate their union, surrounded by natural beauty. Amara+Andrew’s wedding day was everything a wedding day should be. Intentional, full of the people they love, at a place they both have a connection to, and filled with little moments that focused on them as a couple! 

There is a charm that envelopes a family cabin nestled in the heart of the rural PA. Surrounded by towering trees, this place has been a haven of love, laughter, and treasured memories. Their day began at this cabin, accompanied with a few rain drops. But the looming potential for bad weather didn’t stop these two from embracing the day they had spent so much time creating. While Andrew along with his entourage of friends, ensured every detail outside was perfected, Amara got into her dress and shared a first look with their pup Courage. Those sweet moments before the full day began were some of my favorites. It gave Amara a chance to just be in the moment with her dog and afterwards she was ready to meet Andrew at the altar.

The ceremony was heartfelt and personalized, officiated by a close friend and included readings from other loved ones. Near the end of the ceremony they shared in the tradition of ring warming. One of our favorite additions to a ceremony, the ring warming tradition originated in Ireland. The ring warming involves passing around your wedding bands to your guests. Upon receiving the rings, guests hold them in their hands, and "warm" them with a prayer, or good wishes for the couple's future together.⁠ Once the ceremony concluded they invited everyone to join in one giant group photo, kicking off the celebrations for the remainder of the evening!

Afterwards, while their families enjoyed cocktail hour we snuck off with Amara and Andrew for portraits around the property. During this time they decided to share private vows with each other on the edge of a field of wildflowers.

If you are having a wedding with guests I urge you to consider saving your personal vows to be shared alone with just each other. Sharing your vows privately is a deeply intimate and personal experience, where couples have the opportunity to express their love, promises, and dreams for each other. In a space away from family and friends, it allows them to express what’s on their hearts freely. It is a beautiful reminder that love is not only a celebration shared with others, but also a quiet, heartfelt conversation between the two of you.

Once they returned to their guests, the evening consisted of the usual reception fare including dinner, toasts, cake cutting and lots of dancing! Amidst all of the events, we made sure to build in some time for golden hour portraits that included their dog. I always encourage couples to take 15 minutes or so out of their reception time to step away for golden hour portraits. It gives you a moment to be alone, to take a few breaths and really be present in all that’s happened on your wedding day. Plus we always get some gorgeous more relaxed, lighthearted portraits during this time! It’s an all around positive experience to add to your timeline.

Amara+Andrew put so much thought and curation into their wedding day, and it was clear to see what they created was meant for them. Details aside it was truly emotion filled. There were many tears from them and those they love. There were also lots of silly moments shared amongst everyone. It was so beautiful to witness just how many people were there celebrating the love these two share! We are so grateful we got to be there to document it.

Congrats to Amara+Andrew, cheers to this next adventure as husband and wife!

| Vendor Love |

Hair+Makeup | Lather Salon

Florals | Ekey Marketplace

Cake | Fifth Avenue Cake Design

Attire | Victorias Bridal