A Little History

I first met Brianna and Francis at a wedding when they were serving as bridesmaid and groomsman to another Hope & Stay couple!  As fate would have it, that night, Brianna was the one who caught the bouquet and Francis caught the garter.  It was a sign of things to come because just a few months later, Francis proposed!

I was beyond thrilled when Brianna reached out to me about photographing their Blue Bell Country Club wedding.  It’s such a compliment when couples refer me to their friends and to have already had the opportunity to work with Francis and Brianna made it even more special.

The Wedding Day: Pre-Ceremony

Francis and Brianna planned the most gorgeous Blue Bell Country Club wedding focused on family, friends and timelessness.  In keeping with tradition, Francis and Brianna decided to get ready for their wedding day at their parents’ homes.  As soon as I arrived, Brianna’s parents greeted me at the door with the warmest welcome and I was so excited to see so many familiar faces in their bridal party!

Brianna and Francis’s gold, blush and dusty blue color palette matched the beautiful color tones of the season (just wait until you see Brianna’s bridal portraits!).

Francis and Brianna both wrote letters to one another to read prior to the ceremony.  I just adore when my couples do this!  Taking just a few minutes to sit down and read a love letter offers them a moment of quiet alone time before the day really gets going.

One of Brianna’s requests was to do a Daddy/Daughter First Look.  Once she got dressed, we brought her Dad in to see his little girl as a bride.  I just adore his expression as he sees her!  You could absolutely feel the bond they share in this moment.

Their traditional day meant no First Look prior to the wedding ceremony.   With a traditional timeline, we often schedule separate bridal party portraits before the ceremony so that the bride and groom’s portrait time remains a priority following the ceremony.  The fall foliage was just bursting with color and was the most perfect background for some formal portraits of them on their own and with their best friends!

The Wedding Ceremony

Once we were finished with portraits, we made our way to Our Lady of Guadelupe Roman Catholic Church for the ceremony!  Some of my favorite memories of the day happen during the unplanned, unposed moments of this portion of the wedding day.

Formal Portraits

While we were inside the church, some clouds rolled in and brought some unexpected rain.  We were all a little surprised since the forecast had no mention of rain for the day!   Brianna and Francis were so completely caught up with the joy and celebration of their day that they didn’t let the weather hold them back from going outside for their bride and groom portrait time.  We embraced the drizzle and took gorgeous portraits of them in the courtyard and on the grounds of Our Lady of Guadelupe Roman Catholic Church.

Their bridal party patiently waited for their turn and joined us just off the courtyard of the church.  The beautiful arched architecture of the church provided a unique backdrop and some overhang cover to keep everyone dry!  Everyone was so cooperative and gracious that we were able to get bridal party portraits done quickly and seamlessly! (Thanks, guys, you’re awesome!)

The Reception at Blue Bell Country Club

Once portrait time at the church was over, we headed over to Blue Bell Country Club to capture their family portraits and to celebrate!  Blue Bell Country Club is one of my favorite venues to photograph.  The staff is incredible and were so accommodating when we asked to used the ballroom for their family portraits. The rooms are beautiful, spacious and full of character.

Upon being announced into their reception, Brianna’s Dad shared an amazing video montage of old photographs of Brianna and Francis.  Everyone loved viewing the memories and moments of the two of them growing up.   There definitely were lots of happy tears and smiles from everyone (myself included!)

Following their introduction, they shared a beautiful first dance and parent dances.  They were toasted by their parents and siblings who all gave wonderful speeches and heartfelt messages to the bride and groom.  After dinner, Brianna and Francis enjoyed a sweet sample of their wedding cake, then danced the night away with their friends and family.

Brianna and Francis, thank you so much for the honor of capturing your wedding day.  What a joy it has been getting to know you throughout the journey your wedding day.  You two feel like family and I just adore you both.  Many blessings for a beautiful marriage to you both!

A special thank you to my second shooter, Caren, for doing a fabulous job as always!  And to the vendors who helped make Brianna and Francis’s Blue Bell Country  Club Wedding a beautiful success:

PHOTOGRAPHY | Hope & Stay Photography

VENUE |  Blue Bell Country Club

FLORALS | Precious Petals, LLC

CAKE & DESSERTS | Blue Bell Country Club

DJ | Signature DJs

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE | Sposabella Salon

BRIDAL GOWN | Madison James Collection: Allure Romance

BRIDESMAIDS GOWNS | Azazie

RINGS | Mark’s Jewelers

MEN’S ATTIRE | Men’s Wearhouse

STATIONERY | Maureen Ricco

OFFICIANT | Monsignor Gentili

CHURCH | Our Lady Of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church

 

Alyssa is a Lehigh Valley-based wedding photographer serving the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas of Bucks County, Philadelphia, Lancaster & beyond!    To become a Hope & Stay Bride, get in touch here!