Brian & Jess // Irwin, PA // Summer Wedding Photographer

Brian & Jess’s comfortable summer wedding from last season sticks out in my mind as one full of emotion! As a bride, sometimes it can be so easy to be overwhelmed by all the stuff going on during the day, that often the emotion and gravity of the commitment can be glossed over. I love when a bride can really let go of all the stress & take in the day – and that’s when the genuine, beautiful emotion comes through!

That’s not to say that there wasn’t any stress on Brian & Jess’s shoulders! Rain had rolled in and completely changed all of our plans as far as portraits & locations! Sometimes, you plan everything out so precisely and a simple change of weather can toss it all to the wind! Thankfully, Norwin Christian Church, where the ceremony was held, has a fabulous covered area that we were able to take full advantage of!

Since my roll for Brian & Jess’s wedding was second-shooter to my fabulous sister, Ellen, I got to hang out with the guys while they were getting ready! And these guys were the best! So much fun – they truly were so excited for their friend, brother, and soon-to-be brother-in-law! And all I can say, is the best man: Sean, could be a professional best man. That guy was the most on top of things that I have ever seen a best man be! He was the best!

Jess sent one of her little flower girls over with a gift for Brian – this fabulous watch!

Remember what I said about Sean? Seriously – this guy was amazing! It’s rare that a best man knows how to tie a tie, let alone pin a boutonniere! Gold star!

Brian – channeling his inner GQ.

Then it was back inside to hang with the girls right before the wedding started! Jess was radiant.

I loved this first look between Jess & her Dad! There were tears all around when Bob saw his daughter for the first time as a bride – it was so touching! I still get goosebumps when I think about this moment!!

How about the lashes on this precious little flower girl?

Brides-to-be take note: cathedral length veils are AMAZING. Yes, they’re a little more expensive, but wow are they incredible!

I’m going to be totally biased for a moment – the little flower girl was cute, but this one particular wedding guest was my favorite! Look how little Braelynn was! All passed out with her Grandpa.

Then it was off to the Crystal Ballroom in Herminie for their reception!

I LOVE a good cake smash!

Remember how I said this wedding sticks out for it’s emotion? These were some of the most emotional parent dances I have ever seen – so precious! It just goes to show what amazing families both Brian & Jess come from! (maybe you recognize Brian’s side of the family – his sister Morgan married Brandon in their UP themed wedding that Ellen & I photographed!)

Oh my goodness – my favorite wedding guest again! So tiny & look at those chubby cheeks! All the heart eyes!

Michael Jackson moves? Yes, please!

Brian & his groomsmen had a really crazy plan. They had stashed all of this Avenger gear under this table, so when Brian went to remove Jess’s garter, he pulled out everything BUT a garter! Everyone was laughing so hard!

He pulled all of this stuff out from “under” her dress! Poor Jess! Her face was so red!

The Avenger gear had a purpose though. Under each of the groom & groomsmen’s tuxes, they had specific Avenger tshirts!

There’s a fun wedding tradition where at the end of the Dollar Dance, the guests surround the bride & her Mom (the last person to dance with her signaling the end of the Dollar Dance) and the groom has to “rescue” his bride, by “breaking through” the circle of guests. The groomsmen were so prepared for this tradition & were intense in keeping Brian away from his bride!!

It took some fighting, but he did eventually make his way through to rescue his bride! It’s such a fun tradition that truly doesn’t take place at every wedding – when it all plays out though, it’s so much fun!