“Love, to be real must empty us of self.” St. Teresa of Calcutta. That quote so accurately summarizes the way Emma & Ronnie live life. They are two of the most joyful and generous people you’ll ever meet and they pour out love on everyone they know. It was evident throughout their wedding that this day was not just about them but really about all of their family and friends. They care so deeply about people and everyone who encounters them will be able to tell you that you automatically feel seen and known by both of them the minute you start talking.

The week leading up to their wedding was filled with quite a few intense storms and I was worried that a)it would be raining on their wedding and that b)all the leaves would be gone by the time Saturday rolled around. However, Saturday morning came with sunshine, the final remnants of the fall colors on their very best display, and beautiful crisp fall weather. It seriously could not have been a more glorious autumn day. Susan from “Susan and Teresa Photography” came along as my second shooter and I’m so grateful for all her help throughout the day!

We started the day off at Emma’s parent’s house and were immediately welcomed in with open arms. Her dad has cultivated the most beautiful wisteria vines covering the walls and ceiling of their back porch and as soon as I saw it I knew it would be the perfect place to have Emma put her dress on. Emma’s relationship with her dad is so special and I loved the fact that it was his hard work that provided such a beautiful backdrop for her to get ready for her wedding! Their daddy/daughter first look was so sweet and I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye from any of the bridesmaids who were watching it.

Their wedding Mass took place at Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Ephrata, PA and afterward we headed over to Brick Gables for their reception. We were originally planning on shooting all of their portraits at Brick Gables, but this was my first time shooting a wedding at this venue and I did not realize that the venue really doesn’t have any grounds surrounding the barn. It’s a beautiful barn and perfect place for a reception, but it’s surrounded by townhomes and roads and there wasn’t really a good option for their portraits. One hurried google map search and five-minute scouting drive later, I had found a nearby park with soccer fields and a promising row of stunning orange and yellow trees. Emma and Ronnie trusted my judgment and followed me with their wedding party to this random soccer park down the road and I am SO glad they did. I couldn’t tell from the parking lot just how ideal this setting would be for their portraits but it turned out even better than I could have hoped.

Emma and Ronnie, thank you so much for welcoming me into your lives on this sacred day! It was the greatest joy and privilege to photograph your wedding.

They had the BEST wedding party. They were so fun and willing to do anything I asked and just made this portion of the day super easy and a blast for all of us involved.

Ok get ready for portrait overload, because these two gorgeous humans + golden hour + fall colors = all my photography dream’s coming true. (A little dramatic, but nonetheless true).

By the time we returned to Brick Gables, the sun had disappeared behind the barn giving us this wonderfully soft and even lighting for these final portraits.

Xoxo,

Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH // Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ephrata PA

RECEPTION VENUE & CATERING // Brick Gables

DJ // Provolve

FLORIST // Flourish Flowers

HAIR & MAKE-UP // Hair by Britt

CAKE & DESSERTS // Zigs Bakery

DRESS // David’s Bridal

BRIDESMAID’S DRESSES // Azazie

GROOMSMEN ATTIRE // Combatant Gentlemen

INVITATIONS // Vistaprint