I first met Liz and Brian back in August when we shot their engagement session on our property in Punxsutawney. Immediately we realized how much we had in common and knew we were going to be a great fit together! They rocked their engagement session (see it here!) and the rest is history!
I love getting to know my couples and before the big day got here I already felt like part of the family. Maybe it’s the teacher in her, but Liz had every detail planned and organized, which made my work a breeze! And, we couldn’t have asked for better weather for a July wedding. The overcast sky cleared to light up their ceremony and the air was warm but not sweltering. It was a truly gorgeous day in every way!
This was my first time at the Forever Farm, and it totally blew me away. I can see remnants of the barn’s past life and imagine what it must have been like as a working farm – but only because I’m married to a farmer and have spent half my life learning about that stuff so I can understand what he’s talking about! The owners have truly done a beautiful job at renovating the property and turning it into an amazing wedding venue.
I met the bridal party at the farmhouse on the property where the girls were getting ready. Even this house was so photogenic it’s unbelievable! After Liz got her dress on, she had a first look with both her dad and her groom. Dad finished off the getting ready process by helping Liz put on the bracelet her bought for her as a wedding gift. Brian and Liz read notes to each other which they had written privately.
The ceremony itself took place in front of the natural pond behind the barn. They exchanged personal vows and placed a lock with no key onto their family tree to represent the permanence of their unity.
After portraits, the bridal party got the party started with a variety of unique entrances into the barn. I saw dance moves, scooters, and money cannons! However, Liz and Brian won the contest with their fun routine and some added fireworks from the DJ!
Speeches were made, dances were danced, cake was cut, bouquet and garter were tossed, and we managed to sneak away back to the pond for a few sunset portraits. These are always my favorite shots of the day! After dinner and events, the bride and groom always seem to let go of some of the stress and it definitely comes through in their poses. Not to mention that you just can’t beat sunset lighting!
But, hands down, by favorite part of the day (though the bridal party lip syncing to Britney Spears and NSYNC was definitely in the lead until this point), was the couple’s private last dance. While the rest of the guests exited the barn and prepared for the sparkler exit, Liz and Brian enjoyed a private moment in their venue to take in the emotions of the day. Last dances are always a sweet time, but the emotions were overwhelming as Liz finally let loose of the tears she’d been holding back all day. In Brian’s arms, with no more planning, prepping, or portraits to be done, Liz simply melted and I almost cried myself as I watched them enjoy this moment together.
And then the sparkler exit for a final photo-op to wrap up this beautiful wedding day!
Congratulations, Brian and Liz!
