Winter weddings at Sunnehanna Country Club are the perfect way to celebrate in the off-season and close to home. While braving the cold might not be for the feint of heart, the stunning photos and great lighting are well worth the chilly hands and toes. Drs. Michelle and Matthew Warren are both Chiropractors in Greensburg, PA, and even though they attended school and met each other in sunny warm Florida, they were more than happy to embrace the snow on their perfect January wedding day.
We started the day at the beautiful Sunnehanna County Club in Westmont, PA. Arguably the “nicest” wedding venue in Cambria County, Sunnehanna was the perfect size for housing all their friends and family while still giving everyone room to spread out in the wings of the building that housed cookies, drinks, and late night pizza. The lobby of the country club features stunning light and beautiful high arched windows that lent a timeless class to Michelle’s bridal portraits and first look with her dad Chip.
Once the last button was buttoned, it was time to leave for the ceremony at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church. Those that know my style and personality know that I ADORE color and… wow. St. Mary’s was something out of a dream for me. Surrounded by rich Iconography, vibrant colors and breathtaking architecture, it was a church like no other I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a few). The ceremony went flawlessly and we were able to get some great family portraits on the steps of the altar.
Family is super important to both Matthew and Michelle, and we made sure to plan in some time to allow the wedding couple to actually talk to their guests. After the ceremony we headed to Michelle’s parents house for a stunning display of appetizers and refreshments, even snapping a “family whiskey shot” of special imported Canadian whiskey to commemorate the occasion. Happily the couple’s dogs Kona and Oakley were there too, and we were able to get some sweet shots of them with their mom and dad!
Since the sun sets relatively early in January, we hurried back to Sunnehanna around 4pm and started bridal party portraits outside. Immense respect to those guys and gals who walked across the frozen greens in heels and slippery dress shoes and endured the -1 windchill. It’s times like these that I’m very grateful for my 12 years experience and for an awesome fellow paparazzi team Corey, Jen, and Tommy (check them out below!). We were able to bust out bridal party photos, individuals with each bridal party member, and a sizable array of bride and groom portraits in under 45 minutes.
The brides mom Loraine George, with the help of Theresa Palmer of Rose of Sharon Florals in Clymer, transformed the ballroom at Sunnehanna into a beautiful, warm, and elegant vision where guests were excited to linger and party the night away. Top Dog productions ensured the dance floor was packed all evening, blending songs effortlessly and keeping the vibe hype.
I was so grateful to be a part of this day! Each season has such beauty, and I’m so happy Michelle and Matt embraced the beauty of a winter wedding! Special thanks as well to the amazing vendor team below:
Gown: MB Bride
Hair: M&M Hair Design & Tan
Makeup: M&M Hair Design & Tan
Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry
Tuxes or Suits: Miller’s Tuxedo Rental and Sales
Invitations, Menu Cards: Basic Invite, Truly Engaging
Florals: Rose of Sharon Floral Shop
Cake: Paulette’s Cakes
Ceremony: St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Johnstown
Venue/Catering: Sunnehanna Country Club
Videographer: This Year Photo Co.
Second Shooter: Tommy Seibert, T&T Photography
Decor: Bride’s mom Loraine George!
