Posts in Weddings
Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve Wedding | Alyssa + Jason
Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve Wedding | Alyssa + Jason
Barn Wedding Venue in Western PA

The Westminster Preserve location at Armstrong Farms is a great choice if you’re looking for a beautiful barn wedding venue for your ceremony and reception. I was blessed to be a wedding photographer at Armstrong Farms twice last year, and can’t wait to go back!

Alyssa and Jason had a beautiful, sunny day at the farm, complete with deep blue skies, gorgeous flowers blooming all around the venue, and appearances from the famous geese that run the show at the ceremony pavilion!

The couple met on Tinder about 6 years ago, next came a house and a puppy! When I asked about the proposal story, Alyssa shared that on her birthday, Jason hid a camera in the living room and had her open up a present with a new collar they just got their new puppy, Ranger. Jason then sang happy birthday to her, handed her a birthday cake, and told her to close her eyes and make a wish by blowing out the birthday candle. When she opened her eyes Jason was on one knee asking her to marry him! She put the birthday cake on the table to give her new fiancé some hugs and kisses, but when they looked over at the table, Ranger was eating the birthday cake!

The couple honored Ranger and his brother Dante with some cute signature cocktails named for their pups, and had many other special details and moments incorporated throughout their day! Alyssa shared the special significance of some of her accessories:

“On my flower bouquet I had a blue butterfly brooch that was from my grandmother. She is 91 years old and lives in Florida with y grandfather. I always dreamed of my grandparents being there on my wedding day but with my grandmother Alice being 91 years old and my grandfather Melvin being 93 years old and COVID we decided it was not safe for them to travel that far. They have been married 73 years and seeing the love they have for each other is so inspiring to Jason and I. For anyone that has met my grandmother Alice she is always wearing a brooch but butterflies are her favorite to wear. By having that with me on my bouquet it gave me hope and inspiration for Jason and I to be married for just as many years.”

Be sure to check out all the beautiful shots of these meaningful details in the highlights of their perfect day below! And of course, we couldn’t have pulled this amazing wedding off without some incredible vendors:

 
 
WeddingsJill StifflerArmstrong, Armstrong Farms
Chetremon Golf Course Wedding | Ashley + Brandon
Chetremon Golf Course Wedding | Ashley + Brandon
Epic Nighttime Sunset Wedding Photo at Chetremon Golf Course

Ashley and Brandon had an amazing day in the early fall for their September wedding at the Chetremon Golf Course and Event Venue! “The Chet” is quickly becoming one of my favorite venues to work at because it seems to truly have everything that a wedding couple could want, but it’s also very easy for vendors to work at as well!

We started the day in the “Inn” on the Chetremon’s property, which is a great place if you’re looking for where to stay the night before and after your wedding. The convenience of having everything right there truly saves so much time and stress on wedding day! There’s plenty of room for even the biggest wedding parties, and the two-floor design makes it easy for the groomsmen to get ready downstairs while the bridesmaids can get ready upstairs! We filled the morning with champagne pops, a first look with Ashley’s dad and her bridesmaids, exchanging gifts to parents and each other, and a very special letter reading.

Ashley and Brandon decided not to do a first look, but still wanted to have a private moment to connect before the hectic day started, so we had them “meet” back-to-back by a tree on the golf course, and read letters that they wrote to each other. It was such a sweet moment and the bride and groom and whole paparazzi team cried!

We then headed to the beautiful St. Michael’s Basilica in Loretto for a stunning Catholic mass, and then returned to the Chet for portraits of their super fun bridal party and of course the bride and groom! We had so much fun exploring the entire golf course (seriously, the owners and managers are so nice and even supplied us all with golf carts!). There were plenty of amazing photo spots, lots of shade, and even some water and bridges to get some really unique photos.

The venue itself looks stunning for receptions, but paired with thoughtful decorations it was truly breath-taking. Ashley is an elementary school teacher and thoughtfully had her students write their definition of “love” on her table number signs - we couldn’t help but photograph every single one they were so precious!

DJ Jack Labarko did a phenomenal job as usual making sure everyone had fun for the reception. Ashley and her dad did an amazing choreographed dance, Brandon sang a karaoke love song to his new bride, and the dance playlist was jam-packed with the bride’s favorites: Shania Twain and Celine Dion. It’s so important to hire a DJ that will really listen to your requests, and these guys always hit the mark!

A little backstory about the couple: Brandon and Ashley met in high school while both performing for the musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". A couple of months later after the musical, prom was coming and Ashley (Junior) decided to ask Brandon (Sophomore) to go with her. The musical cast was getting together to practice for the Isaac Awards (awards that recognize school musicals and cast) and Ashley knew this was her shot! During one of the rehearsals, they all decided to play a game where everyone except one person would close their eyes. Ashley gave that person who didn't close their eyes a bag of candy with the word- "PROM?" written on it to give to Brandon, but it didn't go exactly as she had hoped. Brandon ended up throwing the bag of candy across the stage while not knowing who it was from! Half an hour went by until he actually found out that the bag of candy was from Ashley. Ever since then the rest is history! The couple has been together for 10 years, and were engaged for 1 year before their magical wedding.

I hope you enjoy the following highlights of THE wedding of the year, jam-packed with special moments both planned and unplanned, pulled off by the team of amazing vendors below:

 
 
WeddingsJill StifflerChetremon Golf Course and Event VenueClearfield, Chetremon
Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve Wedding | Monica + Jack
Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve Wedding | Monica + Jack
Summer Wedding Sunset Photo at Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve

Monica and Jack had an absolutely perfect summer wedding at the Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve wedding venue. Even though it was a SCORCHER (seriously, we drank all the water they had by 9pm!), these two managed to be cool, calm, and cheerful the entire day. I just love a wedding party that’s happy to be there - which is not always the case!

These two have been together for over a decade (!) and when you see the two of them interact you can instantly tell how comfortable they are around each other. I asked Monica about how they met, and she said, “We were high school sweethearts. We met way back in 2007 - our jr. year of high school in science class. On our first date we went to Chili’s and saw “I am Legend” at the movies. Jack claims I ran a red light while driving there but I still deny it to this day!”

We started the wedding day off photographing the beautiful details, including Monica’s super unique GREY diamond from Alexia Russel Jewelry, and the Sola wood flowers hand dyed by the bride! The dusty blue color palette is certainly popular this summer, but Monica added her own twist by choosing differing shades of the blue for the bridesmaid dresses.

Jack and his groomsmen kept me laughing all day long - you can see just how much personality they have by some of the hilarious groomsmen pictures! After shots of whiskey and Miller lite cheers, we knocked out the groomsmen photos pre-ceremony, to everyone’s delight. The tree-lined driveway gave us the perfect amount of shade and scenery. There’s even an old wagon on the property and the groomsmen were quick to recreate some movie scenes and other silly poses using it.

The lakeside pergola was the perfect spot for the couple to complete their wedding ceremony - Monica’s stepdad even officiated! The famous geese were there too to bring smiles to the guests as we all enjoyed the beautiful moments by the water. I took bets how long it would take for me to step in goose poop - I lasted a few hours, hahaha!

As is standard for most weddings, we did family photos immediately after the ceremony, and since it was a very hot and sunny day we took refuge for shade and photos under the beautiful trees surrounding the pond. “Avoid the sun” was the goal for Jack and Monica’s wedding portraits as well, and luckily the venue provided some beautiful spots among flowering bushes and under shady trees overlooking the scenic barn.

Since the guest list was large and the barn is best suited for dancing, Monica and Jack had their first dance and dinner under the large, beautiful tent beside the barn. Aly, the venue coordinator, was a huge help at orchestrating all the moving parts between three close-but-separate spots for the days festivities. After we all had our fill on some amazing Medure’s catering, guests walked over to the historic barn to get their dance on.

Royal Heir DJ had guests dancing all night - seriously, it was wild!, and I got to experience my first “thunderstruck” at a wedding. All of the vendors worked super hard to make the day amazing, and everything went so smoothly because of the awesome team Monica and Jack put together! Check out the vendors below and enjoy the highlights from Jack and Monica’s amazing wedding. Till death do us party!

Vendor List:

 
 
WeddingsJill StifflerArmstrong FarmsArmstrong, Armstrong Farms
Renaissance Hotel Wedding in the Heaven Suite | Pittsburgh, PA
Renaissance Hotel Wedding in the Heaven Suite | Pittsburgh, PA
Jill Gearhart Photography-13.jpg

When COVID wrecked their original plans to get married at the Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh, Janelle and Zac rolled with the punches like so many 2020 couples had to and planned two separate events to incorporate both safety AND their original dream and vision for their day.

The first event, the ceremony and reception, was a totally outdoor event at a friend’s property, high on a hilltop in the beautiful McDonald, PA. They were still able to incorporate elements from the original plan, like their beautiful invites from Paper Chasers, their sentimental details including Janelle’s grandma’s ring and handkerchief, and much of their original vendors for the reception (check those out below!)

We started the day at the couple’s beautiful new home where their sweet pups Sophie and Barley got to join in on the action too along with friends and family. We even got to do a first look right in front of the home Janelle and Zac built together, which was a very special moment. The ceremony, reception, and fireworks display (!!) were gorgeous in the pastoral hilltop setting, and the DJ threw one heck of a party under the stars!

Even though the “Plan B” day was perfect, we still wanted to capture their wedding portraits in the city that Janelle and Zac both love, so a month later we reconnected for a few hours of strictly portraits downtown and at the Renaissance, their original venue.

The city portraits were something we ALL were looking forward to, and that urban atmosphere plays a big part in their relationship. When I asked Janelle about how they got engaged, she said “Zac and myself both love New York City. New York city is one of the first big trips we went on together a few years back and we have been visiting yearly ever since. We always talked about getting engaged on an ice skating rink at Christmas time. In November 2018 we went to New York to see the Christmas lights and went skating at Bryant Park. After skating for an hour, Zac requested a picture and then proposed! He planned a romantic dinner across the river with the skyline in the background.”

Capturing the Pittsburgh skyline was something that was paramount, so the couple booked the Heaven Suite in the Renaissance, a gorgeous upscale room with a private terrace showcasing the best views of Pittsburgh. After some stunning and unique photos on the iconic yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge, and in the grand marble staircase in the hotel lobby, we headed to the terrace in the Heaven Suite to experience a rooftop view of Pittsburgh that was breath taking and the perfect way to end our wedding photo experience! I hope you enjoy the highlights of both days, and be encouraged that if you too have to go “plan B”, there’s always a creative way to incorporate some of what you originally dreamed of.

Vendors:

Photography - Lead Photographer: Jill Gearhart Photography; Second Shooter: Jonathan Blanchard

Gown - Exquisite Bride, Murrysville

Hair - CC Salon

Makeup - Emily Van Scoy & Co.

Bridesmaids Dresses - Exquisite Bride, Murrysville

Suits - Top Hat Tuxedo

Rings - LJ Marks Jewelers

Invitations - Paper Chaser

Florals - Berries and Birch Flower Design Studio

Cake: Oakmont Bakery

Catering: Renaissance Pittsburgh

DJ - DJ Climax (Bobby Kramer)

Videographer - Legendary Celebrations Cinematography

Coordinator - Fallon DiRiggi, Renaissance Pittsburgh

Weddings, Photoshoot LocationsJill StifflerRenaissance HotelPittsburgh, Renaissance Hotel
Backyard Wedding | Marissa + Kyle
Backyard Wedding | Marissa + Kyle
Jill Gearhart Photography-20.jpg

If you find yourself having to split up your ceremony and reception into two separate events, you can still have a stunning wedding outdoors with an open-air dance floor. Even though it wasn’t in their original plans, Marisa and Kyle were still able to pull off a beautiful (and safe) reception following their smaller ceremony in July. Nicole Bell hosted the beautiful wedding at her property in Marion Center. In fact, she had her own wedding there the night before so the couple was able to use much of the same rustic decor and food service! Marisa was sure to add touches to make it her own, though, and DIY’d SO much of the details, even going as far as hand-cutting and dying all the napkins and table runners! Talk about an amazing team.

There were multiple dining options by way of food trucks (another great solution to backyard receptions with limited sources of power!) and guests danced the night away among string lights and area rugs right there in the yard. Photographing in the open air in the dark of the evening is certainly a challenge, but it was one I welcomed with lots of lighting and a little bit of know-how ;)

2020 couples, or “Covid brides” as they are being nicknamed, have a unique opportunity to experience venues and locations they would have never dreamed of. With some flexibility, an open mind, and a good does of DIY, you can make pretty much anywhere a venue to host those closest to you! Enjoy some highlights of Marisa and Kyle’s party in the pasture!

 
 
WeddingsJill StifflerIndiana
Green Gables Wedding, Jennerstown PA | Apryle + Chris
Green Gables Wedding, Jennerstown PA | Apryle + Chris
Green Gables Wedding in Jennerstown PA

Apryle and Chris had a gorgeous wedding at the lovely Green Gables Restaurant in Jennerstown PA this past weekend. This venue is a dream for any couple planning a wedding because of its beauty and charm. The gorgeous grounds offer plenty of photo options like streams, stone patios, twinkle-light wrapped trees, and plenty of nooks with beautiful light and lush greenery. The dining room inside feels like something out of a storybook with its 4 large tree trunk pillars and beautiful living tree backdrop against your head table. It’s truly one of my favorite places to shoot a wedding!

This super sweet couple had to plan their wedding from their home in Chicago, so when we finally got to meet, happily it felt like we’ve been old friends for years! Family and friends are so important to these two, so lots of group shots and candids took precedence for the day. It’s always nice to have a couple that is focused on the things that matter for their wedding day and not stressed about the little details. You could absolutely feel the love and joy that these two had for everyone at the wedding, especially each other.

This was also a unique wedding because my husband Brandon got to officiate for a change rather than DJ! It always makes me happy being able to share the best things I have to offer with my couples, and my sweet hubby is definitely the best thing! The beautiful ceremony happened on the patio right off of the Tuscany Room under a stunning floral arch. Even though it had rained heavily several days before, the weather was perfect for the short but sweet exchange of vows and rings.

After the ceremony we squeezed some large group shots and all bridal portraits into 50 minutes so we could be sure there was lots of time to party and enjoy everyone’s company! After a delicious meal provided by the restaurant, there were the traditional first dances, including a pretty epic father daughter dance (seriously, both my second shooter Jackie and I said we wished this guy was our dad too!). The energy on the dance floor was unreal - it was absolutely packed all night long until the party ended at 11! It was the latest we’ve ever shot a wedding, but by far the most dancing we’ve ever seen!

Apryle and Chris thank you so much for trusting me (and Brandon!) to be such a large part of your day! Sweet clients that feel more like friends are the reason why I do this job, and we appreciate your kindness so much!

Green Gables Wedding in Jennerstown PA
Green Gables Wedding in Jennerstown PA
Green Gables Wedding in Jennerstown PA
WeddingsJill StifflerGreen Gabels RestaurantSomerset, Green Gables
Richard + Dawn | Fairman Family Farms Wedding, Shelocta PA
Richard + Dawn | Fairman Family Farms Wedding, Shelocta PA
Sparkler exit at barn wedding at Fairman Family Farms in Shelocta PA
 

Dawn and Richard had the wedding of their dreams at the beautiful Fairman Family Farms in Sheltocta, PA! When I first met Dawn and Richard, besides being super adorable and ridiculously photogenic, I quickly discovered their love of the outdoors and animals, so this elegant yet rustic venue was perfect for them.

We started the day at the Hilton Garden Inn, a favorite of brides in the Indiana area for a gorgeous getting-ready location on their wedding day. Dawns adorable nieces and super sweet bridal party made it so easy to capture beauty in every corner of the room. The girls already arrived with their hair and makeup done, so after capturing some quick detail shots and candids, all that was left was getting the stunning bride into her dress! After the finishing touches, Dawn read a letter that Richard wrote her specially for their wedding day.

After capturing a few tears and a lot of smiles, I headed to the barn venue to photograph the guys getting ready. Richard was careful to make sure his hair looked perfect, and was probably one of the most kind grooms I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph. We snuck away around the side of the barn so he could read his letter from his bride to be, and then we were ready to start the ceremony!

I was able to grab a few wide room shots in the time in-between, which is always a treat to see your venue untouched and looking perfect with your decor. Luckily, the barn comes already decked out with lights and tulle, so you can have a magical wedding look with minimal effort. The ceremony was gorgeous, taking place in front of the venue’s signature waterfall landscaping with the beautiful barn in the background. Even though it was hot and sunny, the guests didn’t seem to mind and by the time the “I-do’s” came around everyone was all smiles.

A lot of people think that sun is great for photos, but in actuality shade is always best. As such, I was able to find a shady field across the street from the venue, which was a really nice change of pace for me since I’ve shot weddings here many times before and had yet to discover the magical light over on that side of the venue! Family photos were very important to Richard and Dawn, so much so that she even had me get updated family photos of their siblings and their families, without them in it, as a gesture of kindness. What a sweet idea!

After blazing through portraits and getting the timeline back on track after a delayed ceremony start (photographers always save the day, friends!), the bridal party came bursting through the barn doors to get the party started! I was pleasantly surprised working with a new (to me) DJ that was one of the most kind and laid back I have encountered (check his link below). I was also ELATED that we vendors had our own table and were told to eat first. A chair and a meal is something I don’t take for granted for a second! Dawn was so kind to make sure we had both.

After some dancing and fun (check out grandma getting down in the pics below), we snuck out for some sunset photos and some special moments with the beautiful horse that lives on the property. The night ended with a beautiful sparkler exit where I was able to take THE sparkler shot of my LIFE. I hope you enjoy the photos of Dawn and Richard’s special day!

Vendor Team:

 
WeddingsJill StifflerIndiana, Fairman Family Farms
South Carolina Destination Wedding Photography
South Carolina Destination Wedding Photography
Charleston Destination Wedding

Destination Wedding Photography is a dream of mine. Who doesn’t love to travel - and when I get to let that creativity behind the camera run wild in a new town with new sights and new friends - that sure sounds like a dream to me. For the past two years I’ve been blessed to travel for some amazing weddings (check out my wedding in Waco Texas last year!), and it was the best thing to end my busiest wedding season yet.

So how in the heck did you get a wedding in Charleston, you ask? Flash back to middle school when I rode bus #2 and met my very best friend for life, Nikki. Nikki introduced me to many great things and great people in my life, including a friend group that led me to my hubby (here’s the story!). Nikki and the beautiful bride here, Steph, were roomies in college. I met Steph when I visited IUP, Steph followed my business from the start, asked me to photograph her reception and BAM! We got a destination wedding.

Steph and her hubby Neil actually live in Edinburgh Scotland (wish I could have photographed THERE!), and after Steph moved “across the pond” from a journalism job in Manhattan and she and Neil met in a writing group, its been love ever since. How lucky am I to get to capture it?! These two officially tied the knot in Scotland earlier this year, but since Steph’s parent’s live in Charleston, it seemed the perfect place to celebrate state-side with friends and family of the bride’s.

Saturday started “normally” enough as any other wedding day - the bride and groom surrounded by family and close friends, fastening buttons, straightening ties, lacing up THE COOLEST SHOES IVE EVER SEEN, and other relatively normal wedding prep activities. Since the day was a reception celebration, we didn't have to worry about a first look or ceremony, so we were able to jump right into family photos under the Spanish Moss covered Oaks in the beautiful Charleston humidity. I made a point to try and incorporate as much local foliage into their portraits as possible (with a lovely greeting by some local fire ants across my foot while doing so). We danced on docks and posed by palms and captured some of my favorite wedding portraits of all time. Enjoy them below!

Then, the boat! We did a non-traditional receiving line by having the bride and groom greet each guest as they boarded the boat, and then laughed and munched the night away cruising the magnificent bay. I’m not big on cake (imagine that, I can eat free cake once a week for half the year and I don’t like it), but the amazing baby bundt cakes Steph’s family found from a local bakery made me reconsider. The dinner menu was the stuff of dreams with way more choices than your typical wedding spread - so much so that I didn’t even miss the magical Pittsburgh cookie table or pierogi’s that harken of home.

After an epic champagne spray and an extremely tired goodbye in the hotel lobby, my magical weekend away came to an end. I am so grateful to do what I love, and even more grateful to share that with people that I love. I hope you enjoy this piece of my heart and these incredible moments in Charleston!

Destination, WeddingsJill StifflerSpiritline Cruises
Barn at Rayne Run Wedding | Gary + Carissa
Barn at Rayne Run Wedding | Gary + Carissa
Jill+Gearhart+Photography-46-4-3.jpg

If you want a rustic wedding, chances are you are looking at a barn venue for your reception, and there’s no other season like fall to have a wedding with a rustic feel! Carissa and Gary incorporated all of the most beautiful aspects of fall, rustic barns, antiques, and country life into their October wedding at the Barn at Rayne Run in Marion Center. This venue is always great this time of year - especially because of the vibrant trees that run along the creek in the back of the property - and with the addition of the antique teal blue truck this year that was stuffed with mums and pumpkins for fall, it truly can’t get anymore beautiful.

It sounds strange to say this, but not all couples are as outwardly happy and excited as Carissa and Gary on their wedding day. Right before the first look, Carissa was literally bouncing up and down with excitement and she had a HUGE smile on the entire day - even during the “getting ready” phase which can be stressful for a lot of brides. I met these friends two years ago (she’s on the ball, seriously) and couldn’t wait for this day to come almost as much as them! I learned that they have been together for 6 years, and the proposal story was incredibly sweet with a very “Carissa” response! She tells it like this:

“Gary's proposal was the most perfect idea and complete surprise at the Fireworks on July 1, 2017. I really thought he wanted to get a "new profile picture for his Facebook page" when actually he had it set up so that my sister was getting pictures of the whole thing!! Considering I truly thought he was trying to have my sister take a profile picture, I told him to "shhhheeeeh! Kee is trying to get a picture!" when he started talking to me and telling me his proposal speech. He kept talking all while thinking "Is she serious?" and eventually just got down on his knee so I would realize what was going on... then I squealed, jumped, ran away (only about 3ft away), came back, and fell to my knees in front of him with complete and utter shock and excitement! Needless to say, a solid success!!”

All of that happiness, excitement, and kindness just radiates from them, and I especially love how family is so important to them. Carissa shared her “old, new, borrowed and blue” with her family members in a way to honor them and make them a special part of her day. She planned that “Something Blue is a sweet little hanky with adorable poem from my Mom that has a tiny blue bow and blue printed poem. Something Borrowed is my Granny Smith's pearl necklace. Something Old will be lent to me by my Gram Conrad but she tells me it is from my Pap Conrad who will be watching from Heaven. Something New is my veil which Gary's mother and my Mother - In - Law To Be, Theresa, bought for me.” Not only did she plan these sentimental details, but we captured photos of each family member sharing the item and a sweet moment with Carissa.

Admittedly, I anticipated the day to be a lot more hectic than it was, but with such sweet family and bridal party members, the convenience of everything being at the same location, a fantastic second shooter, and a couple willing to do a first look, the day went flaw.less.ly. Since we had a limited amount of time between the ceremony and the reception, and because we had a big family to honor with photo combinations, Carissa and Gary opted for a first look 2 hours before the ceremony start time. We were able to knock out the first look, nearly 50 family photos, bridal party photos, and couple portraits in an hour and a half! Once the ceremony ended and the receiving line was done, we grabbed a few more portraits with plenty of time to spare for bustling the dress, restroom breaks, and getting everyone placed for the DJ to announce them in!

We danced the night away in the elegant barn with its twinkle lights and chandeliers, and even snuck outside to a neighboring hillside for some sunset portraits. Needless to say, it was pretty much a perfect, stress free wedding day for all parties involved! This wedding’s sneak peeks are breaking the internet over on facebook, so you definitely want to scroll down to see a HUGE preview of their day below!

Vendor Team:

Photographer: Jill Stiffler | Jill Gearhart Photography

Second Photographer: Karen Plate | Karen Plate Photography

Venue: The Barn at Rayne Run, Marion Center, Pa

Gown: Stella York bought from White Lace Bridal, Indiana, Pa

Hair: Shear Stylin', Elderton, Pa

Bridesmaids Dresses: Morilee by Madeline Gardner bought from Rusted Rose Bridal, Kittanning, Pa

Florals: Flower Gallery, Indiana, Pa

Cake: Cheri's Cakes & Cruffles by Cheri from Brush Valley, Pa

Caterer: Flair of Country Catering and Event Planning, Corey and Mindi Crocco from Johnsontown, Pa

Favors: Homemade Apple Butter made and donated by Carissa's Grandmothers

DJ: Royal Heir DJ Services

 
 
WeddingsJill StifflerBarn at Rayne RunIndiana, Barn at Rayne Run
Laurelville Retreat Center Wedding | Colby + Hillary
Laurelville Retreat Center Wedding | Colby + Hillary
Jill+Gearhart+Photography-50-2.jpg

Hillary and Colby’s wedding at the Laurelville retreat center was everything you could ever want in a summer wedding with its breathtaking mountain top views, peaceful surroundings, plenty of parking, and lots of seating for even the biggest guest list.

These two like to joke that they met when they were 5 years old at Al's Pub after a conversation when they realized they were both there for the dinner with Barney (the dinosaur from the kids show). In their adult lives, they met through mutual friends. After 5 years of dating, Colby proposed by making a photo video their first date (a pirate game), all the places they had visited, and pictures of all the weddings they had been to together. The last slide said, "Maybe it's time to start planning our own?' Then he got down on one knee and proposed!

I started the day with the girls, much like every wedding, where Hillary was sweet enough to have all of her details ready to go! Her beautiful Badgley Mischka’s gave just the right amount of sparkle next to an incredible summery/fall bouquet by Red Punch designs. Her invite suite, I later learned, was designed and made by her sister Gretchen who is also a graphic designer! With the help of her circuit, the invites were set off by an intricately cut sage green jacket and gold belly band. Shortly after the details were documented and we squished everyone together on the couch for a robe picture, Hillary stepped into her gorgeous Essence of Australia dress. Her sister and mother were close by for the final touches like jewelry and perfume.

When I arrived at the Laurelville Retreat Center, I met up with Colby who was busy pinning the boutineers on the groomsmen. That was definitely a first for me - usually I’m the one that steps in and gets everyone pinned! He also shared with me a very special pair of cufflinks featuring a 16 year old Colby with his mom Wanda who had passed. He said he got them made on Etsy! I was so impressed not only by this sentiment of honoring his mother with his wedding details, but that fact that he even knew what Etsy is!

Soon guests began to arrive on the hay wagon/tractor shuttle, and Hillary walked up the hill with her father to meet her groom! The “aisle” was lined with geometric hanging planters made by the bride’s brother-in-law. The ceremony took place under a wooden geometric arch that the groom made himself! Talk about a talented family! Red Punch Designs took it over the top with TWO mind-blowing flower arrangements on the arch featuring sunflowers, dahlias, roses, thistle, and eucalyptus. It was truly the stuff of bridal magazines! The couple planted and watered a fig tree as a symbol of their growing relationship, and after rings and vows, the two were husband and wife!

We were fortunate enough to have amazing skies, shade, long grasses, and changing leaves for family photos and photos of the bridal party. We finished up at the retreat center with some bride and groom portraits on top of the mountain and by that incredible floral arch.

DiSalvos’s station was just a short drive away, and honestly one of the most unique venues I’ve shot at. The train-station-turned-restaurant was equally romantic and rustic with railroad decor, string lights, and red brick and green architecture. We took some portraits near the tracks at the top of the restaurant, highlighting the old train station awnings, benches, and brick walkways. The wedding decor was just as special with so many hand-made elements that looked very high-end and not DIY at all. Hillary grew the mini white pumpkins in her garden, and the couple made their hexagonal tile seating chart out of copper pipe. All in all, the decor for this late September wedding was a perfect blend of modern minimalist and elegant rustic with geometric metals, beautiful florals, and white pumpkins.

We ended the night with an epic night portraits showcasing HIllary’s second gown, a white sequin flapper style dress, and then later a cozy shot of the two lovers at a private table for two in the cigar bar downstairs. I hope you enjoy the highlights from this beautiful and unique day!

Ceremony: Laurelville Retreat Center

Reception:  DiSalvo's Station 

Gown: Essence of Australia at Marwin Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Morilee at Marwin Bridal

Tuxes: Cantalamessa Formals

Rings: West Side jewelry

Florals + Decor: Red Punch Design

Cake: Oakmont Bakery

Caterer: DiSalvo's Restaurant

DJ: Macky D Enterprise

Rentals: Photobrations Photo Mirror

WeddingsJill StifflerDisalvos stationGreensburg, DiSalvo's