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:

• Ceremony: St. Michael’s Basilica (Loretto, PA)

• Reception Venue: Chetremon Golf Course and Event Venue (Cherry Tree, PA)

• Photographers: Jill Gearhart Photography and Jenna Dunsmore Photography (Indiana, PA)

• Videographers: Union & Main Collective

• Gown + Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Pine Ridge Bridal (Duncansville, PA)

• Hair: Oasis Styling Salon LLC (Cresson, PA)

• Makeup: Elisa Blue (Pittsburgh, PA)

• Suits: Miller's of Johnstown, Inc. (Johnstown, PA)

• Rings: Kranich's Jewelers (Altoona, PA)

• Florals: Florals on the Corner (Lilly, PA)

• Catering: Amici's Restaurant (Ebensburg, PA)

• DJ: DJ Jack Labarko (Johnstown, PA)

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:

• Gown: Alyssa Kristin (designer) from Blanc de Blanc Bridal

• Makeup: Refeyeance Makeup

• Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

• Suits: Jos. A. Bank

• Rings: Blue Nile, Alexis Russell Jewelry

• Invitations: Minted

• Florals: Sola Wood Flowers

• Cake/Donuts: Oakmont Bakery

• Catering: Medure’s

• DJ: Royal Heir DJ

• Videographer: Manny Pain Media

• Event Planner: Aly Weifenbaugh at Armstrong Farms, Westminster Preserve

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In case no one has told you, marriage is HARD. It tests your patience, challenges your character, inspires your dreams, pushes your limits, and refines you into the best person you can possibly be. If you talk to anyone that’s been married for a significant amount of time, they will tell you that they have weathered many challenges, and the ones that find compromise and willingness to learn at the center of their values are the ones that persevere. Often times at weddings, you will hear the advice “don’t go to bed angry” - but it’s so much more than that. It’s showing unconditional grace to the person you’ve decided to make an ultimate commitment to, and putting aside your reaction to challenges in favor of a caring response.

In current culture, pride is one of the biggest things we battle, and a marriage is one of the hardest hit areas of our lives. Love that endures deserves to be celebrated, and that is exactly what we did in this vow renewal session. These two have been married for 10 years with two beautiful children, and have walked through many challenges together hand in hand.

For their 10th wedding anniversary, the bride approached me about snapping a few photos of her and her family, but we schemed up a pretty epic vow renewal ceremony, with my pastor husband officiating. The ceremony took place right off of the parking lot of the day-use beach area of Yellowcreek. Even though it was a public state park, we still had “wilderness forest” vibes, which went perfectly with the beautiful boho touches. Petal and Stem knocked it out of the park with that gorgeous bouquet featuring mocha roses, and the flower crowns for mama and the girls!

A simple macrame hanging between two trees provided a great and simple backdrop, and a few Shepards hooks with lanterns, a small area rug, and the cutest vintage loveseat were all we needed to transform the picnic area into something super photogenic and memorable. The ceremony was just a few moments long, but the handwritten vows between the couple had all the other adults (my husband and I) bawling. The vows acknowledged the challenges the couple had been through, while celebrating their perseverance and their gratitude to one another for truly forming a team that can overcome it all.

After the mini ceremony we snapped some sweet family photos in the woods and at the beach. At this time the water level of the lake was very low, so the beach offered up some very unique and beautiful spots to capture truly stunning wedding portraits. This was one of the best afternoons of shooting I have been blessed to be a part of! I hope that if you are considering a vow renewal or even a “local elopement”, you can be inspired to make it extra special with just a few simple touches. Enjoy the highlights of the afternoon below!

Are you afraid to get family photos, but the thought of coordinating outfits, coaxing smiles, keeping kids from having meltdowns, picking the right time of day, the right location, the right photographer, and the million other decisions that go into it are enough to send you running?

I sat down with my dear friend and long time family photo veteran to ask her some honest questions about getting family photos done from the mom’s perspective - because let’s face it, it’s usually the mom that makes the plans! Hopefully her answers (and her gorgeous family pics!) are enough to help you conquer your fear and have some beautiful milestones documented.

Why is it important to get family photos?

I love getting family photos to document the growth of our family. I display them in sequential order to see how much the kids change from year to year.

What's the biggest obstacle in preparing for your photos?

No major obstacles for me in preparing for the photos, except maybe just trying to choose a good time in The day that would suit the little ones.

What advice do you have for other families?

Advice for families? Try not to stress over “perfection”. I’m my opinion you’ll be more satisfied with your photos if you relax and allow the photographer to do their thing.

What do you look for in a family photographer?

The photographer has to be good with the kids! I can smile all day long but it’s the kids that sometimes need the coaxing.

Is there anything you pre-plan for your family session?

I actually pre-plan and put a lot of thought into the family’s clothing. I have found I’m much more satisfied with the photos if I’m cognizant of coordinated outfits and also finding a color scheme that would suit my decor where I plan to display the photos themselves.

What's something you've learned to not stress over in regards to family pictures?

Don’t stress over the posing and “perfect” photos. I love the candids so much because they really capture the essence of the family.

Do you prefer outdoor or indoor sessions and why?

We have done almost exclusively outdoor sessions and I love them! But I would be very interested in trying indoor as well, probably only in our home though rather than in front of a set.

Do you like printing your photos, or do you use them mostly digitally?

I always print the photos and also have canvasses made. Love to have them around the house!

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.

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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

Macabre wedding photography and engagement photography can be a great theme If you’re looking for a unique experience and love all things dark, mysterious, gothic, and classic. Photos at a mausoleum may be just what you’re searching for. Mausoleums can be architecturally gorgeous as well, so if your town doesn’t offer much in interesting buildings and you don’t mind the macabre, this is a super satisfying spot to shoot, photographically speaking!

When my dear friend Brittany got engaged (check out her gorgeous black onyx ring in the photos below!), we knew that their photos had to be something unique and different. Brittany has some experience modeling (and is darn good with makeup!) so the somber, serious mood of a shoot in a cemetery was no problem for her and her fiancé Josh to pull off. I know Brittany would kill this session (bad pun - sorry) - but Josh certainly also held his own next to this stunner! These two braced the cold February temperatures and created some of the most unique engagement photos I have been honored to capture!

Even though it may be the last label you would want for yourself, being a “covid bride” can actually have some bright spots, namely getting to choose a separate time and location for some pretty spectacular wedding portraits. Lydia and Tyler initially set a date for the summer of 2020, but then wanted to move the date up to avoid some of the consequences of waiting to have their wedding in the midst of a pandemic. Choosing a small, safe ceremony with just friends and family, the two were able to “make it official” and then save the “big celebration” for a later, safer date.

One of the best parts of this scenario was that we were able to pick a separate date specifically for portraits, one that worked for everyone’s schedule, and also choose a location SOLELY on photos, without having to worry about it’s proximity to a church or a reception hall, for example.

I was very excited when Lydia choose Harwood Acres Mansion, as I had this venue on my bucket list for some time. When you arrive, it’s no secret that it is known as a great location to other photographers too - there were at least a dozen other photographers there! But, the way in which I flow through posing and group different types of people combinations together lent itself to keeping us from hunkering down in one location too long, so we were able to share the grounds and explore the entirety of the property, showcasing all that it had to offer.

Popular with not only photographers but also folks just out and about walking their pups, Harwood Acres boasts some amazing stone architecture, romantic courtyards, secret passageways, and beautiful European style stained glass and roofing. If you are considering having your wedding there, or even scheduling a separate shoot for your portraits, you can rest assured that you will have some fairy-tale looking art for your walls. I hope you enjoy these photos that show off one of the best wedding portrait locations in Pittsburgh!

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!

Kacy and Parker had the perfect rustic elegant wedding at the Home Farm Barn in Indiana PA. The gorgeous venue was a dream to photograph!

We started the day at the nearby Ramada hotel and after some fun including popping the champagne and jumping on the bed, then the bridal party arrived in style with the venue’s complimentary trolley service! Kacy worked a special time to have a first look with her dad into our timeline, and his reactions are incredibly sweet. She and Parker also made time to exchange gifts with each other without seeing the other before the ceremony!

One of my favorite features about Home Farm Barn is the beautiful lower barn area with huge glass walls and the beautiful grey barn doors - it was the perfect backdrop for the lovely ceremony. After we wrapped up there, we got some family photos under the beautiful floral arch, bridal party portraits in the nearby willow trees, and before you know it, it was time to party! Some night portraits and a sparkler exit finished off the perfect day!

I loved getting to know Kacy and Parker during their engagement session in the winter (and got to meet their sweet pup Winston!) which made working together on their wedding day even more special. It means so much to befriend my couples and know their stories. When I asked Kacy about her engagement story she had this to say:

“My proposal was wonderful other than me being a crab!! He instead I left my parents house to go feed animals and I was not having it because I just wanted to stay at my parents. He then begged me enough that I got so mad and just left. He took me out to our apple orchard to feed cows and told me that he wanted to take a picture of Winston and I in the sunset, so I turned around and he said “ I got it” I turned around and there he was on one knee. I BAWLED!! I knew nothing about it!!

When Parker asked my dad he started the conversation with “ Hey , Ed I have a question “ my dad replies “ whatever it is NO” I guess Parker’s face was priceless and he replied “ no, you have to say yes to me on this one because the ring is bought. Can I marry Kacy?” My dad responds “ oh yeah, I guess I can’t say no then.”

They always say you’ll marry someone just like your dad and that is so true. I couldn’t be anymore blessed to have someone just like him. Parker and I are inseparable we literally do everything together it doesn’t matter if it’s shopping or cleaning the barn we are both there with each other all the time.”

I hope you enjoy some previews of their big day! (and how about that brilliant hashtag? #ImWithStupic)

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Vendor Team:

Photography: Jill Gearhart Photography + Jon Blanchard, Sparks Ignite Photography

Photobooth: Booth222

Gown: White Lace Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal

Tuxes: White Lace

Rings: Lorelli’s

Florals: Rose of Sharon

Cake: Cake Shotts

Catering: Deitmans catering

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!

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Venue: Green Gables Restaurant

Photographers: Jill Gearhart Photography, J.Jae Photography

DJ: DJ Jack Labarko

Florals: Gagahan Farms

Hair: Katie, Room 1101 Salon

Gown: MB Bride

Catering: Green Gables Restaurant