Lancaster Countryside Wedding

Katie was convinced that she would never find true love…until she met John. After just one date, she couldn’t stop smiling. And on that first date, John was already in love with her! Fast forward over 4 years later, and I was honored to photograph their gorgeous fall wedding at Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens.

Katie had dreamed of a fall wedding. It’s her favorite season and Stoltzfus is the perfect place to showcase the beauty of a Pennsylvania autumn. With a myriad of colorful leaves, beautiful fall flowers and weather still warm enough to be outside, Katie and John’s wedding was a fall lover’s delight.

The day started out with nervousness and a bit of worry for Katie. After the ladies got ready, we took some photos in the bridal suite. Katie had a first look with her mother that was so special. They’re really close and it was a beautiful and emotional moment for both of them. Meanwhile, the groomsmen were getting ready, joking around and enjoying the perfect fall day. After taking some outdoor shots of the bridal party, Katie and John had a “first touch”. They stood around the corner holding hands and took a moment to gain strength and calmness from each other. Katie presented John with her journal turned to the entry of the night of their first date. In the entry, she talked about what a wonderful time she had with him, and that it was the best date she had ever been on. John is known to be an emotional guy, and this seemed to really speak to his heart.

John and Katie picked Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens as their venue. When they first saw the ceremony site the “Tobacco Barn”, Katie instantly fell in love and knew this was the place for her to promise John forever. Standing outside those same doors on her wedding day, Katie still felt nervous but as soon as the big wooden doors were opened and she began her walk down the aisle to her true love, her heart was at peace and all she could think of was how much she loved John. The wedding had many special facets to it, like the adorable flower girls, and Katie’s mother walking her down the aisle. She and John did a unity candle and her godmother performed the ceremony.

After the wedding, and more pictures, the reception was in the “Grand Barn”. Good food, lively music and lawn games made the party even more fun! After all the festivities, John and Katie had a sparkler exit and sped away to their honeymoon in St Lucia.

It was a beautiful wedding and John and Katie both said they are so thankful and blessed to have had the wedding of their dreams.