On a Cold and Rainy October Day

Brian and Reneé married at Black Dog Wine Company in Oakdale, PA. Initially, the couple had planned to be wed outside, but with the consistent rain, they moved their ceremony indoors. And so they managed to rearrange plans and host a beautiful wedding with all their family and friends in attendance. They entertained their guests with games, good food, and even better conversation. I loved watching the kids play Kerplunk during the cocktail hour, and a pretty intense chess match happened in just the other room.

Reneé and her bridesmaids got ready in the upstairs suite, their hair and makeup were done by Shade Makeup Artistry, who did a fabulous job. I was so impressed with Reneé's beautiful dress from Bridal Maven, that she hand-dipped to achieve the colorful ombre feature. She looked amazing! Brian and his groomsmen got ready just down the hall from the ladies, so it was fun going back and forth capturing all the moments, while they tried to avoid running into each other.

The details that they selected for their day were beautiful and so special to them as a couple. The geodes and crystals were such a fun touch considering Reneé's career in geology. The geode theme was carried through to the cake by Mediterra Bakehouse, it was such a stunner and so well done. I especially enjoyed Brian and Reneé's unique take on the unity ceremony by their breaking of a geode. It was definitely a team effort to get it cracked. Their whole ceremony was simply breathtaking, full of personalized vows and tenderness. Their love lit up the room like light refracted through a crystal.

After the ceremony and family portraits, the rain let up just long enough to allow us to get wedding party photos and some portraits done outside. I enjoyed working alongside Reflective Media. When the rain started picking up again, we took the last of the portraits inside, and those were my favorite. I loved the moody window light, which helped create such romantic portraits. Brian and Reneé ended the night with us by sharing a private first dance. They were absolutely wonderful.

Many happy wishes to the bride and groom!