Central PA Boudoir, Wedding, Portrait Photographer
When you are contacted about doing a family session including their FURBABIES…Well of course you say YES!! I couldn’t get over during their session
how well behaved all the pups were. I think it’s safe to say we all had a great time, and their love for their family, and dogs is unmistakable!
PS: They recently opened a restaurant in Harrisburg called, Copper Pub & Grille (previously the Colonial Lounge). Check it out sometime!
So these two goof balls got married, and I can say that because the Bride is my Mom! Although this was a personal family event, I still took this job seriously as if she was a Client of mine. For that reason I will refer to her by her name, Joanne. 🙂
John, and Joanne met online a couple years ago. I remember her talking about him, and was a little unsure because this guy lived
further away then she’d like. In time though, if you know it is right, you just have to follow your heart!
John works at his family farm, so of course the tractor was a key focal point of their day! Then for fun John wanted to get a picture of them with their cross bows!
The reception took place at one of their favorite local bar/restaurant, The Valley Tavern.
Congratulations John, and Joanne (Mom)!
Wedding Venue: Lake Redman
Reception: The Valley Tavern
Cake: Melissa Altland (me!)
Flowers provided by: Olp’s Flower Shop (but put together by the Bride)
Becoming Light…the wedding of Aaron and Leah!
It was a crazy hot day in September, but that didn’t stop this amazing couple from getting married!
Just a quick backstory: Leah is my super awesome DoTERRA lady! I met her randomly at a vendor event, and who knew that just less than a year later I was asked to photograph their wedding! What! Such a HUGE honor, and I’m beyond thankful to have been chosen to do this for them. It’s been a blast getting to know her, and Aaron. ALSO, I’d like to share as to why their date was September 28th. They had two dates in mind, but weren’t able to pick which would be best. So, they asked their sweet dog Lilly! Aaron put the dates in his hands, and Lilly picked for them! Ah, it melted my heart!
The Canna Inn has so much character with a cozy feel which was the perfect setting for their big day.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Light!
Venue: Canna Inn
Videographer: Timothy Lebo Films
Flowers: Pamela’s Flowers
Cake: Sugar Whipped
Caterer: Premier Caterers
Wedding Coordinator: Alaina from Premier Caterers
DJ: Linwood Battle Jr
It was a beautiful September day at Wisehaven in York where Jose, and Ashley got married! Really, the weather was absolutely perfect! Knowing this family for a very long time, I also knew there was a lot of emotions going on because Ashley’s Mom, Kelly, was no longer with us. We all miss her so much.
The day continued with the wedding preparations and it was magical watching Ashley become such a beautiful bride! And the guys were full of laughter while getting ready! Ashley had a sweet gift for her soon to-be husband too. Then it was time for the ceremony begin, and Jose was emotional as he waited to see his Bride. I think many of us were tearing up watching him. I can’t say enough again how perfect the day was, and we got some incredible pictures out at close by park. When it was time to celebrate, their guests and wedding party knew how to show up! It was a blast!
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Valle!
Venue: Wisehaven Event Center Photo booth: Hanover Photo Booth Cake: Amy’s Custom Cakery DJ: Sound Waves Entertainment
I always say how each family has a unique story, and I love hearing about them all…But this one in particular is hard to put into words because of all the ups and downs this family endured. We went to the York Fair to take their family pictures, and some pictures of Miss “H” because she was turning 3 years old. It was her mom’s request to have 3 butterflies added to one of Miss “H”‘s pictures, which represents three angel babies. Miss “H” is a rainbow baby, and for those who don’t know, a rainbow baby is a baby born after a loss.
Miss “H” is full of sass, laughter, and very much your typical 3 year old! It was so much fun celebrating you!
Spring of 2018 while I was running a special model call, I received an email from Ashley that started a beautiful journey that I am so honored to have witnessed. July that year we met to take pictures of her that were for her adoption portfolio in hopes of being chosen by a family. Ashley shared with me a book called, I’ve loved you since forever, written by Hoda Kotb. She’s an author who is also the co-anchor for the Today show, and was inspired by her own adoption story.
It was a lot of fun including this book in her session!
Pictures above are from her session in July 2018.
In less than 1 year…there was so much excitement, and emotions when I saw she announced on her Instagram that she was chosen!! Shortly after Baby “C” was born, Ashley contacted me about my Adoption Session Special which is my way of supporting families who adopt children. During the consultation, I was in awe of her story of how he came to be, and how beautiful that someone chose life! I completely understand that everyone makes choices for their own reasons, but meeting Baby “C”…I don’t even have the words to sum up this experience other than it has taken my breath away! I knew when I met Ashley in 2018, that some little one will be very lucky to have her as a mommy. But really, just look at these pictures from her adoption session! The connection is out of this world, and proof that they are truly meant to be! I also loved how Mr. C’s very proud Aunt joined the session too!
She also included the next book from Hoda Kotb, You are my happy, which was perfect! It is as clear as day, that he is her happy.
I can’t express enough how excited I was when this couple shared interest in having a session at the fair! I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and let me tell you, they were the perfect couple for this….why? Prepare your hearts if you are a hopeless romantic, because your heart strings are about to be pulled!
It was on her birthday in July, and they were out celebrating. He stands up in front of everyone holding a mic, and shared their story from 2009 about the proposal, deployment, and meeting his son at 7 months old. Then she was called up, and he said he “wanted to do it right this time”, and proposed AGAIN! Y’all they will be renewing their vows!! I’m not crying, your crying! I watched the video, and oh my word, it was just the sweetest thing!
Please enjoy these pictures of this awesome couple. When they say “a picture is worth a thousand words”, it’s so true!
“I’m too fat, maybe once I lose weight.”
“I’m not comfortable enough to do that.”
“It’s so expensive! Totally not in the budget”
“I don’t want people to see me like that.”
I hear those same reasons to NOT book a boudoir session, but let me tell you what you WILL gain from a boudoir experience.
First off…YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! YOU ARE UNIQUE! YOU DESERVE THIS!
Boudoir is for EVERYONE, and EVERY SHAPE! I will help guide, and show you how beautiful your curves are. I have seen women come into their session feeling unsure, but after a few shots, then showing them the back of my camera…here is what I start to hear:
“Damn!”
“Oh my gosh I can really do this!”
“Wow!”
Ladies, I want this for you! To show your fierce side, grow your confidence, and leave feeling empowered!
Before your session I will help you to prepare by discussing your vision, go over the little details, and outfits so you don’t have to stress at all! Your session includes my complimentary hair and makeup services for some amazing pampering before we begin your session. I love that time to get to know my Client’s even more! If finances are ever the problem, please don’t worry. I offer payment plans that fit everyone’s needs.
ALSO, I provide different options as to who is allowed to view your photos.
1. I want ALL the world to see
2. I only want certain ones to be visible for the world
3. These are for my eyes only
If you’re interested in booking a boudoir session with me, please contact me!
Also, these sessions aren’t just for ladies! I welcome couples, friends, and men too!
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Now, let me tell you about this gorgeous lady right here…She is a huge advocate on body positivity no matter what stage in life you are at. Deb contacted me about my boudoir model call and she mentioned about her own journey, how much confidence she has gained, and that a boudoir session would be a great way to showcase that! What she wrote was so inspiring that I knew this session would do wonders for her! What I also enjoyed with her session is that we included different things she enjoyed like drinking coffee, and her ukulele! Your boudoir session can include anything that makes you happy too!
You can follow her on Instagram @deliberatelydeb
Some words from Deb on her Boudoir Experience:
“I’ve always wanted to do a boudoir session, but I kept telling myself I’d wait until I lost more weight. Until I was thinner. Until my belly wasn’t so big. But then I realized I was putting off celebrating how awesome my body already is. This body is my home; with legs that take me places and arms that hug my soon-to-be husband, a mouth that speaks truth (and sometimes gets me in trouble) and my favorite part about myself, my mind, that choose to see the good in the world and fight to make it better. I’ve been learning to love myself for a long time, and learning to love my body for what feels like an even longer time. I was nervous going into the boudoir shoot; I already knew Melissa because we chose her to do our wedding photos, but I’m now going let her see a lot more of me, including the side of me that is still learning to love my body. It helped having her do my hair and makeup; we got to talk a lot about what this session meant for me and why it was so important to me. The first few shots I felt SO awkward, but she kept saying how great they were. I was trying to believe her and I knew she could tell, so she showed me a few of the photos she’d taken and OH EM GEE she was right – I looked like a freaking goddess. My anxiety disappeared and I started enjoying the benefits of learning to love myself and I had a BLAST the rest of the shoot. I looked great and felt even greater – so empowered and so proud of the body I call home. And now you can see it too – look at these amazing photos. Thank you, Melissa – I couldn’t have hoped for a better experience!”
How awesome is it to be outside in the country listening to the birds, and frogs. Then watching the tall grass sway in the breeze, and listening to the laughter of this beautiful family! It was so much fun to watch the personalities unfold as we got started with their session. Every family is unique so I try different strategies to make sure their pictures show those personalities, their connection as a family, and always getting some of those “traditional” poses as well.
This is the result, and they absolutely nailed it!
I hope you enjoy their pictures as much as we did!
