Me: “Sooooooo I found a beautiful portrait location! It’s a little bit of a walk…through the parking lot…and….*swallow* you’ll have to jump a fence…in your wedding dress.” Pause for reaction/response while holding my breath….

Alyssa without skipping a single beat: “Okay! Let’s go! Do I need my shoes?”

So, for anyone who doesn’t know Alyssa, just know that this response is NOT a typical Alyssa response. Alyssa considers every angle, poses probing questions, worries a little (okay a lot) and likes to then re-consider her considerations. My husband does this as well so I’m used to it and I actually appreciate the thought since I’m more of a “in the moment” kind of person. Sometimes I need a “thinker” to keep me in check.

Even though I knew Alyssa and Brian fully trusted me after their amazing engagement session in Jim Thorpe at Mauch Chunk Lake two years ago, even I was speechless for about .25 seconds before throwing up my hands and saying. “Okay! Let’s GO!”

The day had been such a complete success through all the different location changes, moving parts, and after seeing the GORGEOUSLY decorated reception space at Penn’s Peak that Alyssa and Brian were ready to just let things happen and enjoy their wedding day. Though I didn’t tell them, this had been my wish for them from the first time I met them several years ago when they booked with me. Alyssa told me about her anxiety and that she needed someone who would help her with that throughout the planning process and on the wedding day.

Alyssa works with special needs kids in her professional world and being someone who also used to work in the same general field, I could feel instantly that she felt safe with me…just like her kids feel safe with her, and I didn’t want to let her down.

Honestly, it wasn’t hard. I think once she got to her wedding day and realized that this was the day she could finally call Brian her husband…that was all that mattered. And the way they looked at each other when they were finally standing together at the alter (see photos below!!!)…just magic.

This was a wedding day like none I’ve ever seen before. Their DJ, Rockin' Ramaley, brought in 10, 20 foot, full-size, real TREES along with Edison string lights to create the most magical reception experience I’ve ever seen. It was like being out under the stars….but with air conditioning!

Both Alyssa and Brian are only children so it was very special to watch both sets of parents hold on to them…and also let go together.

Alyssa’s Maid of Honor, Amber joked that Alyssa and Brian are related to or know everyone in Jim Thorpe but I think it’s more accurate that everyone in Jim Thorpe love Alyssa and Brian…and it felt like they all showed up for the occasion. It was a huge crowd…appropriate for the venue at Penn’s Peak, typically a concert hall. Amber said, even the Mayor was in attendance!

I could go on and on about this amazing day but all-in-all it was simply splendid and I feel incredibly lucky to have been such an integral part in it. Please enjoy the highlight photos below.

Alyssa and Brian, oh my wow. How in the world we all pulled off this day without a single hiccup I will never know. Your planner, Carrie on Events, was incredible along with the entire vendor team. Hands down the most complicatedly well done day I’ve ever seen. Well done! The best part though was seeing you two become man and wife in the sweet way that is SO you two. I’m so happy you found each other. You are truly a perfect match. Alyssa, I love knowing that you will be so well taken care of for your whole life. You each “get” the other and that, my friends is half the battle and most of the fun. You two have a long life of happiness ahead of you and I couldn’t be happier for you.

I hope you love this little sample of photos from your beautiful day. And, because I know how hard it is to wait, there will be a surprise waiting for you in your inbox later tonight, so don’t forget to check!

XO - Megan