Hugs were given. Selfies had been taken. It had been a spectacular day. I was packing up my gear when I remembered a Facebook message from Katie’s Mom, Audrey…

Hi Megan! We are so looking forward to seeing you again at Katie’s wedding next weekend (she came to help at their engagement session)! I can’t believe it’s almost here!!!! So exciting! I wanted to see if you would be able to sneak away from the reception at some point to get some photos of the honeymoon suite? We are filling it with balloons that have quotes about love hanging from the ribbons and rose petals and some romantic things. This is a surprise for Katie and Michael. If you think it’s possible I’ll figure out the logistics to get the key to you. See you soon!!!

Of course I said I would and now I couldn’t possibly leave without capturing this special gift. I found Audrey and asked her if it had, indeed, been decorated. She said they were still working on it. We found their coordinator through Cameron Estate Inn and she lead me to the room to fulfill my promise.

Oh my word. My mouth dropped open when I stepped inside. It wasn’t my first time in this room and it had been completely transformed from my memory of it. Candles filled the space. Rose petals adorned the bed. Monogramed bathrobes were bundled up neatly waiting to spring from their fastenings to adorn the newly weds in the morning. But, most special of all were the quotes. “Michael is a writer.” — I was told. “Words matter to them.” And there, dangling from countless balloons, slowly bobbled and twirled love quotes and sayings…poems and more, carefully selected and ready to inspire and start their marriage off right.

After a day that took my breath away, I stood in amazement of this family and their thoughtfulness. This day (and the people in it) was not just beautiful. It was full of heart and meaning. I learned during the ceremony that Katie and Michael had been dating for 7 1/2 years to get to this day. Young now, they were practically babies (as Michael’s brother stated during his speech) when they first met and fell in love. Their story is something out of a romance novel and I couldn’t feel more special to be the one to stand with them to capture their wedding day….their best day ever. — And, it was.

From their getting ready venue, The Manor on Front, to the cathedral wedding in downtown Harrisburg, ending in a limo ride in style to Cameron Estate Inn to party the night away with the Bachelor Boy Band, it was a night to remember!

Katie and Michael. Holy moly how do I even begin. You have class and style but even more, you are so SO SO kind and generous. I am simply in awe of you. Michael, the fact that you took time out of your reception to come out to the vendor diner table to thank all of us….just…GAH!!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! I hope you love this little sample of photos of your best day ever. You certainly waited long enough for the day, I didn’t want you to have to wait much longer for the photos to share. And, because I know how hard it is to wait, there will be a surprise in your inbox later today, so don’t forget to check!

XO - Megan