Brandy & Jason | Disney Halloween Wedding at Green Gables in Jennerstown, PA

Brandy & Jason met at Edinboro University where they both lived in the same apartment building. Their individual circles of friends meshed & the two became fast friends.

And then – Brandy left.
She had applied for an internship at Walt Disney World within the College Program and arrived in Florida in August of 2009 (fun fact: I left Walt Disney World, having completed my College Program in August of 2009 – how crazy is that?!)

Of course – you can see the logical problem that followed Brandy’s move: Jason missed her desperately. Having broken up with his girlfriend, he could only think of one girl. In fact: he was hanging out with a friend one afternoon, when he blurted out: “The girl I really want to date isn’t even here! She’s at Disney!” Literally, as the words were coming out of his mouth, his phone buzzed & it was a 100% out-of-the-blue text from: you guessed it – Brandy. (Do you have chills? I get crazy goosebumps every time I hear this part of their story!) She was just reaching out to say, “Hey! Was just thinking about you & wanted to say hi.”

And well, that was it.
From that moment on – they started talking on a very regular (but long-distance) basis. Brandy finished her College program, and went “seasonal” with the Walt Disney Company – continuing to work for Disney for another 18 months.

After about 2 years, Jason (having finished college) offered to move to Florida. The long-distance thing just wasn’t cutting it any longer. However, at that point, Brandy was ready to come home to Pennsylvania. She loved working for Disney, but hated the weather in Florida, and so she moved back to the Pittsburgh area to be with Jason.

Fast forward a few years & Jason began looking for an engagement ring for Brandy. It took him 2 years to find exactly what he wanted (he ended up having to find someone online to fulfill his vision: a completely custom, one-of-a-kind creation).

As Christmas of 2018 approached, Jason put together his plans to propose. He called Brandy’s parents & asked their permission to marry their daughter (to which they responded, “It’s about time!”) Since they don’t live in the Pittsburgh area, Jason didn’t want to put any pressure on them to come down when he proposed – but in the weeks leading up to the proposal, they called Jason & said that they wanted in on the day & to count them in!

And so, right before Christmas, Brandy’s parents came into town & told Brandy that they wanted to take her into the city to do Christmas stuff: eat, shop, look at the lights, etc. As they were arriving to pick her up, Jason was getting home from work & told them all to “Have a fun day!” as he “went to bed.” When in reality, the moment they pulled out of the driveway, he sprang into motion.

The first part of Jason’s plan was getting a haircut. Now see, you have to understand: all thru college, Jason shaved his head. Then, post-college, he got lazy & began to let his hair grow out – revealing a head of super tight, beautiful curls. Brandy loved his hair & so he said he’d never shave his head again. Wanting a change though, he decided to surprise Brandy (he had been talking about it anyway) by getting a haircut & chopping his shoulder-length curls up short. He went with his Mom to a fancy salon & off went his hair.

Then, Jason & his parents headed downtown, to meet up (at a pre-arranged time & place) with Brandy (who was still in the dark) & her parents. There was just one problem: they hit traffic (gotta love Pittsburgh).
Trying not to panic, Jason was texting Brandy’s parents, telling them he was going to be late & to stall – while Brandy’s Mom was literally hiding in the bathroom texting Jason so Brandy wouldn’t know what was going on.

Finally downtown, Jason walked up behind Brandy – who was completely oblivious to what was about to happen. She was standing at the Christmas Tree at PPG Place, taking photos, when Jason walked up behind her & totally creepy said: “How are your pictures turning out?”
Brandy turned around & just about punched his lights out because A) who was this creeper whispering behind her & B) she didn’t quite recognize him with his new haircut!

Of course: her first reaction was: “Omigosh, your hair!” and that’s when he smiled & said, “Yes, but there’s more,” and there – surrounded by their parents (plus a whole colosseum of people), he got down on one knee & asked Brandy to marry him. You can probably guess what she said.

This past Saturday was the big day!! Halloween fell on a Saturday in 2020 which set Jason & Brandy up with a perfect “theme” for their wedding. Their day was a mix of Haunted Mansion, Hocus Pocus, & Harry Potter details (wait, he’s not Disney – shhhhh don’t tell anyone). They included their black cat Nox in the day – and even though it was SO cold – it was SO perfect.

Jason & Brandy – words cannot describe how thrilled I was to be a part of your Disney Halloween wedding. It was the perfect mix of elegant, spooky fun, and brought back so many happy memories I have from my time working in the Magic Kingdom. There aren’t many weddings that I walk away from & wish that I could go back & celebrate again and again, but your wedding definitely falls into that category!! I could photograph your wedding & hang out with the two of you every weekend for the rest of my photography career. Thank you so much for sharing your Disney-nerd side with my Disney-nerd side – it just made me so overwhelmingly happy.

Brandy did a First Look with her Dad & it was such a sweet, emotional moment!

And then it was off to her First Look with Jason!

Can we just talk about how obsessed I am with Brandy’s dress?! She designed it herself & then Anomalie made her vision come to life – it was perfect!

Brandy created these brooms for her girls to carry (how perfect, right?) and in the floral arrangements on each broom was a flower, created from a page, from each bridesmaid’s favorite Harry Potter book.

Brandy’s niece was the flower girl & she was the most adorable little bundle of happiness I’ve ever seen!!

UGH – Brandy! I just can’t – you are so gorgeous, girlfriend!!

Like I mentioned: Brandy & Jason brought their cat, Nox, along to the wedding!! Can you get over his adorable little bowtie?!

I’ve photographed several weddings at Green Gables now & I think every single time I’ve been there – the ceremony is held in a different spot – and Saturday was no exception!

Even though we had done a First Look, we still snuck out after the ceremony for just a few more bride & groom photos – and I’m so glad we did!! The light was just to die for!

On to the reception!

THIS CAKE!! Can we just talk about how epic this wedding cake is?! Brandy designed the cake, and Pastries A-La Carte Bakery really outdid themselves with it’s execution!

I love listening to toasts at weddings – and Brandy’s sister’s toast (in which she sang a parody that she had written about Jason & Brandy to the tune of “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid) definitely falls into the top 5 speeches I’ve ever witnessed!!

And – how could we end the night without dashing outside for a few night photos? In case you aren’t aware: not only did Halloween fall on a Saturday, it was a full moon too!

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Brandy & Jason’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Green Gables Restaurant in Jennerstown, PA
Venue Coordinator: Teresa
Catering: Green Gables Restaurant in Jennerstown, PA
Cookies & Cake: Pastries A-La Carte Bakery in Pittsburgh, PA
Bridal Gown: Anomalie (designed by the bride)
Florals: DIY by the bride
DJ: Rob Harrold of Showtime Entertainment Services in Somerset, PA
Officiant: Reverend Dina of A Soulful Commitment in Pittsburgh, PA
Second Photographer: RL Photography in Williamsburg, VA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA