Camryn and Caleb officially met in 2019, when Camryn was nearing the end of her time at Duquesne University, where she was studying pharmacy and playing volleyball. Around that same time, she joined a CrossFit gym where Caleb happened to be one of the coaches. Their relationship didn’t begin with some dramatic first date or instant romantic connection. Instead, they simply started talking, became friends, and slowly laid the foundation for something more.
And then, of course, 2020 happened.
Like so many relationships that began around that time, Camryn and Caleb’s story progressed a little differently than they probably would have imagined. Between shutdowns, Camryn’s pharmacy training, time spent long-distance, and even living under the same roof for a season, their friendship quickly became something more. They started dating, added a dog to their little family just a few months later, and built a life together during a time when very little about life felt normal.
So when Caleb decided it was time to propose a few years later, surprising Camryn proved to be nearly impossible. She had a feeling it was coming, and Caleb acting suspiciously around Christmas certainly didn’t help his case! He ultimately proposed at home on Christmas Eve – just the two of them. And even though Camryn knew what was happening, it was exactly what she wanted: quiet, private, meaningful, and without a crowd watching.
That same desire carried into the way Camryn and Caleb approached their wedding. They knew from the beginning that a large, traditional wedding didn’t feel like them, so they initially started looking into eloping. But none of the options they found felt quite right either. Eventually, they discovered The Lodge at Water’s Edge. They fell in love with the intimate, cozy venue, and suddenly the pieces started falling into place. With around 50 of their closest family and friends gathered around them, they could have a wedding that still felt like a celebration without losing the intimacy they wanted.
And The Lodge at Water’s Edge could not have been a more beautiful setting for their celebration. Camryn and Caleb exchanged vows right along the edge of Slippery Rock Creek, with the trees of McConnells Mill State Park creating the prettiest backdrop across the water. A few raindrops started to fall toward the end of their ceremony, but they didn’t last long. By the time we headed into portraits, the sun was breaking through the clouds! It was still warm outside, but there were just enough hints of fall in the air to make the entire evening feel extra cozy.
As the sun went down, everyone gathered on the patio underneath the string lights for the reception. The fires were lit, the lights were glowing, and the whole space had that dreamy, tucked-away-in-the-woods feeling that made you want to settle in and stay awhile. But don’t let the words “intimate micro wedding” fool you into thinking this was a quiet little dinner party! Once the music started, Camryn and Caleb’s guests packed the dance floor and kept it going all night long.
Wedding Content Creation was actually one of the last pieces Camryn and Caleb added to their plans. They knew they didn’t want a traditional wedding video, but after their florist (shout-out Rachel!) mentioned content creation as another way to preserve the day, they started looking into it – which is how they found me! And for a wedding that was so intentionally relaxed, intimate, and true to them, it felt like the perfect fit. I got to simply come alongside them and capture everything as it unfolded: the big moments, the little interactions, the laughter, the dancing, and all of those in-between pieces that made their wedding day feel like theirs.
Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Lauren & Mike’s wedding day absolutely perfect!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Lodge at Water’s Edge in Porterville, PA
Coordinator: Mackenzie of Meticulous Matters in Pittsburgh, PA
Bridal Gown: Lux Redux in Pittsburgh, PA
Groom’s Attire: Joseph Orlando Clothiers in Pittsburgh, PA
Hair & Makeup: Clarissa & Cyara of Bella Beautiful Beauty in Pittsburgh, PA
Florist: Rachel of Compass Rose Floral Design in Pittsburgh, PA
DJ: DJ Andrew Smith in Pittsburgh, PA
Photographer: Julianne of Studio 921 in Pittsburgh, PA
Wedding Content Creator: Kara Abbey in Irwin, PA
