Laura & Jake / Mt. Pleasant, PA / Wedding Photographer

Mt. Pleasant, PA Summer Teal & Orange Fun Wedding by Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA

They had known each other, been friends, and been dating for several years & it just seemed natural that the next step was on the horizon. Laura was headed to Bolivia for a 10 week teaching trip and they had talked about potentially getting engaged before she left. 10 weeks was a long time to be away from each other, and Jake wanted to make sure Laura knew how serious he was before she got on a plane and flew 4,000 miles away.

Wanting to surprise her, but knowing it would be tough to do so, Jake came up with his plan. He had just started a new job, so he had no vacation time, but he did have one personal day that he kept secret from Laura. Unknown to her, he schemed & planned, and right around her birthday, he set his plan into motion.

It all started with him showing up at her door, unannounced. He had a birthday gift for her! But there were several levels of gifts he told her, and she’d have to come with him to receive them all. So, after gift #1, they got in the car & drove out to Ohiopyle State Park. There, Jake took Laura to a lovely overlook spot (we took some of their engagement photos there!) where he had planned a lunch, complete with picnic blanket and gourmet cheeses. He also presented Laura with gift #2 – gourmet coffee syrup – since one of their favorite things together is good coffee.

From there, Jake began reminiscing with Laura, how they had met, the things they had been through, the challenges they’d faced, and the obstacles they’d overcome. As he took her on the “journey” of their relationship, he ended with the present day & then added a new chapter to their story, by getting down on one knee and asking Laura to continue on this journey with him. Laura was so excited – of course she said yes – and in the process of her jumping up and down and squealing, she almost pushed Jake off the cliff they were picnicking on! And if you know Laura, you can absolutely see that happening.

Their wedding day last Saturday was perfectly them: complete with gourmet coffee, beautiful colors, laughing-all-day-long, and balloon animals. Laura & Jake – I can’t even begin to thank you so much for taking us in & making us feel like old friends along for the most amazing day. You guys are wonderful & I can’t wait to hear how y’all rock the world together!

Mt. Pleasant, PA Summer Teal & Orange Fun Wedding by Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA

I loved this! Laura’s bridesmaids wanted to pray with her before the events of the day unfolded – it was so sweet & beautiful to hear each of these girls thanking God for the amazing friend and person that Laura is!

What a happy bride!! My favorite kind!!

Can we just talk about these colors? These flowers were incredible & just popped so perfectly!

Of course, we can’t give the girls all of the spotlight – Jake & his guys cleaned up very well themselves! (the next two images by my amazing second-shooter, Ellen)

Laura & Jake didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony, but they did want to take a few moments to hold hands, exchange gifts, and pray together. It was such a beautiful, quiet, sweet moment before the ceremony!

OH Laura – so so stunning!! Love those last few reflective moments before a bride walks down the aisle and becomes a wife!

I think they were a little happy – can you tell??

Natalie, Laura’s niece, completely stole the show. I’m sorry bridal party, y’all have been upstaged by her adorableness!!

On the way to the reception, we stopped at Laurelville, which make the perfect backdrop for some portraits!

I can’t stop looking at this cake shot that Ellen grabbed – amazing!!

Laura had a special surprise for Jake during the reception – she sang this lovely song to him and he was so surprised! I think it’s super special that she even connived with one of the groomsmen who accompanied her & still kept it all a secret from Jake!!

Laura & Jake’s guests could DANCE!! Like, formal, organized, we-know-what-we’re-doing dancing! It was so fun to watch!!

Okay, I could go on and on, but let’s end with this: in lieu of favors, Laura & Jake brought in a balloon artist – he was the hit of the night!! He was mesmerizing to watch! The things he created were simply incredible!! Literally: best favors ever!