Sean & Erika // The Hayloft in Rockwood, PA Wedding

The Independence Day holiday will forever hold a whole boat-load of meaning for Sean & Erika. Not only did they get married this past 4th of July weekend, but two years ago, it was over the 4th of July weekend that they got engaged.

Two years ago, Sean & Erika were in Cumberland, MD spending time with Sean’s family. They live up in the mountains & their property is full of 4-wheeling & hiking trails. Since Sean & Erika love the outdoors, it wasn’t out-of-the-ordinary at all for Sean to suggest they pack a picnic lunch & go find a secluded place to enjoy the view & each other’s company.

Without a second-thought, Erika agreed & together, they jumped on a 4-wheeler & took off into the woods.

After being together for so many years, it was obvious to everyone that eventually Sean & Erika would be getting married. They had even talked about it, but since both agreed that they wanted to wait until after they graduated from their respective colleges to get married, Erika figured that a proposal would not happen for a long time. In fact, Sean had worked hard for an entire year to throw her off the proposal scent, by reassuring her that there was no reason for them to be engaged for 2+ years.

Unknown to Erika, Sean & his parents & his brother had worked magic up in the woods to set up a pagoda, decorate it with American flags & flowers, and a sign that read, “Will you marry me?”

So, as Sean was driving the 4-wheeler up the mountain with Erika riding behind him, he suddenly came to stop. Confused, Erika asked what was going on, and Sean simply pointed across the field. Finally spotting the pagoda, Erika began to wonder if this “normal” picnic up in the mountains was anything but “normal”. They rode over to the spot Sean had picked out & overlooking a gorgeous view, he asked Erika if she would marry him. You can probably guess what she said.

This past Saturday, after being engaged for 2 years, Sean & Erika finally got married. Having both graduated from college in May, it was finally time for their wedding day! And what a perfect, beautiful day it was! Rain had been forecasted, but as the morning wore on, the weather predictions changed, the sun came out, and it was a stunning day!

Sean & Erika – I’ve known since the day I met you guys that your wedding day was going to be perfect, but I still am floating on Cloud 9 over how amazing everything was! Here’s the thing though – as sunny & beautiful as the weather was, as elegant & flawless as the details were – literally nothing could outshine the love you have for each other. I’m convinced that you could have been standing in Target, wearing potato sacks, and your wedding still would have been amazing – why? It’s simple: because of the way you look at one another. It’s obvious that you both adore one another and that you’re soulmates. Simply put, as beautiful as everything around you was – it all paled in comparison to your tangible love. I hope you continue to look at one another with such adoration for the rest of your lives – and I think you will.

Sean & Erika exchanged love letters & gifts before their First Look & I have never witnessed such beautiful love letters or such thoughtful gifts!

Sean & Erika’s ring-bearer’s pillow was extra-ordinarily special – it was made from a piece of Sean’s Mom’s wedding dress!

In an effort to calm their nerves & make the most of their time, Sean & Erika chose to see each other before the wedding ceremony. Their First Look was so precious!

I’m obsessed with this photo Ellen grabbed of Sean & Erika’s wedding ceremony!

On to the reception! The barn at The Hayloft is always so stunning!

We were hoping for a big, epic sunset, but when it became obvious that that wasn’t going to happen, we dodged a few raindrops & simply ran up into the field before the sun went down.

See Sean & Erika’s Deep Creek Lake State Park engagement session highlights here!

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

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Hayloft in Rockwood, PA
Wedding Venue Coordinator: Brooke Kirchner
Catering: The Chuckwagon by The Hayloft in Rockwood, PA
Cake Bakery: The Yellow Oven Bakery – Bonnie Wagner
Invitations: elli
Hair Stylist: Jessica McKenzie
Makeup Artist: Maria Svonavec
Bridal Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero
Bridal Gown Retailer: Abbott’s Bridal Formalwear in Canton, OH
Bridesmaids Gowns Retailer: Azazie
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Bouquets & Corsages: The Hayloft in Rockwood, PA
Her Ring Designer: Jared
His Ring Designer: Blue Nile
DJ: Travis Robison
Favors: Cash Farms Pure Maple Syrup in Atwater, OH
Videographer: Colton Harsh
Assistant Photographer: Ellen Jalosky – Lasting Memories by Ellen in North Irwin, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA