Shane + Holly // Green Gables, Jennerstown, PA // Wedding Photography

He was serving his country overseas and she was studying to gain her Master’s degree. They were both on the lookout for their soul-mate, but were struggling with the “finding” process. Finally, since they didn’t want to meet just “anyone” in a bar, they decided to seek some help from the online world. An online dating site matched them together and after a few emails and phone calls, they went on their first date. The talked for hours. He was smitten with her light, happy conversation and she with his witty, sweet nature.

On a ski trip that turned into anything BUT just another ski trip, Shane & Holly booked a rustic cabin that no one had stayed in for quite some time. Holly thought Shane was attempting to build a fire in the other room and when he called her in – she thought for sure that he had found a mouse. She came squealing and tiptoeing out to find Shane down on one knee, asking her to continue adventuring with him and be his wife.

Their wedding day arrived with rain threatening, but nothing could damper their spirits. They were unsure if their plans for an outdoor ceremony were going to be possible, but the staff at Green Gables forged ahead and promised to be standing by with umbrellas if it began to rain. Always the adventurers, they decided to go for it, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful & personal ceremonies I have ever witnessed.

Holly & Shane: thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your amazing wedding day!! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of capturing your love – ya’ll made my job so easy!!

Holly got ready in the little bridal prep room above Green Gables Restaurant, where the entire wedding took place. Her Mom & best friend helped her get ready and their excitement almost matched Holly’s.

Shane could not keep his eyes off of Holly – he just kept sneaking glances at her – and who wouldn’t? She was simply radiant.

Shane & Holly incorporated a handfasting ceremony into their wedding. As the officiant so eloquently described it: it’s an old Celtic tradition where the bride & groom’s hands are literally tied together – symbolizing the bond that marriage is. With each cord that was wrapped around their hands, a blessing was pronounced – symbolizing the weaving of their lives together into a knot that cannot be broken.

Holly & Shane skipped out on the traditional guest book & opted for a piece of artwork that will be displayed in their home forever! By the end of the night, with all of their guest’s thumbprints on the canvas, their family tree was full and beautiful.

At the end of the night, we snuck down to this gloriously lit tree! We had to cross a minefield of goose poop in the dark, but Holly & Shane are adventurers and I am so glad they are!!