BASED IN IRWIN, PA

serving the Pittsburgh, PA area

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Zeb & Emilie // Boston Spectrum Wedding in Irwin, PA

Bride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PAOnce upon a time, I was the only “kid” in the Eichelberger family. I was the first grandchild to be born. Not long after I came onto the scene, my Uncle Paul began dating a smiley, friendly, red-head (who soon became my Aunt Dawn). I adored them as a couple. And they paid special attention to me (even after 2 additional sisters of mine came onto the scene). They took me to Disney-on-Ice shows in Pittsburgh, we’d sit around the fire & cook s’mores together, and sit at the end of the dock, toes chilling in the cool water, while tossing billions of stones into Deep Creek Lake together.

And then, Zeb came along. And ruined everything.

Not really. This new little red-headed baby cousin was an absolute joy. And the best part was: he didn’t belong to my family! So, I could hold him and snuggle him and kiss his soft little head, and when he got whiney or needed a diaper change, I could just hand him back to Aunt Dawn or Uncle Paul (unlike when one of my baby sisters got unhappy).

Zeb grew up to love all things trucks, backhoes, “diggers”, and vacuum cleaners. He’d swim in the lake until his lips turned blue & shivers wracked his body – and still want to keep on swimming. He and my sister Amy formed a special, best-friend bond, at a level that only cousins can achieve. They built forts and climbed trees and got into all sorts of mischief as a pair.

But then, this weird time-travel thing happened and suddenly, Zeb wasn’t a little boy anymore. He grew sideburns and a beard and bought a truck (that came in handy one late Christmas Eve Eve – but that’s a whole other story). And then, he found a hair in his food at a local diner.

This past January, my sister Ellen got married. As we all danced together at her wedding, we teased Zeb: when was he going to propose to Emilie, so we could have another Eichelberger wedding? Little did we know, he already had a plan in the works!

The following Sunday, after church & lunch with his family, Zeb asked Emilie if she’d go for a walk with him. A little confused because it was January and cold out, she reluctantly agreed. Anything for a romantic walk with the man she loved (even if it was freezing). Unknown to Emilie, Zeb’s sister Lydia, my sister Amy, and I were in place at Twin Lakes Park & trying so so hard to keep it together. We were able to see him arrive and suddenly the world slowed to a crawl. Zeb & Emilie walked hand-in-hand, “strategically” pausing every so often to let other (crazy) people out walking go around & get ahead of them.

At one point, Zeb stopped and bent down to tie his (already tied) shoe. He looked up at Emilie and said, “Wow, this would be such a pretty place to propose. Too bad I didn’t bring your ring with us!” Emilie, who was already unsuspecting, was completely thrown off of any idea of a proposal happening. And it made her a little angry at him. Why would he even bring that up? They had already talked about it & marriage was in the future. He knew she was anxiously awaiting a proposal – why tease her?

As they rounded the bend and walked down a straight part of the path, Zeb “stumbled” upon a small box in the middle of the path. Zeb may have not brought the engagement ring he’d picked out for Emilie with him, but that didn’t mean that he hadn’t strategically sent it ahead, with 3 super giggly and excited girls! (If you’d like to go back & see the images I took of their proposal, hop over to that blog post here!)

Somehow, time did that crazy time-travel thing again, as we blinked and suddenly it was Zeb & Emilie’s wedding day. This past Saturday arrived so quickly and with much anticipation. Zeb is the oldest of his siblings, so the excitement level in Aunt Dawn & Uncle Paul’s house Saturday morning reached peak levels. The common theme was, “We can’t believe today is already here!”

Zeb & Emilie: when I say it was an honor to photograph your wedding day – I mean that it was the highlight of my year. Obviously, I’ve known you, Zeb, for your entire life, but it has been so special to meet Emilie & see how she lights up your life. Emilie: with your huge smile & your infections laugh, you fit right into this Eichelberger family and we are thrilled beyond words to have you! I tell all of my KAP Couples to “keep in touch”, but I don’t have to tell y’all that, because you have no choice! I can’t wait to continue on this journey through life with y’all and continue making memories together. I still can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that my vacuum-cleaner-loving-red-headed cousin is a married man. I love y’all!!

Speaking of that crazy cousin of mine: I started out Saturday morning at his house! Meaning, I got to hug the groom before almost anyone else did.

Getting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PAGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA

Emilie got ready at her Grandma’s house. It was perfect.

Getting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal Details

Emilie, I love your gigantic-smiley face, but I had no idea you could so easily pull off the serious model face too! GORGEOUS!!

Getting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal DetailsGetting Ready for a Family-Oriented Elegantly Simple Wedding in Irwin, PA - Bridal Details

Emilie wanted to do a First Look moment with her Dad. As if the emotions weren’t already raging and leaking out of my eyes – this definitely set them off!

First Look with Dad in Irwin, PAFirst Look with Dad in Irwin, PABackyard Bridal Portraits in Irwin, PABackyard Bridal Portraits in Irwin, PA

Omigoodnes Emilie, SO amazingly stunning!

Backyard Bridal Portraits in Irwin, PA

Emilie just kept saying all morning: “I have the most beautiful bridesmaids & flower girls!” And I have to agree – everyone was pretty top notch.

Backyard Bridal Party Portraits in Irwin, PABackyard Bridal Party Portraits in Irwin, PABackyard Bridal Party Portraits in Irwin, PA

I know every little girl has a special relationship with her Mama, but Emilie & her Mom have something extra special. They were so much fun to watch!

Backyard Bridal Party Portraits in Irwin, PABackyard Bridal Party Portraits in Irwin, PA

Meanwhile, on the other side of town – my sister Ellen was hanging out with the guys. Ellen & Zeb have always had a special kind of friendship and so when we talked about Emilie & Zeb’s wedding day & who wanted to take what part, Ellen was quick to say that she wanted to hang with the guys Saturday morning!

Backyard Groom Portraits in Irwin, PABackyard Groom Portraits in Irwin, PA

Check out these handsome dudes!!

Backyard Groomsmen Portraits in Irwin, PABackyard Groomsmen Portraits in Irwin, PAArrival at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA for Wedding Ceremony

Emilie’s Grandma didn’t have a full length mirror at her house, so after arriving to the church & sneaking back to the nursery (the bridal hideout), Emilie was able to see herself for the first time that day as a bride!

Arrival at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA for Wedding Ceremony

Zeb & Emilie’s wedding day was filled with so many special moments. The two of them had decided that they wanted to hold hands & pray with one another before the ceremony began (also known as, an Invisible First Look). Ellen & I found a corner and set up the moment. It was so beautiful.

Pre Wedding Ceremony Prayer and Invisible First Look at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAPre Wedding Ceremony Prayer and Invisible First Look at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAPre Wedding Ceremony Prayer and Invisible First Look at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAPre Wedding Ceremony Prayer and Invisible First Look at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

And then it was back upstairs to the nursery to hideaway again.

Arrival at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA for Wedding CeremonyPre Wedding Ceremony Prayer at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

Wedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

I spot a wild Ellen!

Wedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAWedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

So, as if seeing my cousin standing at the altar, waiting for his gorgeous bride wasn’t enough to send tears rolling down my face, this happened:

Emotional Bride - Wedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAEmotional Bride - Wedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAEmotional Bride - Wedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAEmotional Bride - Wedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

As soon as she rounded the corner & began walking down the aisle though – it was all gigantic smiles again. The tears were gone, she was with her man, and the world was perfect.

Beautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

Emotional Bride - Wedding Ceremony Processional at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

Beautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABeautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABeautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABeautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

Another super special & unique moment of Zeb & Emilie’s day was that they wanted to wash each other’s feet during their ceremony. As a sign of immense love and humility, it was a beautiful moment.

Foot Washing Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABeautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABeautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABeautiful Wedding Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PAThe Moment After the Ceremony at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

Okay okay, so, since both wedding photographers for the day were part of Zeb’s family, we were presented with the challenge of how to take a family picture. Thankfully, we have some really cool gadgets and while Ellen photographed Zeb & Emilie’s receiving line, I got a tripod & remote set up (and couldn’t resist having a little fun with it).

Family Portraits at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

But that enabled us to get THIS new Eichelberger family portrait – in less than 30 seconds and without any running back & forth setting camera timers!

Family Portraits at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABridal Party Portraits at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA

We left the church and went to White Oak Park for portraits!

Bridal Party Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABridal Party Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABridal Party Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABridal Party Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PA

Model faces.

Bride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PABride & Groom Portraits at White Oak Park in Irwin, PA

Their reception was held at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA.

Simply Elegant Teal Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASimply Elegant Teal Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASimply Elegant Teal Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

One of my favorite parts of the entire reception (okay, I have a few, but this was a really good one) was the Best Man Toast. Zeb’s brother Malachi was the Best Man & he absolutely slayed his toast. Both Ellen & I have heard so many Best Man speeches, but this one definitely takes the cake as one of the best. The entire place was roaring with laughter.

Best Man Toast at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PABest Man Toast at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

Emilie’s sister Courtney was the Maid of Honor and she stated off by saying, “I asked to give my toast after Malachi and clearly, that was a mistake.” She gave a beautiful toast though and knocked it out of the park as well!

Maid of Honor Toast at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PACake Cutting at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PACake Cutting at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAFirst Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAFirst Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAFirst Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAFirst Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

So, if you don’t know, my cousin Zeb is a renowned Michael Jackson dancer. At every single wedding he’s at, someone will request Michael Jackson be played & Zeb tears up the dance floor. He’s the best I’ve ever seen! So, they went from their First Dance, straight into a Michael Jackson song.

Choreographed First Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

And then, to everyone’s surprise, Emilie joined Zeb on the dance floor & they crushed a choreographed mash-up of Michael Jackson songs! Everyone was in a mixture of awe, amazement, and utter delight! It was so so good!

Choreographed First Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAChoreographed First Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAChoreographed First Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAFather Daughter Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

From there, they moved into the Father/Daughter dance. While Emilie was dancing with her Dad, I looked over to see Zeb’s youngest siblings (twin girls) all snuggled up to him.

Father Daughter Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAMother Son Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

And then, during the Mother/Son dance, the girls went over & snuggled up to Emilie! It was so precious!

Mother Son Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAMother Daughter Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

Remember these two cuties from earlier this summer?

Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAWedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

Remember how I said my sister Amy & Zeb have that special best-friend-cousin bond? This is them.

Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAWedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

We didn’t have any fun at all.
Seriously though, SO much fun!

Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAWedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAWedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAWedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAWedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAGarter Removal - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

I love when, after the traditional money dance, the crowd circles around the bride & her Mom & the groom has to break into the circle to rescue his bride. A lot of weddings do a money dance, but not a lot of weddings finish off the tradition. It’s so much fun when they do though!

Money Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAMoney Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PAMoney Dance - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

Even though the party was amazing, we were able to sneak away for just a few moments of “savoring” photos. I love when I can pull a bride & groom out of their wedding, and give them a few quiet moments to simply take it all in. To be in the moment. And to enjoy the fact that it’s their wedding day.

Sunset Newlywed Portraits - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASunset Newlywed Portraits - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASunset Newlywed Portraits - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASunset Newlywed Portraits - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASunset Newlywed Portraits - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASunset Newlywed Portraits - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

The cherry on top of the evening was the epic sparkler exit at the end!

Sparkler Exit - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASparkler Exit - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASparkler Exit - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PASparkler Exit - Wedding Reception at The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors who helped make Zeb & Emilie’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony Venue: Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA
Reception Venue: The Boston Spectrum in McKeesport, PA
DJ: Tom Carter
Catering: DeNunzios in Jeannette, PA
Cake & Desserts: Homemade by the bride’s Grandma & extended family
Florals: Homemade by the bride’s Grandma
Bridal & Bridesmaids Gown Retailer: David’s Bridal
Bridal Gown Hanger: The Brown Dog Boutique in Binghamton, NY
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridal & Maid of Honor Hair: Nina Vonnes Hair Gallery in Irwin, PA
Bridesmaids Hair: Not Just Hair Salon in Irwin, PA
Makeup: Synergy Salon & Spa in Irwin, PA
Invitations: The Print Shoppe in Irwin, PA
Day-of Coordinators: Alisa Morris & Liz Morris
Videographer: Brian Morris
Ceremony Sound: Noah Fournier
Officiant: Pastor Aaron Garber
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA

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Hi Im Kara Abbey a Wedding Photographer in Irwin PA

Hi! I'm Kara!

Welcome to my blog!

I am a full time engagement & wedding photographer based in Irwin, PA & I love to write!

 

I blog about 3 main topics:

•the beautiful love stories that I capture with my camera

•our adventures visiting different amusement parks for my husband's YouTube channel

•and the every day, crazy life as a family of 4.

 

I'm so thankful you've found your way here!

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