It's weddings like Lauren and Lee's that demostrate exactly why I love this job so much. From the moment I arrived in Canton, PA (after a five hour drive from Northern Virgina), I was greated with huge hugs from their family at the local bar where they met. From that instant, and throughout the weekend, I felt more like an invited guest than a hired vendor. And like any guest, I had a terrific time.
After spending the morning in the salon she booked for private time with her bridesmaids, she looked every part the princess as she put on her gown. You'd never know she was a self-proclaimed tom-boy, in her ruffled gown, tiara and radiant (i.e. contagious!) smile. The ceremony was held at her parents' bed and breakfast, Rock Girt, a
gorgeous English style cottage nestled in the mountains with a perfect lake backdrop. And it reflected the personal touches indicitive of their personalities, with the reading of a poem written by Lee, personal vows and a song sung by the bridal party.
When it came time for photo ops after the ceremony, I think it took every bit of restraint this couple could muster not to jump in the lake. As you look at the images below, I am sure you will be able to find the one that caused Mrs. Schoonover to yell, "Lauren Rae, don't you dare!" Meanwhile, the bridal party piled themselves into a pyramid, at the suggestion of my second photographer,
Mark Gardner.
And the celebration continued well into the night. As I finally departed at 3:00am, guests and bridal party made their way back to the lake in the darkness to find the tents where they would be camping out for the remainder of the evening.
Lauren and Lee, thank you so much for inviting me to spend such a great celebration with you. Mark and I truly enjoyed working with both of you and wish you a lifetime of happiness.
End note: I received a request from the parents to include a photo of the photographers. And since Mark and I were having such a great time, we couldn't help but oblige :) Thanks for taking it, Angie!
