A Timeless Affair: An Elegant Luxury Wedding at the Historical Swan House in Atlanta, Georgia
Beauty of a Fall Wedding in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Questions you should ask while choosing a wedding photographer | Wilkes-Barre, PA | Cassandra Weber Photo
In Home Engagement Session Northeast Pennsylvania | Cassandra Weber Photography
Being a wedding photographer based out of Northeast Pennsylvania comes with many options for locations. There is no doubt how beautiful NEPA is. We are surrounded by so many options whether its a hidden lake or trip in the trees or maybe a run through a green meadow with wild flowers. But sometimes people forgot of this option. What about an In home session? It can be a spot in your own home or renting a quaint air bnb to share a session with your lover.
Why I think an in home session should be something you should consider.
We go through a period of time in Pennsylvania where the trees are bare and everything is dull, snow and brown. Instead of hoping the weather holds out during this time of year why not find a cute place to get cozy at and save the stress of the weather being unpredictable.
If you just got a new home this would be the perfect time to celebrate that. What about a special moment to share with your pets? I know how special a pet can mean to someone and adding them into your engagement photos is fun and something to always remember.
This can be a chance to take photos in a place you spend the most time together. Getting snuggled on your couch, hanging out in your kitchen making coffee, the place you relax together in a warm bath, or the moments you spend wrapped in each others arms watching movies and reading books in bed. All of these things we do every day, mean something.
Using this style for engagement photos is a chance to document your love and the things you do daily with one another in a comfortable setting.
A few shots of what an in home session could look like.
Bridal portraits in Wilkes-barre, PA | Emily
I spent Thursday doing a mentorship with Brittany Boote as she taught me how to pose for an editorial look. Once a week over the past month we would do a zoom call and go over in depth what to look for through out a wedding day that tells the story as a whole. While expressing yourself creatively and letting yourself be you in this industry. We ended with an in person shoot with Emily at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre, PA that gave the perfect vibes for the editorial look we were going for. I got to put to use all that we have talked about and all that I have learned over the last month and apply it to a bride.
At least once a year if not more, I invest in education for myself. I think It is so important to continue to evolve and grow in this industry. This always makes me feel refreshed and ready to challenge myself for the year to be the best version of myself.
After this mentorship I feel more in touch with my why. The reason I’m doing this is so honest and pure to my heart. This is my happy space. Learning and growing in this business has brought me so much joy being able to express myself creatively through all my clients.
I am so ready to for wedding season to begin to put all that I have learned to practice with all my brides.
Some highlights on why you should do a mentorship if you are a photographer.
Guidance- We all need guidance. Someone who is a good mentor will share experiences and share mistakes long even after the day is wrapped up. There is something to always learn off of someone who has walked down the road longer than you have and is more experienced.
Confidence- I think when you invest in this part of yourself and business a huge part that comes with learning the little things that makes the big changes in business is your confidence. Every time I leave a workshop or mentorship I am feeling so inspired and confident in myself. That makes me perform better and my client trust me more.
Support- One of my biggest takeaway from these experiences are gaining the support from your mentor or fellow photography friends you meet on the same journey.
Wilkes-barre and the surrounding area has so many amazing venues and resources for education. I am planning for more upcoming shoots in the near future and I’m hoping to include some amazing wedding vendors local to NEPA.
If you’re looking to make this stunning and timeless editorial bridal look, check out this blog post.
Here is what the day looked like at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-barre, PA with our beautiful editorial bride Emily.
Engagement Session Inside Tips From A Northeast, PA Wedding Photographer | Marissa + Pauly
I love where I live. I love the people I meet here and the people I’ve grown up with. I love all the seasons we go through in NEPA. We get the spring, fall, winter and summer feelings. We also get the benefit of all the beautiful state parks that surround us. We can hike and hang out there a thousand times and still each time find a new undiscovered place within.
Meeting Marissa and Pauly felt effortless. It had felt like we have had a friendship for years already. Did you ever meet those kind of people? They were laid back with a sense of humor and adventure. Most importantly they trusted me.
It is so important to trust your photographer during an engagement session. I love input. I want to know your thoughts. And I want to make your vision come to life. To do that, I need you to trust me.
Im going to give a few pointers/ tips that make an engagement session more stress free so you can actually be in an environment that you feel relaxed and having fun rather then stressing you get the perfect shot for your save the date!
First thing is first be yourself. You don’t have to be a certain way. I don’t want you to be a certain way. I want you to have fun. I want these photos to showcase who you guys are as a couple. This is not a business meeting or a standard appointment. Throw professionalism out the window.
Wear something comfortable! This is by far a must do. Who wants to spend the entire session picking at themselves or covering themselves up because they picked clothes that are too tight and clingy. Have you guys ever put something on and as soon as you got to your location regretted it? Yea, I have so many times too. So make sure when choosing the outfit you pick something that is comfortable. We will be standing, sitting, running, walking. I want you to feel like a million bucks.
Steam or iron the outfits ahead of time. I myself am a person who never does this. But if you are investing in a professional photographer for pictures that will most likely be on cards and save the dates then I suggest taking the time for this. It is not possible for us to edit every wrinkle out of your clothes. I believe this will also make you feel more confident!
Set your scene! Location can have sentimental value, the small coffee shop in Wilkes-barre where you met or your quaint sweet valley hometown. I am personally not a huge prop person. But is there something that is personal and rings true to you two as a couple? Pizza, picnics, Champagne, pizza and beer? Bring it. We can make your session a date that is personalized for you two. And end it with you both snuggling in each others arms wrapped in your favorite blanket.
Schedule your session for Golden hour. This is my favorite time of day. As I think it is most people, photographers or not. Who doesn’t like the sunset? This is the time of day that the light is the best. Creamy warm tones. Ahhh its my favorite!! You might think early afternoon would be better to plan your day around but I promise you the lighting matters! Then after you can plan a little date and have dinner after your session.
I think taking control and doing these things to prepare you for your engagement photos will leave you feeling less anxious and in a better mindset about the experience. If you have questions just reach out to your photographer. Send them pictures of your outfit choices. ASK QUESTIONS! We want you to feel prepared, confident, and excited to hang out with us.
Some photos of Marissa + Pauly’s engagement session
Tips for choosing the best wedding venues in Northeast, PA | Amanda + Chris
As a wedding photographer the normal for me is getting to experience different venues and the benefits of each of them. I am going to give some tips on what to look for when choosing your venue and list of few of my own personal favorites.
First thing is first, the getting ready location.
This is so important for bridal portraits. When choosing a location the best thing you can do is pick a spot that has beautiful windows with rich natural light to pour into. Also keep in mind the size of the room and the size of your bridal party. Having enough space is essential for setting your story with the loved ones you have there helping you prepare for the day.
When choosing your ceremony location, if it is outside, be sure the venue you choose also has an inside option just in case it pours. You can not predict the weather and being prepared saves all the chaos the day of. If you are planning a ceremony outside think of the lighting situation. Shade is preferable, but if there is no shade I personally would like the sun to be behind both of you.
When choosing a venue for reception think of the space and your guest list. It is so important to have enough space to freely move and dance and not feel packed in with people and tables. This makes it hard to capture what is necessary.
Although like any photographer our first thought is to utilize the venue you’ve chosen for the best portraits for you to have and cherish.
Some of the venues in Northeast, PA that I’ve found to be the best to photograph at and why.
The Barn At Glistening Pond
There is no denying how beautiful this venue is. It showcases all of NEPA landscape and what it has to offer. The barn itself has so much space for a higher end guest list. With the beautiful scenery giving tons of options for bridal portraits.
The Beaumont Inn
Another breathtaking location. This is the perfect spot for any size wedding. With plenty of acres to showcase the beautiful country side of Northeast PA.
The Raddison
One of my all time favorites to shoot at. This incredible space was originally a train station built in 1908 and still holds its charm. The location and venue are breathtaking.
Foxhill Country Club
The staff here is incredible, which is such an important factor when choosing a venue. There was a nice welcoming from everyone and all were very attentive. The getting ready space was more than enough room. The views for the ceremony and portraits were spectacular. Below is what a fall wedding at Foxhill Country Club looked like.
