Elyse and Michael’s July wedding at The Hayloft in Rockwood, PA was BEAUTIFUL! The venue, the florals, the decor, the weather, the couple! It was all so lovely, and I’m so glad my mom and I were able to capture it all! I first met Elyse last year during their fall engagement session and I knew Michael from our childhood days in Connellsville. He and my brother were in the same grade and my brother played hockey with his brothers. We also grew up just a mile down the road from each other, so there were many connections. I never really got to know Michael, but was pleasantly surprised at how spunky he is! During both the engagement session and wedding he was friendly, very outgoing and pictures were important to him, and I appreciate those qualities in a groom…especially when they’re paired with a sweet and caring bride like Elyse. 🙂 ENJOY my tons of favorites from their beautiful wedding day!! P.S. Fun fact: The Hayloft is where Brian and I were married on July 4, 2008 and this was my first visit back to the venue since our wedding day. 🙂

In all my weddings, I had never seen a dress like the one Elyse wore! The neckline and the back details were especially unique and beautiful!

I love the background the old chair provided…

The florals! The Hayloft does their own bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces, and boy did they do a great job for Elyse and Michael’s wedding! My mom and I just loved these colors!

A picture of Elyse’s late grandfather…

I loved photographing Elyse’s bouquet! That light and those colors! 🙂

Elyse looking stunning! 🙂

A favorite for me. 🙂

This large tree provided shade and a nice frame of composition!

Time to hang out with the guys in a small cabin on The Hayloft property…

Michael’s details…

He was especially excited about his custom, handmade cuff links! They were made by bridesmaid Heather, who also made the bridesmaids jewelry and a special drawing, which you’ll see later in the reception pictures. She’s an artist for sure and you can actually check out more of her work on Facebook: www.facebook.com/h2ocmd

Jerry Garcia’s hand…

The things my mom and I heard while hanging out with these boys… 🙂

The Flying V! They quacked. 🙂

Group hug for Michael. 🙂

Spunky Michael! 🙂

The beautiful ceremony spot! My mom and I have become big fans of the “circular ceremony” this wedding season…

Love these two captures by my mom!

Grandmas as flower girls. 🙂

I love capturing a good entrance by the bride. 🙂

Elyse really wanted me to capture Michael’s reaction when he first saw her. I think he was excited!

I love these first few moments of the ceremony…bride with her dad, future husband ready and smiling. 🙂

I caught you, Michael! 😉

My mom snuck up to the covered porch attached to the barn to get this view!

My mom captured this angle…

While I zoomed in for this…

The picture on the right might be one of my favorites from the day, and it was captured by my mom. Michael’s parents tearing up as he and Elyse say their vows. So sweet. 🙂

I call this “Wedding Party Vogue”… 🙂

Elyse requested that we use The Hayloft’s beautiful pond, gazebo and bridge for pictures…

We had some lovely backlight pouring in. 🙂

I love this bridal portrait of Elyse!

More lovely backlight! And one of my favorite portraits from the day. 🙂

This happened accidentally!

Time for the beautiful barn and reception details!!!

This is pretty much what Brian and I’s reception looked like seven years ago! 🙂

My favorite barn shot of the day!

Heather, the same bridesmaid that created Michael’s cuff links and the bridesmaids’  jewelry made this drawing using one of Elyse and Michael’s engagement pictures. SO COOL!

I love pretty sweets at a wedding!

My mom captured these next two. So SO thankful for my awesome second shooters these days!

The speeches were so great! I love capturing the emotions and laughs that come about because of them. 🙂

I’m pretty sure this is just after best man Jesse said “Michael you hit the lottery…but enough about Pete Cordaro (Michael’s dad).” Everyone in the room was cracking up because Pete is quite a guy!

Their rings in a cupcake!? Sure, why not? 🙂

Michael showing off his new bling! Another good one by my mom!

Elyse and Michael’s first dance was a coordinated and practiced West Coast Swing! THEY WERE AWESOME!

A dancing favorite. 🙂

Then Elyse surprised us with a special dance with her dad, too! Complete with coordination and all the current dance moves. I was VERY impressed by Mr. Branam!

They started off slow…

Check out dad’s moves!

YES!!

And back to slow…two awesome performances!!!

Love this moment between Michael and his mom. 🙂

Married cuties!!!

And a few more portraits because The Hayloft is too beautiful!

My last few minutes at the wedding consisted of getting some moody, natural-light pictures for Elyse and Michael…

Black & white and color…I like them both!

Ah what a lovely day! Elyse and Michael, thanks so much for having me (and my mom!) and for being so wonderful! I LOVED working with you guys and it was so nice to return to The Hayloft. ENJOY all your pictures and CONGRATS!! 🙂