Krista & Patrick's Wedding at Bella Terra Vineyards, Pennsylvania
There are weddings you drive to, and then there are weddings you fly across the country for. Krista and Patrick's fell firmly in the second category, and from the moment I landed in Pennsylvania, I knew it was going to be one of those days I'd talk about for a long time.
Bella Terra Vineyards (bellaterravineyards.com) is the kind of place that makes you stop and take a breath the second you pull in. Rolling green vines, a glassy pond, and this absolutely magnificent old tree standing at the edge of the water like it's been waiting its whole life to be a wedding backdrop. The ceremony setup was simple and stunning — white chairs in the grass, wine barrel arrangements lining the aisle, and a wooden cross arch tucked right at the base of that tree with ivy crawling up its trunk. It was the kind of scene that photographs itself.
Then there was Cleo.
Krista and Patrick's dog joined the wedding party for the ceremony, and if you've ever tried to wrangle a very happy, very excited golden doodle while wearing a bow tie, you understand the energy that brings to a bridal party. The groomsmen were absolutely delighted. Cleo was absolutely feral (in the best way). It was one of my favorite things I've ever photographed.
The wedding party itself was a whole vibe: navy tuxedos, cream bridesmaid dresses, the pond shimmering behind them in the soft overcast light. After the ceremony, we wandered into the vineyard for portraits, just the two of them walking between the rows of grapevines while the light went golden and soft. Those are the kinds of moments that don't need any direction. I just follow and try to keep up.
Krista and Patrick are family friends, and getting to fly out and witness them surrounded by this enormous, loud, loving group of people — it was a gift. You could feel how much everyone in that room had been waiting to celebrate them together.
And then the reception happened.
I've photographed a lot of dance floors. This one was something else entirely. By the end of the night, jackets were off, suspenders were dangling, someone was getting full-on lifted in the air, and the whole room was just completely unhinged in the most beautiful way. That's what happens when you put two people everyone adores in a room together with an open bar and a great DJ. Magic, chaos, and about a hundred photos that will age like fine wine.
Krista and Patrick — thank you for having me. Pennsylvania, I'll be back.
