When Robyn first got in touch with me and asked if I would be interested in capturing her wedding photos, but warned I would have to hike or bike to the chosen location, I instantly knew this was going to be a fun opportunity. A scenic hike, a butterfly release, and photos at a gorgeous overlook? I had to say yes!
At first, the weather forecast wasn't looking great for the Saturday Robyn and Keith had picked out. The original plan was to bike to this beautiful overlook off the D&L trail for an intimate ceremony with a few friends and family, but with the threat of rain they decided to hold their ceremony in their backyard on Saturday and then hit the trail Sunday for photos with just the two of them. And boy, I'm so glad they did...
...because it all turned out so, so beautifully.
When I arrived at the house everything was decorated beautifully and the weather was perfect. Robyn and Keith had a short but very moving ceremony standing on their back deck, surrounded by blooming flowers and loved ones. Their friend Ted was kind enough to officiate, and even the dogs got dressed up! There was much dancing and reminiscing as Robyn played every couple's special love song. As Keith and Robyn exchanged their vows, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
And then it was time for the butterfly release! This was such a cool idea and made for some really amazing shots.
We wrapped the day up with a champagne toast, snapped more photos with the dogs, grabbed some family shots, then we dug into lunch and the cutest cake.
On Sunday I headed out bright and early for our second day of photos. Robyn and Keith were meeting me at a scenic overlook on the D&L trail just outside of Jim Thorpe for a short couples photo session and it couldn't have been a more beautiful day. Although a large brush fire spreading from the Packerton area weeks before had crept close to the trail, there was thankfully little visible damage to the area, and the foliage that had escaped the flames was already fully in bloom. The sun was shining, a cool breeze was blowing, and the rushing sound of the Lehigh River created soothing background noise as we worked.
Robyn even saved a few butterflies from the day before for release!
Aside from being the prettiest scenic spot ever, this overlook is a spot Keith and Robyn stopped at often when they first started dating. They would bike from the Bowmanstown trailhead, a good three miles away, and stop to rest and admire the overlook before heading into Jim Thorpe for drinks or dinner. Today they made the journey there together for the first time as husband and wife.
It was an honor to photograph such a beautiful, unique wedding! To see Keith and Robyn together is to witness real and abundant love, and I wish the two of them a lifetime of happiness together.
