Mansion on Main Street Wedding

Erika, Austin, and their families have been planning this Mansion on Main Street wedding for over one year. Unlike the weddings I have photographed, this one was extra special. The couple, along with some of their guests, are graduates of my high school Alma Mater. Many even went to Penn State. The bride, Erika, was on the cheerleading squad. As for Austin, the groom, he played Varsity Football while I was a football manager.

Years later, we reconnected, thanks to my mother-in-law and the bride’s mom being great friends. The bride’s mom, Missy, had talked about this wedding and mentioned before they might need a wedding photographer. Along this journey of reconnecting, Erika and I had become friends. While planning the wedding, we would text back and forth about resolving issues, planning fun photo ideas, sharing inspiration, and even meeting up for lunch while I was back home and right before their wedding.

As the planning progressed and the wedding approached, it became much more personal to me. I was excited to see these two get married and catch up with old friends from High School. Being their wedding photographer was a blessing and a joy, and I am honored to share this incredible Mansion on Main Street Wedding for Erika and Austin.

Erika and Austin

Many who read this blog will know who Erika and Austin are. But for those looking for wedding inspiration, you have to know their story. They deserve to have a movie based on how they met and where they are now.

During an elementary school talent show, Erika danced to Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani, and that was the first day Austin made eye contact and fell in love. The two became friends, dated briefly in 7th grade, but continued their friendship throughout High School. During senior year, Erika was Austin’s Locker buddy and made good luck signs for this every game day. Although both went to college at Penn State, they remained only friends and dated other people. But Austin knew for years that he would one day marry her.

One thing I love about these two is their admiration for each other and the little details they remember about each other. For example, on a dinner date one day, Erika got a fortune cookie that said, “An unexpected relationship will become permanent.” This was left behind, but Austin grabbed it and kept ahold of it for years to come. He then surprised her at the altar by having her open her vow book to the back, and there it was, tapped on the last page (photo of said fortunate is posted later in this blog post).

Wedding Prep

When I first saw the venue the evening before, I was amazed by how beautiful the mansion was. Plus, meeting some of the staff the day before was a great way to see who would be part of this day to help make it magical.

The bride and groom and most guests got ready at The Westin. This was a perfect place to capture those special details that start off the day and tell a story. The theme for this was black tie and the design of the day was gorgeous.

Erika and her sister Alexis have such a solid and loving relationship. That is why Alexis was her Maid of Honor. Before they got dressed, I thought it would be cute to get them jumping on the bed like in old times. It is truly one of my favorite moments I have captured while getting ready.

Mansion on Main Street Wedding

The couple wanted to have most of the photos/finishing prep done at The Mansion on Main Street, starting with the mom helping the bride get into her dress to the first look and wedding party photos. The weather had held up and was perfect for what we all wanted to capture before the ceremony.

Wedding First Look

This is one of my favorite first looks to share. I could tell Austin was a bit nervous. But, the moment Erika touched his shoulders, I eased up and got less tense, and the feelings came out naturally.

Next, a first look with the bride and her dad was planned. We wanted to change things up and did this inside the mansion in front of the staircase.

When we started planning the wedding photo timeline, one of the goals was to get as many photos done as possible so the couple could relax and enjoy their wedding day. I was all for capturing the wedding party beforehand, and everyone was listening well and pumped for the ideas we had. My great friend/second shooter, Emily, worked with the guys while I stayed with Erika and the girls. We met up later to capture some vogue worthy shots that Austin was excited for!

Mansion on Main Street Wedding

After a short 2-minute rain storm, we were ready to start the ceremony. The location for this ceremony was something out of a fairytale. With the florals and the arches and the pond with the fountain in the background, I think we all could agree that there could not be a better place. The best part is the sun went away just in time, giving even light for beautiful moments.

Mansion on Main Street Wedding Reception

Now that the ceremony is over and the formals have been captured, it’s time for this couple and their guests to party! From a grand entrance, first dances, cake cutting, and some Penn State/Dallastown group photos, this evening could not have been better planned for Erika and Austin. Everyone was here to party, here for photos, and here for the drinks and food. It even continued later in the hotel lobby. It was wonderful connecting with old friends and hanging out with them long after the wedding day.

After writing this story and sharing just some of the hundreds of favorites from this mansion on Main Street wedding, I am filled with joy. I loved every moment of this day, from the prep to the after-party. Every person I met, whether new friends or old, was social, happy to be there, and just so excited for Erika and Austin. Words cannot express how I feel about this day. I know these two are incredible and deserve every ounce of love and good things coming their way.

Erika and Austin, thank you for having me as your wedding photographer. I am honored to have been trusted to capture your day and share your story. I wish you two so much success in your life and your marriage. You have a great support system around you. Keep dating and keep reaching your goals as people and as a couple. I know your love will last forever.