Branden + Katelyn | A Ballroom Wedding at Luigis Villa, Dubois PA, Indiana PA Photographer

August 20, 2019 Leave a Comment by jjaephotography Weddings

Guys. Every moment of this wedding from start to finish was heartfelt, beautiful, and had me feeling all the feels. I first met Katelyn and her family for coffee when she decided to book with me. I loved her, and her mom and sisters from the minute I met them! We shot their engagement session so I could get to know them (one of my favorite parts of the experience). I love getting to know my couples before the big day! You can check out their engagement session HERE.

I LOVE the story of how Branden proposed…

“We went to Elk County Viewing center, which is where we had our first date nearly 2.5 years prior. This is part of our anniversary tradition. We take a drive up, look for elk, and have a nice dinner. Branden suggested going up there for Valentine’s day. I was on board immediately. We drove up and looked around for a while. I insisted the whole day that we get a photo taken to Valentine’s day. As you can imagine, there weren’t many other people in Benezette mid February, so we had no one to take our picture. I finally flagged someone down. Turns out he was a photographer (go figure)! Just as the guy was about to take our photo, Branden got down on one knee and proposed. “

These two are so obviously in love. I honestly didn’t really have to give them too much direction in posing. They are so perfect for each other, and they made my job incredibly easy!

We started the day at the Comfort Suites in DuBois PA. Everything about this hotel I was in love with. As we were walking up to the entrance I spotted the pillars and gorgeous stone backdrop for photos! We made our way up the the 4th floor where Katelyn and her bridesmaids and family were getting ready. When I first walked in, I couldn’t believe the view from the double doors that opened out to the balcony! Absolutely breathtaking. A gorgeous willow tree in the distance, a fountain and lake. Just stunning. We started off with details, and moved on to getting Katelyn dressed.

Katelyn shared one of the most memorable first looks with her dad I have ever experienced. Before she walked out onto the slate patio, Brad opened her custom made cufflinks with a photo of him and her, and a saying “I loved you first” on them. I think all of us were crying. After that beautiful moment, we took a few minutes to photograph Katelyn before the ceremony.

We hopped on the trolley, and Katelyn had some “I can’t believe this is about to happen now” feelings. We snuck in the backdoor of the church, and hid her away in a room filled with teacher things. Right up her alley! Meanwhile, Branden was getting ready in another room in the church filled with an eclectic book shelf. I seriously loved this backdrop!

Katelyn and her dad walked down the aisle, and Brandens face is priceless. He had been waiting for this moment for quite some time. Katelyn was absolutely stunning. Her dad gave her away, and the ceremony ensued. After their vows, and ring exchange they shared their first kiss. They were so excited to walk down the aisle after this! They were greeted by bubbles outside of the church, we got some really cool shots there!

We headed back to the country club to take photos of the bridal party. The willow tree was definitely my favorite spot! We could feel a storm rolling in as we were shooting (which was great for photos, overcast makes for such beautiful soft light). We moved on to photos of the bride and groom, and let me tell you, these two. AH! I never had to say, “don’t move!” or “Keep holding on to her!”. This kind of love is so refreshing for me. I just can’t. Anyway… We sent them off on the trolley to head to reception.

When we walked in, we were greeted by about 350 guests. I can’t even begin to tell you how loved these two are by their friends and family. So incredible. Katelyn and Branden were preceded by their bridal party for the grand entrance. SOOOOO entertaining. One couple threw the groomsman over her shoulders (Perfectly might I say…) and another had two confetti shots. After toasts, Katelyn and Branden had a surprise video for their friends and family. There is one photo I still get tears when I look at. Just you wait!! They shared their first dance, and parent dances. I always love the cake cutting ceremony too! This party really just kept going and going even after we left… WTG Ryan Troupe with Houserockers DJ!

We ended the evening with a sparkler exit on the patio at Luigis Villa. Instead of the traditional lines of sparkers, we chose a horseshoe instead. I loved the outcome! We said our goodbyes, and I took the traditional cookie table cookies back home to my kiddos. They LOVE Sundays after I shoot a wedding…

Branden and Katelyn, I have enjoyed getting to know you both throughout this entire process. I seriously have the coolest job on the planet! Couples like you two remind me why I do what I do. Just keep on loving each other. <3 I wish you both many years of love and happiness together.

XX, Jaclyn

VENDOR CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER: JACLYN ANDERSON, J.JAE PHOTOGRAPHY

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: JILL STIFFLER, JILL GEARHART PHOTOGRAPHY

GETTING READY VENUE: COMFORT SUITES, DUBOIS PA

VENUE: LUIGIS VILLA, DUBOIS PA

VIDEOGRAPHER: EVERLASTING PRODUCTIONS

DJ: RYAN TROUPE, HOUSEROCKERS DJ

GOWN: ELLA ROSA BY KENNETH WINSTON, MB BRIDE

MAKEUP: MERLE NORMAN BOUTIQUE, DUBOIS PA

HAIR: RAINBOWTIQUE, DUBOIS PA

CAKE: BRENDA PRUSINSKI

FLORALS: BRADY STREET FLORIST

TUXEDOS: KENNETH KOLE, JOES TUX SHOP

LOVED shooting at this hotel. So beatiful!

Special cufflinks Katelyn had made for her dad. <3

Her two sisters watching the first look… Every time I look at this photo I get teary eyed.

Reading her letter from Branden. I love these little moments!

Even with the butterflies, thoroughly enjoying our trolley ride to the ceremony!

Loved this library backdrop for the Branden to get ready.

A prayer before the ceremony…

So, as we were waiting to walk down the aisle… Im not sure of the song, but the organ player played Katelyn’s little sister Allies’ favorite song as a baby. It was the only thing that got her to sleep!