Tiffany & Jacob | Elysburg, PA

Tiff and Jacob tied the knot on Jacob’s family property near Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Right behind the red barn, they decorated a handmade altar and ceremony area with dusty blue and navy accents. It started out as a warm, beautiful day however just as we ended our first look and portrait session, the rain came. It torrentially down poured for about 15 minutes, bringing dark skies and dampness to everything. “It’s like rainnnn on your wedding day…” I sang.

It did not deter the fun of the day at all! As soon as there was a break in the clouds everyone scrambled to take the remaining photos and start the ceremony with as many umbrellas on hand as possible. The rain held off literally the perfect amount of time because it started pouring as soon as we all entered the reception.

With favors of moonshine and shots of whiskey waiting for the wedding party, they were all ready to get down! A perfect way to end the night - dancing and drinking with all your closest friends! :)

Taylor & Solomon | Moshulu

Taylor and Solomon’s big day started out with a trolley ride through Old City, Philly! We stopped at the lovely 18th Century Garden, walked over to the First Bank, and then to the iconic waterfront! It was an unusually warm November day as we made our way through all the timeless backdrops of Philadelphia, but it was perfect. Finally they tied the knot on the deck of the Moshulu just as the sun was setting. They celebrated, sang, and danced the night away filing the boat with so much love and laughter.

Eliza & Jameson | Arch Street Meeting House

Eliza & Jameson’s wedding day was gorgeous. There was nothing but blue skies as we took portraits from the First Bank of Philadelphia to Carpenter’s Hall and then to the Arch Street Meeting House where they would have their Quaker wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony, where all guests were invited to speak if compelled, everyone signed their custom illustrated marriage certificate. It was beautiful! They had refreshments outside the meeting house and got to catch up with family before taking more portraits at City Hall.

They ended the night with an intimate dinner at Barbuzzo on their second floor. Delicious and beautiful food! It was a fun day in Philadelphia!

Ericka in Wissahickon Park

“And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.” -Raquel Franco

It was great to meet Ericka, who recently moved to Philadelphia with her husband to work as a scientist. She does wicked makeup, has the most extensive and amazing collection of rocker-witchy-goth-cute outfits I’ve every seen, and is a blast to work with. Check out my first shoot with her!

“And the sunsets of Autumn, are they not gorgeous beyond description? More so than the brightest dreams of poetry?””

— Charles Lanman

Hair Philosophy | Delaware County, PA

This past spring I had the pleasure of photographing the amazing stylists at Hair Philosophy in Delaware County, PA, my old stomping grounds! These ladies are awesome and made this shoot so much fun. Definitely head over to their salon at 2034 Parker Avenue in Holmes, PA for an ultimate makeover!

These awesome ladies just celebrate 4 years in business! Congrats to them! :))

Laura & Kevin | Springton Manor Farm

Sharing the beautiful and blustery wedding day of Laura & Kevin! They tied the knot (for the second time because of 2020!), under the towering Linden Tree with a backdrop of Scottish Highlanders, Belted Galloway cattle, sheep and goats lazily grazing the expansive pastures. It was especially fun for me since Laura and I went to high school together so I got to catch up with so many familiar faces! They had a string quartet play as they walked down the aisle, Laura crocheted all the adorable cactus magnet favors, and we even snuck away to watch the sun set. Perfect ending, perfect day!

Snowy Days

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
― Lewis Carroll

Our fuzzy pup, Betsy!

She sniffs the snow and gets a snow beard. She loves it.

Can you see the snowball coming right at me?!

I used a cover for my camera and shot through it sometimes. It gave the images this dreamy affect.

Betsy loves the water anytime of year.

These geese came it so close! I love that they left the snow on their backs.

Snow Adventures Day 2

Snow beard is out!

Dead coyote

Betsy living her best life.

One of my favorite pictures of Betsers :)

The Dawes Family at Valley Forge

I loved hanging out at Valley Forge with the Dawes family this past November. I couldn’t ask for more a more gorgeous autumn afternoon - perfect colors and sunlight! My boyfriend also brought along our doggo Betsy to meet Sage - scroll down to see the wrangler at work!

My bf was the dog wrangler for the day!

Kiaan at Longwood Gardens

This was Kiaan’s 1st time visiting Longwood Gardens! His mom and dad love it there and could not wait to show him all their favorite spots. Of course, it’s more fun when you just get to roll around in the leaves but I think he liked it nonetheless!

The 2020 shot!

Pennhurst State School & Hospital

Pennhurst State School & Hospital or Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic was an institution for mentally and physically disabled individuals from 1908 until 1987. You might know it as The Shame of Pennsylvania but the people inside called it Hell on Earth. If you want to know more about the history I recommend reading Weird NJ’s article.

Today I listened to a new podcast, Real Life Ghost Stories, stumbling across this episode about Pennhurst. Based on the book, Ghosts of Mayflower, it recounted Tamera Lawrence’s experience working in 2011 as an orderly in the Mayflower building, one of the most spiritually active on campus. I recommend listening to the entire podcast but enjoy some snippets alongside images I captured when Zack and I “ventured” on the grounds early one morning. Happy Haunting!

“Night One: It started with a desperate cry. A tiny whispering, whimpering cry. Mommy? Tamera checked the hallways and stairways but was met with nothing but darkness. She wondered if perhaps one of her coworkers was playing a prank. A hazing of the new girl. But the tiny desperate cry seemed so real.”

“Night Two: Howie, come out to play! James cried out from the darkness. C’mon Howie come out to play! They were setting up the attraction pre-guests and James was obsessed with finding Howie. Howie haunts the Mayflower. He is said to be a lost child and he owns all the toys in the building. If you are in the Mayflower long enough you may find a ball roll and knock against your feet. Howie’s invitation to come and play, however if you take Howie’s toys, he’ll come and get you.”

“James approached again, his face full of glee. Hey! Hey! Guess what? I got tapped on the shoulder again! Twice this time! I just love it. Tamera was concerned. Something didn’t seem right. She scolded James and told him to stop taunting Howie and James skidded off down the corridor singing Howie, come out to play!”

“That night Tamera went to check on Laurie. They were both mothers in their 40s who just wanted to make a few extra dollars so they had a natural affinity to each other. Laurie seized her arm when she saw her.

Tamera, there’s something in the bathroom. Please, please, honestly there’s something in the bathroom. I kept seeing a shadow pear out from behind the stall in the bathroom. I swear I’ve seen it four or five times now.”

“Night Three: It wasn’t unusual for the orderlies to share experiences. Thus far James had claimed to have seen shadows running from room to room, a face appearing in second floor window, and being tapped on the shoulder twice. James desperation to have an experience didn’t make him the most credible witness and Tamera took his claims with a pinch of salt.

Today though, James was not his usual self. He was quiet and subdued. It was this night that the noises started on the third floor. Furniture being dragged, things banging and crashing, and little footsteps running up and down the corridors.

The guests likely thought that it was part of the experience.

It wasn’t.”

“Night Four: James had been talking about venturing up to the third floor but he was afraid to do it on his own. He finally got another employee to venture up there with him. Tamera listened closely for sounds of their movement on the third floor but there was no sound. Eventually they returned and James’ face was different. For the first time he look frightened. Properly frightened.

How did it go? Did you see anything? Tamera asked.

Something stabbed me. He stammered. It felt like something stabbed me but with a needle.”

“It was all as normal as it can be working in a haunted asylum, when a group of women arrived desperate to see something. They made their way towards the bathroom where Laurie had seen the shadow. Their screams reverberated around the hallways and they ran pale-faced and terrified to Tamera.

There’s a man! They cried. There’s a man in there and we thought he was a worker but he’s not!

They refused to continue on the tour and eventually Tamera sighed and agreed to check it out. She walked flashlight in hand with the group of women huddled behind her. She checked the bathroom. Nothing.

She ran to the corner in the common room and there it was. The tall black shadow of a man standing against the wall. The shadow was just not black, it was blacker than black. Standing as if it was almost waiting for her. It moved across the wall and melted into the corner.”

“The night continued with groups becoming smaller and smaller. Hardcore paranormal enthusiasts turn up in twos to explore the most haunted building in America. Tamera continued her shift almost forgetting the incident earlier. Almost.

Two men arrived. They were well versed in the paranormal and stopped to chat to Tamera before moving on to explore the rooms. They exited the first room almost as quick as they entered. One of the men looking pale and the other shaking his head in disbelief. The man who had turned pale was rubbing his neck. Tamera asked him if he was ok.

I swear something was just jabbed into my neck. It felt like a needle.”

Laura + Kevin

This has been a crazy year y’all. It has been disappointing in so many ways however it showed us the things we truly value. Love is always at the top of that list in many forms. I’m so glad that we were still able to celebrate Laura + Kevin. Despite changing plans due to the pandemic and crazy summer thunderstorms, the day was filled with so much love. With their friends + family surrounding them, Laura & Kevin created a beautifully intimate ceremony complete with a bubble finale. It was an honor and a pleasure to photograph their special day. Congratulations you two!

Skies started to grey and rain droplets began to fall!

Jacqueline & Chris' Chadds Ford Backyard Wedding

Jacqueline + Chris' wedding was filled with so much joy and warmth. They held their wedding in the backyard of a family member, who lived in Chadds Ford. They had a dreamy ceremony literally minutes after a summer rain storm. She wore a beautiful floral headband and the bouquets were a mix of soft romantic pinks. Her bridesmaids wore long flowy, blush pink gowns in all different styles. I loved all the details of their day- from Jackie's floral crown to the baby's breath bouquets to the rainbow colored kids table- it was all adorable. One of the best parts being Farm Truck Philly, a local farm to table food truck. Not only do they have a rad-ass truck, they also had a delicious short rib cheesesteak. Speaking of food, is it dinner yet?

The day started out bright and hot. But just like that Alanis Morissette song, the rain started to pour right before the ceremony. Only being a passing summer storm, the clouds parted and God-like rays beamed out, a perfect dreamy backdrop. Jackie's Aunt Chrissy became ordained online and when we visited the day before she was brushing up with the handy manual they gave her. The ceremony was beautiful with both of their kids not too far away, ready to jump in and join them at any time. Congratulations Jacqueline + Chris!

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Food: Farm Truck Philly | Music: DJ Howard | Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang Bridal Gown: Melissa Sweet

Buck Hill Inn | The Heart of the Honeymoon Capital of the World

The Poconos are still thought of as a vacation destination, but the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” is not what it once was.  Many of the luxurious mountain hideaways have closed, but that doesn’t mean these spaces in nature should no longer be enjoyed. Buck Hill Inn will soon be demolished by Smart Recycling Inc. rather than renovated or preserved.  We are grateful to have been able to collect these images before it was too late.  It is sad to lose such a historic landmark, but we can only hope that in doing so, more people will be able to enjoy nature responsibly.  

Buck Hill Inn is a quintessential representation of the decay the resort industry has undergone in the Poconos.  Built in 1901 with a number of large additions over the span of its 89-year life and surrounded by natural attractions including waterfalls and swimming holes, its age and size is unmatched among the abandoned resorts.  

The resort property is owned by Buck Hill Falls company and is not open to the public.  The grounds are patrolled by security guards, so this large swathe of developed land and a vast amount of the surrounding forest is not open to the public.  Those curious about the "Honeymoon capital of the world" will soon not have the chance to explore and enjoy the beautiful architecture, while imagining the potential for such a space.  

We decided to explore the series of waterfalls and swimming holes along Buck Hill Creek first.  Trails ran from the Inn down to the stream, so visitors could take a short stroll for a swim.  We hiked in from High Acres Park off of Creek Road, Barrett Township.  

The following morning we explored the inn at sunrise.  Hiking from PA-390, Cresco.

Flooded structures across the road from the Inn.

The view from our approach.

We found a floor plan from 1985, helping with navigation through the dimly lit estate.

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Overlooking the West Wing

The Observation Roof

Indoor Pool

Walking up from the complete darkness of the below ground first floor.

One of the main halls on the Lobby Floor.

The Greenery Luncheon Restaurant 

Our Favorite Things To Do at the Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap National Forest boasts a large swathe of preserved land on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the Delaware River, offering endless recreational activities. Plus, exploring past human developments ended by the purchase of the land by the Federal Government, now frozen in time by the protection of the park, can be just as fun.  It is awesome having land preservation on such a large scale less than 2 hours away from Philadelphia. The miles of, at times treacherous, back roads make one feel as though they are in a remote wilderness.   

Crossing Dingman's Ferry Bridge from PA to NJ.

Thunder Mountain Road, NJ

The smoke from a forest fire on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River from New Jersey.

The Delaware Water Gap National Forest came into existence in the 1960s when the federal government began buying up land in the area in order to put a dam on the Delaware River.  The plan fell through and the land was turned over to the National Park Service who continued to buy up land in the area from anyone willing to sell.  In many cases the settlements on that land, farms, inns, houses and even small towns remain and are left untouched.  This scattered abandonment offers a unique natural experience and a glimpse into the areas history.  Plus, it makes for some damn good photo ops.  Here are a few of the best locations for abandoned development in the Delaware Water Gap National Forest…

Looking across Long Pine Pond, New Jersey, once the center of a Boy Scout Camp.

A picnic area, part of which is now in Crater Lake, New Jersey.

An overlook close to the Appalachian Trail, New Jersey.

An abandoned farm off of Mountain Road travelling north toward Buttermilk Falls, New Jersey.

Abandoned farm at the intersection of Old Mine Road and Kuhn Road, New Jersey.

If you walk toward the Delaware River from the farm shown above you come across some older ruins.

Remains of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad Bridge at Karamac.

As far as more traditional recreation activities, we love hiking through the park, specifically in the summer when the destination is a waterfall or some sort of cliff where we can jump into a pristine, or at least refreshing, body of water.  There are opportunities for this on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey side of the park.  Here are a few locations for swimming, cliff jumping, or at least sight seeing in the Delaware Water Gap National Forest.

Buttermilk Falls and the staircase along-side it.

Walking along Brodhead Creek, Pennsylvania on the way to the remains of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad Bridge at Karamac.

Adams Creek Trail, Pennsylvania: On our way to a series of waterfalls. See below.

Plus, there's always plenty of wildlife along the way...

This is not a beaver or muskrat, just a ground hog taking a swim on a hot day.

Common Merganser

Canada Geese and Mallards on a double date.

Deer remains, based on the scat (poop) found around it, probably eaten by coyotes.

A big black bear dump.

Abandonment Series Sneak Peek

By the end of the Phoenixville project my focus shifted toward open spaces created by abandonment.  This fascination has continued and I have done a few other shoots centered on the decay of what man once built.  Here is a sneak peak…

These are a few of the photographs that inspired the abandonment series.  They came from my time in Phoenixville and the surrounding rural area while I was putting together a show for the Historical Society of Phoenixville.  You can also check out my three-part blog post, Barn and Vine: The Lost Path to Phoenixville.

 I spend most of my time in the Philadelphia area, which is filled with abandonment, so there are many opportunities for exploration.  The size and number of abandoned structures left behind as the cities industrial economy crumbled provide endless adventures.

You can also find abandonment in more remote areas.   As the resort businesses of the Poconos died, the large structures that housed the vacationers remained.  The occupancy of houses and farms in the Delaware Water Gap National Forest also came to an end as the Federal Government bought the land.

Above: Buck Hill Inn

Below: Delaware Water Gap National Forest

Look for the complete collections from abandonment in Philadelphia and from my trips to Buck Hill Inn and the Delaware Water Gap National Forest coming soon!

Philly vs. Pittsburgh: Rugby

I had the great opportunity to photograph my friend, Kelli's, rugby game. This was the first rugby game I had ever attended and to say the least, it was intense! These girls are amazing, to be able to tackle and bring down another person is something I don't know if I could ever do. If anyone ever has the chance, I would recommend going!

Bartram's Gardens

I was looking back on some photographs that I took this past year and I found these: a trip to Bartram’s Gardens. Now looking at them months later I forgot how much I really enjoyed that place and the prospect of warm weather.

“I took a walk through the woods and came out taller than the trees”

— Henry David Thoreau

"Every flower must grow through dirt"

"Bloom where you are planted"