Erica and Ryan had a beautiful fall day for their November wedding in Mechanicsburg, PA. When I arrived at the Messiah College Chapel, the guys were enjoying a card game with their coffee, and the girls were putting on the finishing touches for the day. I was especially excited that the sun was shinning through the church windows, and I was able to capture the ceremony with natural light. The college campus was a beautiful backdrop, and even though it was a chilly afternoon, we were able to get some fun bridal party photos by the covered bridge. One of the groomsmen couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play in the piles of leaves on the ground, and I think those photos sum up the fun and playful bridal party that I had the pleasure of working with. The reception was a short drive down the road at Stocks Manor. It was my first time shooting at this venue, and I definitely hope it won’t be the last! What a beautiful location and truly a photographers dream! While the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour inside, we took advantage of the last bit of daylight and sunset. Erica and Ryan were able to join their guests at the cocktail hour before the dinner and reception began. And I think the photos speak for themselves about the fun time had by all throughout the night! The toasts were especially entertaining, as the matron of honor performed a dance for the newlyweds! She and Erica are both dance teachers, and their love of dance is one of the many things that bonded them as friends in college. And Erica’s brother gave a toast that allowed Ryan to have the upper hand in their marriage one last time. I was introduced to a new wedding game, as the bride and groom sat back to back each holding their shoes. The DJ would ask questions such as, “Who spends the most time getting ready?” “Which one of you did the most planning for the wedding?” “Which one of you gives the most thoughtful/creative gifts?” and so on, and the couple would raise the shoe of the person who they felt was the answer to the question. It was a really fun game and all of the guests seemed to enjoy it! The rest of the evening was full of dancing and celebrating the new Mr. & Mrs. Quinn! What a fun night, and thank you Erica & Ryan for allowing me to be a part of your special day!