DC Summer Shoots

Email me (emily@willajphotography.com) to schedule. Thanks!

Christine & Bart | Grove City, PA Wedding Photography

As the doors opened in the back of the church this past Saturday, everyone knew that the bitter sting of the last year was about to be a bit salved with the sweet future of a beautiful bride and handsome groom.  The bride’s brother proudly took her arm and walked her down the aisle.  Emotions of her father’s passing turned to confidence with each slow and deliberate step.  She caught sight of her future husband’s steadfast and calm eyes and, moments later, took his hand in marriage.  As her mother glanced over and smiled, everyone knew her father was also looking down smiling as well, proud of his beautiful little girl. 

When I met Christine to chat about her wedding a year ago, we were little more than strangers.  But through the process of this past year--the planning, the engagement shoot, the guestbook album--I'm grateful to say she has become a friend.  I've said this before, but it bears repeating.  Christine is a courageous and sweet soul. And Bart?  He is, without a doubt, the solid rock, the steady hand, and the tender love that so beautifully carries Christine.  

Bart and Christine, thank you for trusting us to capture your wedding day.  We were excited and honored to be with you this past Saturday. We hope you enjoy reliving your day through these images.  Much love and gratitude to you both! 

After the beautiful ceremony at Grace United Methodist Church, Christine & Bart hosted a lovely reception at 

The Legacy.  Their celebration truly embodied the comfortable, romantic, and fun love they share!

Hair & Makeup | Hairtique

Ceremony | Grace United Methodist Church

Reception | The Legacy

Dress | David's Bridal

Flowers | Flowers on Vine

Invitations | Carlson Craft

Cake | Karla Cakes

50 Years! | Grove City, PA Family Photography

I've grown rather accustomed to capturing relatively new love--that of the newly engaged or newly married.  But I experienced a rare treat this weekend.  I had the opportunity to document the love of a couple that has shared fifty years!  Unlike a newly married couple, these two have seen it all together and their love has remained.  And unlike shooting an engaged couple, these two were surrounded by their lovely children, giggly grandchildren, and plenty of action!  I was humbled to be a small part of their celebration and to capture their beautiful and kind family in such a gorgeous backyard. Enjoy a few of my favorites. Happy Wednesday, everyone! 

Katlyn & Dan | Grove City, PA Engagement Photography

When they sat near each other that first day of high school in rural Pennsylvania, I'm not sure they could have guessed their friendship would take them to the beaches of Hawaii. But that's just what happened when Dan joined the military and was stationed in the Aloha state.  Despite the long distance that would soon separate them, he and Katlyn weren't ready to give up their relationship.  What had started as a high school crush had grown into something much more.  So they made it work. Katlyn spent her summers in Hawaii, Dan made trips back when he could, and they grew closer through all of the goodbyes.  But there will be no more tearful goodbyes for these two! They're planning a fairytale wedding for mid-August and will be moving to beautiful Hawaii just two days later...together. 

You may remember Katlyn & Dan from their snowy shoot earlier in the year. Because of the snow showers and cold, we were only able to have a 10-minute session.  So we opted to finish the rest of their session this past week.  I'm so glad we did! Katlyn & Dan look good in any season, but I especially loved every minute of this warm, sunny shoot.  These two are not only stylish, trusting, and easygoing, they're also so clearly in love. Photographing them was as easy as pie. I can't wait for their wedding!  And I must give a warm thanks to Katlyn's sister, Bekah.  She came along, provided some bubbles, and made everyone feel a little more comfortable.   Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 

And I'll end with some black and whites. I processed these with a little more sepia 

than I normally do, but I like it for the more romantic feel of this session.