Rachel and Preston - Lancaster Wedding

Rachel and Preston got married on August 28th 2016 at a gorgeous venue in Lancaster PA with their closest family and friends. Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens was the perfect place to have their rustic and cozy wedding. I’ve known Preston for a few years, since we met during college. He is a fellow photographer and I knew the pressure would be on since he’s in the industry as well.

I arrived at Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens on a beautiful warm summer day. Rachel got ready in a bright and cozy bridal suite, where she slipped on her elegant dress and veil with the help of all of her bridesmaids as well as her mother. Preston got ready with all of his groomsmen, and had help from his brother to get the final touches just right. As soon as they had opened their special gifts from one another, it was time to get ready for their first look.

Discovering what the couple loved the most about their day is always so fun, Rachel said, ”I enjoyed having so many family and friends around to celebrate our special day. I also loved our first look. It was nice to set aside time to see each other and connect before the rest of the busy and fun day continued. We also read our written, personal vows then. I also liked taking formal shots of the wedding part and us before the ceremony because afterward, it would have been a bit too crazy.”

We went off site for a few photographs of just the two of them because Rachel really wanted to have some photographs of them in the woods. I loved being able to go to a different location with them two so we could focus on getting beautiful images of them in the moment with out any distractions.

While waiting on family to arrive for some photographs, I snuck in a few of them two in front of the silo. Who doesn’t love a good veil shot?

Family is a huge theme in this wedding, as you’ll realize when you keep reading. Preston’s Dad married the couple in their beautiful ceremony. The couple was surrounded by their closest loved ones as they officially tied the knot!

Rachel was right when she said it would have been a bit too crazy to do their photographs after the ceremony. As soon as the two walked down the aisle as husband and wife, every guest was ready to talk and hug the newlyweds, as they were all so overjoyed!

While the two of them were able to chit chat with their guests, I was able to get some detail shots in their reception area. The inside of the barn was decorated with little details that represented the couple so well. Rachel loves to write, so having vintage books on as the centerpieces for the tables made so much sense. The long tables that filled the barn were such a wonderful touch because it helped make these two loving families one.

Family is most definitely a huge importance to this couple, they both expressed multiple times through out the day how happy they were to have everyone there. From them making sure they talked to every guest that came out for their big day, to giving parts of Rachel’s bouquet to her grandmothers, you could tell they were beyond grateful. Speaking of grandmothers, The gorgeous cake that the newlyweds cut into was made by Preston’s grandmother! It looked so beautiful and really fit perfectly into the rustic charm of the space.

The reception was full of love, laughter and dancing! Even though I knew Rachel and Preston were having tons of fun, I had to sneak them out for one last photograph.

I highly recommend taking the time with your photographer to get some end of the night photographs. I always enjoy doing these because it kind of gives everyone a little break. The couple gets to breath and get away from the craziness for a few moments and really focus on each other again. It’s always so nice because most of the time the bride and groom don’t even realize that the night is about to end and it gives them a few moments to soak it all up! Another plus, you get some super cool photographs to have to remember for the rest of your life! This wedding was a total dream to photograph. Everything was perfect from her dress down the the tiny details. For any new brides out there, I’d recommend every single vendor on their list. The day ran smoothly and without a hitch! Thank you Preston and Rachel for having me as your wedding photographer, I am so happy I was able to be apart of your wonderful day. You two are amazing and deserve nothing but the best! Congratulations!