“I’ve waited a hundred years
But I’d wait a million more for you
Nothing prepared me for
What the privilege of being yours would do…”
-Sleeping At Last
Down miles of quiet back roads, speckled with horses and buggies, surrounded by cornfields and farms, there is a beautiful brick home. On June 17, 2018 every inch of the property was beautifully attended to. String lights hung on the wrap around porch and continued through the backyard across the trees. Under the lights, a colorful collection of oriental rugs outlined the dance floor. This is the house where Kristen grew up. 38 years and several days earlier in that very backyard, her parents were married.
This particular day was heavy with summer heat. The skies were blue and every part of the day from set up to tear down was bursting with love and servanthood. When I met the boys, they were busy passing around the Eagle’s Superbowl Ring that Carson had earned as the producer for the world champs. His bridal party was made of high school friends and college roommates. I sensed from them a great feeling of pride and support as they stood by their lifelong friend as he entered this new season in life.
The brick house buzzed with nervous anticipation as we met the beautiful bride. Her sisters and best friends were flooded with emotion as they laid hands on her and prayed for the union to come. Tears began to flow as Kristen embraced her father, Myron. She held his arm and they began their walk towards her future husband. At one point they paused and Myron reminded Kristen to breathe and take in the day, that all of these guests traveled because of the love they have for her. The music swelled and Kristen made her way down the aisle. A heartfelt ceremony ended in a kiss, and Mr. and Mrs. Smucker were announced husband and wife as their 275 guests cheered them into their future.
Kristen donned a flower crown and twirled in her flower dress as the evening cooled as the sun set beyond the cornfields. As Kristen danced with her father, the DJ made an invitation for all fathers and daughters to join them- in celebration of Father’s Day that just so happened to fall on the same day as this beautiful wedding. Just another one of dozens of heartfelt details that made this day so special. A delicious dinner was followed by ice cream cones from Penny’s iconic blue and pink ice cream truck. As the evening faded into night, the bride and groom alongside their dearest family and friends danced and celebrated the night away.
The night ended with 100 paper lanterns being lit and sent to join the stars. And Carson and Kristen sped into the night in a Maserati, on their way to their honeymoon in Switzerland and Croatia. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Smucker for allowing Haley and myself to be part of your day! And a special shoutout to Tessa for trusting us enough to photograph her brother’s wedding! It was a celebration we won’t soon forget.
– J
Second Photographer: Jenessa Seiz
VENDORS:
Day of Coordinator: Linda Hershey
Wedding Dress: The Perfect Dress
Groomsmen Attire: Central PA Tuxedo
Florist: Thistle Do Flower Co
DJ/Entertainment Services: Brian Latocha
Catering: Stone Hill Catering
Videographer: Cinema Four40
Hair: Mansion on Main
Makeup: Amanda Clark
Dessert: Penny’s Ice Cream Truck
