“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
― Jane Austen, Pride And Prejudice
I’m going to do my best to stop myself from completely and endlessly gushing about not only this couple, but this wedding day. Ryan & Hannah are those people that you just want to be friends with. Individually, they light up any room they are in, and together they are dynamic.
The day began with the girls relaxing, yes relaxing, in the bridal suite. Their hair and makeup had wrapped up and they took part in a pre-wedding feast of the best food group around; Pizza. The gentleman were no different as they played with a groomsmen’s pup, Bruce, and helped to prep Ryan for his first look.
Looming clouds covered The Homestead as Hannah stepped outside in, hand’s down, the most beautiful dress I have yet to see in person. She was straight out of a fairytale, with blush tulle and a beaded back that was nothing short of exquisite.
Ryan beamed as he twirled his bride and wrapped her in his arms.
Then the rain came, pouring relentlessly, but not once did the couple seem disheartened by the storm. Just as fast as it came, the rain ran away in the distance allowing the skies to open back up in classic Homestead weather; radiant blue and sunny skies.
The string quartet set the scene as Hannah’s father whisked her away to walk his daughter down the aisle. Waiting was the handsome groom. After prayers and promises the two released the symbolic white doves to commence the ceremony.
The first dance and speeches were as precious as the couple. But their real playful sides came out in full form during the cake cut, where both Ryan and Hannah smashed blue icing into one another’s faces. (Lucky for Hannah she had a dress change coming up.)
The golden sun of magic hour appeared in all of its glory and we literally frolicked in a field enjoying the last few minutes of sunshine. It was the type of weather that one wants to bottle up to save for a rainy day.
There were so many fantastic details from start to finish. A groomsmen brought a bottle of wine that both himself and Ryan had created in 2011 in their college years at Penn State. And although it tasted more like apple juice it was yet another striking detail that made this day unbelievably rememberable.
The party continued and as the evening wrapped up, there was no more fitting exit then an authentic horse and buggy ride. I mean it is Intercourse, PA after all, the beating heart of Lancaster County.
We couldn’t have been more honored to photograph this lovely couple and wish only happiness to the new Mr. & Mrs. Hocker!
– T
VENDORS:
Ceremony & Reception: The Stoltzfus Homestead
Dress: Miss Grace
Groom & Groosmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Pearls & Petals
Wedding Planner: Megan Waltman
DJ: Rick with B&B Entertainment
Cake: Colebrook Bakery
Catering: Encks Custom Catering
Hair & Makeup: Ooh La La Salon
Music: Cherry Wood Ensembles
Favors: Honeyville
Dessert: Penn State Berkey Creamery
