This wedding was one for the books.  To be honest, I don’t even know where to begin.  Stephen and Samantha pulled off a wedding that would be considered amazing on a normal day but in the midst of a pandemic it was unbelievably incredible.

When I met Sam and Stephen, a global pandemic was not on anyone’s radar.  When we photographed their engagement photos, there was so much uncertainty around whether or not the wedding they had planned could even happen.  But they agreed, they were getting married.  I recall Sam saying, “We don’t care where it happens.  We just want to be married.”

Fast forward to September, Penn State students had returned and I think the uncertainty was as high as ever.  We were all holding our breath, hoping that it would be safe enough to hold this much anticipated wedding for this amazing couple.

When September 19th arrived, I was SO excited to breathe that sigh of relief and to be heading to the wedding of Samantha and Stephen!  The sky was clear, the air was cool and crisp and thankfully, everything was going to work out.

And it did!  I could list everything that went right but it would be easier to list what went wrong…  NOTHING!  Sam looked like she walked out of a bridal magazine.  Her hair and makeup looked incredible, her friends and sisters were smothering her in joy and love, and everything was running ahead of schedule.
The first looks put me over the edge though.  When Sam’s dad saw her, there was not a dry eye in the room.  It was the most beautiful reaction a dad could have upon seeing his daughter in her wedding gown.   THEN, Sam and Stephen had a first look and it was literally a movie moment.  The overwhelming love that we witnessed in that moment was so beautiful.

There were so many moments like these throughout the day – So meaningful and genuine which again, left all of there so thankful this was able to happen for two amazing people.

I would be totally remiss if I didn’t mention the team of vendors that these guys hired.  From the venue, florist and caterer to the bartender and planner, they were all amazing and such a joy with which to work.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bruno!  I am so immeasurably grateful to have gotten to document this milestone in your lives!

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The Team
Ceremony  & Reception Venue: Harmony Forge Inn in Bellefonte, PA
Dress Store: Diamonds and Lace in State College, PA
Dress Designer: Casa Blanca Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Bridal Jewelry: Pink Peony Bride in Bellefonte, PA
Bridesmaids Dresses Store: Formalities By Tracina Fisher in Bellefonte, PA
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Bill Levkoff
Rings: Confer’s Jewelers in Bellefonte, PA and MISKA Jewelers in State College, PA
Hair: Salon Beautiful
Nails: Designers Denn Salon and Spa
Bridal Make up: Taylor Breon of TM Beauty Bar
Spray Tan: Elite Spray Tanning by Lindsay
Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse
DJ: Ultimate Jams DJ Service
Linens: Pegasus Party Rentals
Florist: Pocketful of Posies
Caterer: Hog Fathers Catering
Cake: Stephen’s Aunt Dottie
Bartender: Melissa at Drinks by Design
Officiant:  Chad Richard – Stephen’s brother
Planner: Bethany Cowher Events
Stationary / Invitations: Etsy
Photography: Sara at Bona fide Photography in State College