This great group of grads are the first of my clients this spring, and we had the most perfect afternoon for their group portraits session. I’m so excited for them, and I wish the class of 2024 all the best!
Graduation Season Begins!
Back To Beginnings
I love extended family portrait sessions, they make a great gift for grandparents, and it’s really fun to meet and hang out with a loving group like this. Sunday was no exception, and we took photos of this lovely family in the spot where two of them were married here in downtown Bethlehem’s Colonial Industrial Quarter. The weather was gorgeous and we strolled through the quarter taking advantage of all the amazing April sunlight.
Sonia & Abel
Spring has sprung and with it my first wedding of the season! At the gorgeous rustic vinyard venue Domaine Pterion, Sonia and Abel were married before their family and friends. Everything was so lovely, from the flowers to the tunes. There ceremony was very sweet, with the signing of the Nikkah bringing everyone up to say their congratulations to the bride and groom. The day brought with it some good luck rain, but we were able to frolic outside for a few photos and a nice moment away from the crowd. Congratulations to the happy pair!
From Rochester With Love
This weekend I made a whirlwind trip to Rochester New York to meet and photograph this sweet couple who are getting married there this May. I was born in Rochester, and most of my extended family lives there, so I was eager to make the trip to my old stomping grounds and see it with my “photography eyes” this time. I wasn’t alone, the groom-to-be is also enthusiastic about photography and he brought some amazing vintage cameras to play with on the shoot. It’s always nice to work with people who understand and love the craft! We had a challenge with the sudden April chill, so we took refuge from the wind in the beautiful atrium at the University of Rochester’s Library and then braved the nearby Sunken Garden to take advantage of a moment of light. I can’t wait to be back in town next month to shoot the wedding!
We Can Strawbarely Wait!
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of photographing the most delicious baby shower I think I’ve ever been to. Planned by Lavish Haus Events https://www.lavishhausco.com/ and held at Bethlehem’s most fabulous new venue The Wilbur https://www.wilburmansion.com/ it was a berry berry beautiful and fun affair. Guests enjoyed finger sandwiches and colorful little sweets, alongside signature cocktails. After playing a few games, everyone danced the afternoon away to a live band (mom-to-be had all the moves!) I’m excited for these parents to be as they embrace this step in their journey!
Bakery – The Modern Bakery https://www.themodernbakery.com/ Florist – Sonny Floret https://www.sonnyfloret.com/ Entertainment – Patrice and the Show, Balloons – Baby Got Balloons
Three Stunning Pennsylvania Mansion & Garden Wedding Venues
Moonstone Manor
Voted #1 Most Romantic wedding venue in PA, Moonstone Manor is a beautiful estate and Bed and Breakfast located in Elizabethtown, PA. The mansion and other buildings are located near a babbling creek, and there are so many gorgeous pathways and open spaces with amazing greenery surrounding. There are barn and pavilion options for your reception, and your guests will enjoy their cocktails on the terraces and paths surrounding the mansion. Photos at this grand stone house will be stunning.
Website: https://www.moonstonemanor.com/
Appleford Estate
For couples looking for a gorgeous garden experience on the Main Line near Philadelphia, look no further than Appleford Estate. The grounds are breathtaking with many winding spaces, dotted here and there with sculptural elements and tree-lined pathways. Centering it all is a beautiful historic estate house, and your reception will carry into the night under an awning right beside the walls.
Website: https://applefordestate.com/
Aldie Mansion
Described as a English country estate, Aldie Mansion is located in Doylestown, PA. It is near to the town but somehow in it’s own world of gardens and stunning Tudor style architecture. The venue has a newer large room for your receptions at any time of the year, seamlessly adjoining the rest of the delightful mansion, whose rooms brides and grooms can use to get ready, and entertain their guests at cocktails. On warm days, a ceremony down under the trees on the lawn is lovely, and the gardens and terrace will entertain and provide gorgeous imagery.
Website: https://heritageconservancy.org/aldie-mansion-weddings/
New Everything!
I had so much fun today jogging over to Easton, PA for the most adorable lifestyle newborn session with a new family of three and their curious kitty. Not only are they adjusting to life with a baby, but they just moved into their gorgeous light filled home. You wouldn’t know it though, because it is already the perfect nest for a growing little boy. I loved capturing all the precious fingers and toes, gorgeous eyes and adoring parents.
She Said Yes!
Today was such a special day. I had the honor of witnessing two kindred souls become an engaged pair in one of our favorite gardens on earth. What a rush! My task was to operate in secrecy up until my client got down on one knee and then catch that super important moment! Down by the famous fountains of Longwood Gardens, the box and it’s sparkly contents were revealed and she said yes!!! After the big question we strolled the grounds for a few engagement photos, and concluded with an excited phone call to the parents. I am so excited for these two to start on their marriage journey, and it’s so great that every time they come back to the gardens, they’ll think of these moments.
February Brand Fun
This Sunday was a blast photographing a couple fabulous ladies for their brand portraits. My colleague, the excellent Jenna from Back the Bride (Lehigh Valley’s best day-of wedding coordinator!) organized and conceptualized this event for our lovely clients. Also on board, beauty expert extraordinaire Ashley from Ashley Laura Beauty, who helped us all be at our most radiant. At the end of the day, I even hopped in her chair to get my curls touched up and makeup done, and we snapped some photos for fun. Special thank you to Fox and Finch Studio in Fountain Hill Bethlehem for always being a versatile and gorgeous space for portraits.
If you’re a professional in the Lehigh Valley or greater Philadelphia area, save this post for your own Branding Portrait inspo and let’s get you in the studio (or at your own location) next!
A Very Bethlehem Engagement
My clients for today’s engagement session wanted to hit the scene where it all happened last month! The corner of Bethlehem’s Market and Walnut streets were a special spot, where the question was popped, and we snapped adorable frames all around Main Street’s many photogenic corners. I always love a downtown photo session, it’s a good idea any time of the year!
Petra Somers Photography 