Emily & Alan - Bell's Banquets Wedding Day - Mount Pleasant, PA

Emily and Alan’s Bell’s Banquets wedding day was such a beautiful celebration that I will never forget. It was particularly memorable because Emily is my cousin, and many of the guests were family members that I haven’t seen in years! Even our great aunt and uncle took a nearly 6 hour trip to be there.

One of the challenges of getting married at Bell’s Banquets is that there aren’t many great photo locations nearby. But Emily and Alan decided to make it much easier on themselves, their bridal party, and their guests, by having the majority of their photos taken before arriving to their ceremony!

But let’s back up a little bit first.

Emily, her mom, and her best friends all got ready at the Holiday Inn Express in Mount Pleasant. They had their hair and makeup done by the team at Lavish Trends who did an absolutely fabulous job! Everyone looked so beautiful for the entire day. Their different colored dresses from MB Bride were perfect for a fall wedding. Emily’s dress had long sleeves and lace which she looked absolutely stunning in! Paried with her bejeweled tennis shoes, Emily was completely comfortable all day in the early fall weather.

The bouquets and floral decorations came from Ling’s Moment. They provide lasting flowers that look shockingly real for any occasion. They were used in many places around the reception as well. Emily attached a photo of her dad to her bouquet in remembrance of him.

This never happens, but we were so ahead of schedule after everyone put their dresses on, that Alan’s mom called him to tell him get ready and meet us for their first look, much earlier than we had planned! It worked out perfectly because there was a HUGE festival and parade happening between the hotel and Mammoth Park where we were going for their first look. It took extra time to travel between the two places due to the roads being closed. Once we arrived, we ended up being right back on schedule!

When we arrived at Mammoth Park, there were at least 2 other weddings taking place at the park! The parking areas were full and Alan and his groomsmen ended up taking the last two spots. It was a little crazy! But it worked out perfectly for their first look. We were able to avoid all the people near the lake and Emily and Alan got to see each other for the first time under the willow trees that line the driveway. It was such a sweet moment. Alan even teared up and Emily was so surprised! We took some beautiful portraits of the two of them and then their bridal party joined them. The weather was absolutely perfect which was a big difference from the day that I photographed their spring engagement photos!

We walked down to the lake right as one of the other wedding ceremonies had ended, so we weren’t in their way. It actually ended up being perfect! It was a really relaxed time for Alan and Emily to spend with their best friends and enjoy being all dressed up together.

Once we were done with the photos, everyone headed to Bell’s for the wedding ceremony. The guests were arriving and taking their seats as Alan and Emily hid away in their cars. DJ Todd Griffin from Party Time Productions took over and lined everyone up for the procession. They chose a selection of instrumental Disney music to play while the bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Then all of a sudden the beat picked up and Pour Some Sugar On Me started to playing as their friend who they chose as flower man, danced his way down the aisle, throwing petals in the air and making everyone laugh.

The disney music resumed and Emily entered the room with her mom. Alan’s aunt officiated their ceremony and it was such a personal touch to their day. And then, after just a few minutes, they were husband and wife!

Because we completed all of their portraits before the ceremony, Emily and Alan were able to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests! It was fantastic since so many people had traveled to be there for their wedding. After dinner, they danced the night away with their friends and family. There was so much joy and celebration with their people. They ended their evening with a beautiful sparkler exit into the cool evening air. Together, forever, at last.

Emily & Alan, thank you for having me photograph your beautiful wedding! It was a perfect day.

Bell's Banquets Wedding