Samantha closes her eyes and we steady our cameras as the door to the Drawing Room at the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel slowly opens….
Jake appears and as he looks up, their eyes connect for the first time on their wedding day. After they embrace, Jake is near speechless as he circles his bride. A moment of total bliss.
First looks or “reveals” are some of the most intimate, quiet moments a couple can share and we are truly honored to be able to capture that fleeting experience forever.
Our wedding celebration with Jake and Samantha first began the night before at the Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery near Frederick, Maryland where they hosted a wonderful rehearsal dinner for family and friends. After dinner and drinks, Samantha’s father and his band “Guys in Thin Ties” played and all had a great evening anticipating the rest of the weekend.
We started our wedding day with Samantha at the Antrim while she dressed with her mother and bridemaids in the Boucher Suite — a beautiful room with it’s entry uniquely positioned, pocket-style, at the mid-point of Antrim’s grand staircase. A relaxed morning was capped when Samantha’s father came for his own first look as his daughter was now ready to see her groom.
After Jake and Sam’s reveal, we decided to shoot images on the staircase — symbolic of Samantha coming from her suite to Jake waiting at the bottom. We also braved some cold temperatures for some shots in the snow-covered gardens and grounds of the Antrim.
The emotional ceremony was officiated by close friend Susan Greenawald Ammatelli and also included hand fasting cords that were knitted by Samantha. Personal details were plentiful throughout the day — handmade “Bomboniere” — Italian guest favors were given with the five sugared Jordan almonds symbolizing health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. In small lace bags adorned with beautiful ribbon, these were sourced from the town where Sam’s grandmother hailed from. And while we were in Taneytown, Maryland, the finest of Pittsburgh wedding traditions was observed with a large cookie table filled with cookies and truffles, each made by a close friend or family member and proudly displayed on Samantha’s antique china collection.
Capping a spectacular day, they received their guests in the Antrim’s banquet room with Alex Sincevich from the Dapper DJs keeping the guests moving on the dance floor all night long. And — as we always love to do — we closed down the evening with a night shot in front of the Antrim! Here’s some of our favorite images from their day…
And the team that helped make this day go smooth:
Beth Hnatio-Pumphrey, Special Events Manager, Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel
Florist, Abby Chapple
