Some weddings just stick with me.


Last week's wedding, Esther and Russell was one of those weddings.


You may remember them from this post.


Esther and Russ welcomed us into their home for the day. Not just their house, but their world. I don't take that kind of trust lightly. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to do right by them, to make sure every photo reflects the love and care they poured into the day.


They got married in their own backyard in Williamsport, PA. The ceremony happened under this absolutely massive oak tree surrounded by bright green ferns, with just their closest friends and family looking on. Simple, honest, beautiful. Watching them together reminded me of my own wedding to Stephanie. That same quiet, steady connection. The kind where you just know they’re fully in it for each other. (more details below the images)

Black and white dramatic portraits capturing intimate familial moments by a window.
A bride in a classic white lace gown sits with her bouquet near a sunlit window.
Side profile of bride in white lace dress gazing through sheer curtains in natural light.
Groom in light suit and boutonniere poses by window in dramatic lighting.
A groom in a light colored suit stands confidently in a doorway in black and white.
A candid moment between a bride in white lace and someone in a light-colored suit during a wedding.
Casual lifestyle photos showing tender moments shared between family members on a sunny porch.
Black and white wedding portrait taken on rustic farmhouse porch with white railing.
A wedding couple shares a tender moment on a porch surrounded by greenery and white flowers.
Joyful candid moments captured of a family on an outdoor porch surrounded by lush greenery.
A dramatic black and white wedding photo showing a couple kissing under an elegant archway.
A bride in a white wedding dress poses with her bouquet on a white porch with large tropical plants.
A groom in a light colored suit stands on a covered porch with brick walls and tropical decor.
Dramatic black and white stairwell photo showing wedding dress through bannister shadows.
A gold wedding ring nestled among green leaves with soft natural lighting.
Black and white wedding photo capturing emotional pre-ceremony moments through doorway reflections.
Child in striped shirt and khaki shorts playing on sunny grass lawn with folding chairs in background.
Wedding party guests gather outdoors enjoying a casual summer celebration with laughter and conversation.
An intimate backyard wedding ceremony at a white farmhouse under a large tree with guests seated on wooden chairs.
A diverse crowd attentively watches an outdoor event on a sunny summer day.
Close up detail of hands clasped together during a wedding ceremony ritual in an outdoor setting.
A joyful black and white wedding photo of couples and guests celebrating on a trolley.
Young children gather on grass while an adult serves food during an outdoor gathering.
A wedding couple in all white attire stroll joyfully through a lush garden with ferns and greenery.
A romantic black and white portrait showing an intimate moment between newlyweds.
Two people in white wedding attire share a romantic kiss in a lush garden setting with soft natural lighting.
A garden wedding ceremony takes place on a sunny day with guests gathered on a lush green lawn.
Black and white candid photograph of someone making a silly face at an outdoor party with a white round table.
Black and white photo showing guests having an animated conversation at an outdoor social gathering.
Young person enjoying a fresh salad at an outdoor restaurant table on a sunny day.
Two playful children peek over a white porch railing in front of a brick wall with green shutters in the background.
Simple two-tiered white wedding cake decorated with a fresh white peony flower and fern leaf on wooden surface.
A baby sits contentedly on a lap during an outdoor gathering with others visible in background.
People sitting outdoors enjoying a meal with plates of food and wine bottles visible on a table.
People in floral and denim clothing sharing intimate moments at an outdoor gathering.
Young guest with braided hair enjoying a plate of food at an outdoor gathering.
People enjoying drinks and conversation at an outdoor summer garden party gathering.
A musician in glasses plays piano and sings joyfully into a microphone at an outdoor performance.
Two men in casual summer attire share a laugh while enjoying drinks at an outdoor gathering.
Two people having a conversation at an outdoor party in a backyard with warm sunlit atmosphere.
A joyful baby laughs while sitting on someone's lap in a floral dress outdoors.
People dancing and celebrating together outdoors at a backyard party during golden hour sunset.
Two people dance together joyfully at an outdoor wedding reception as sunlight filters through trees in the background.
Black and white photo of joyful people dancing together at an outdoor garden party celebration.
People dancing together in black and white at an outdoor celebration or wedding reception under trees.
Vintage photo collection shows DJ mixing music on turntables in blue room from different angles.
Wedding guests cheer and celebrate as newlyweds share their first kiss in an outdoor garden reception.
Four sequential shots show someone practicing archery form and technique on an outdoor green lawn.

After the ceremony, everyone hopped onto a trolley and headed to The Historic Park Place for a few family photos. Then it was back to the house, just in time for the guests to be shuttled in. The whole day had that historic small-town Williamsport vibe. Esther’s Victorian home felt like something out of a movie. She decorated and designed everything herself. Every room and corner had something thoughtful tucked into it. It made photographing there such a joy.


Cocktail hour kicked off in the afternoon sun with music by Zach Nyce (@dr.nyce), who played live on the keyboard. Chill, laid-back tunes that matched the mood perfectly. Later, Esther’s son Jasper stepped in and did a little DJing of his own. He got the lawn turned dance floor going and brought a whole new energy to the party.


Dinner was tacos and nachos from Real Taste 570 Catering (@realtaste570). They brought their food truck, and people were all over it. It was casual and full of flavor.


And then there were the stroopwafels. Oh man. Esther is from the Netherlands, and she brought the good stuff. I’ve tried a a version here in the States, but none of them touch these. You could taste the realness.



The grandkids were everywhere. Dancing, hugging, being adorably chaotic. They were such a big part of the day. You could see how much they mean to Esther and Russ.


This is the kind of wedding I’ll be thinking about for a while. When families let you in like this, when they let you see the real stuff, it makes everything better. The photos, sure, but also just the experience of being there. I already shared the gallery with Esther and Russ. Her reply? “Eek!! No words! Except, in awe!” That right there is what keeps me doing this.


Esther and Russ, thank you. Your day was something special.