An Autumn Estate Wedding In BloomsBurg, PA | Backyard Weddings | Kirsten Hartzell Photography

Apr 30

best wedding photographer in Lancaster PA, groom running after bride as she looks back at him

Some weddings feel extra special—not just because of the joy of coming together, but because of the emotion and meaning tied to every detail. Libby and Noah’s backyard wedding at her childhood home near Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania was one of those unforgettable days, filled with so much meaning, joy, and intentional touches that reflected their love story and history perfectly.

As a Wedding Photographer, I’m always deeply moved by the little details of a wedding day because they all come together to show a piece of your story and history. Libby and Noah’s wedding did just that—with heartfelt nods to generations past, a lively celebration bringing their family and friends together, and so many meaningful exchanges shared throughout the day.

bride and groom during ceremony at floral filled alter

bride and groom sharing a sweet moment together after their ceremony

A Wedding Steeped in Sentiment and Legacy

One of the sweetest moments of the day was when Libby surprised Noah during their reception by wearing her mother’s wedding dress—carefully and artistically transformed by Lyuda Vulfert into a modern reception dress with a vintage feel to dance the night away in. Vicki, Libby’s mom had even gotten a special photo of her printed from her own wedding day to be pinned on the inside of the dress. It was such a powerful nod to the generations of love that came before them.

The couple wove so many thoughtful, personal elements into their day:

A vintage ceramic tub from Libby’s Grandmother’s vanity to be styled with their rings and jewelry for her wedding flat lay
A hand-painted “Just Married” banner waving proudly after their ceremony where they would gather with their family and wedding party for a moment together to celebrate
Her grandparents’ cake topper, passed down and lovingly placed atop their wedding cake and displayed with a photo from their wedding day on the table
A custom bar sign featuring their two beloved cats and showcasing their signature drinks
An ice cream truck they surprised their guests with as a late night snack while they danced the night away together
Thoughtful table activities for the little ones to stay entertained during dinner that told a part of their story and thoughtfully highlighted who Libby and Noah are as a couple

Rather than a traditional bouquet toss, Libby designed custom T-shirts to toss into the crowd—which was such a fun and memorable way to involve everyone in the celebration as the reception went on. The shirts said “I left a Pizza my heart at Libby & Noah’s Wedding” to help commemorate the night and give a nod to the incredible wood fired pizza prepared fresh that they enjoyed for dinner with their guests.

vintage ceramic tub with wedding rings, florals and pearls for wedding flat lay

vintage wedding cake topper at a backyard wedding in Central Pennsylvania

bride shows groom her mother's recreated wedding dress for their reception

bride and groom sitting together for a flash portrait, Bloomsburg, PA

Film Wedding Photography

Libby and Noah’s vintage feeling wedding went hand in hand with all the filmy-nostalgic goodness. I shot multiple rolls of film throughout their wedding day to capture the feeling and romance of it all in tandem with the digital images. I find that film photography can be such a beautiful way to accompany and enhance your wedding gallery because it can be another telling of the day throughout the images captured. I believe film photography also allows us to slow down and romanticize the beauty of something even more because of the way it plays with light and feels like you’re being fully transported back to the day.

35mm film capture of the wedding invitation suite, Central PA

bride and groom walking away from camera captured on film

wedding dress and reception dress hanging in beautiful light and shot on film

Why I Love Sentimental Backyard Weddings

One of my favorite parts of photographing weddings is documenting these deeply personal stories—especially when couples choose venues that hold real emotional weight, like a family home.

Libby and Noah’s wedding was a stunning reminder that the best weddings are all about connection and

bringing two lives together. They’re about honoring your story, your history, and your people — what better place to do that than somewhere which holds so much of your own story.

It was an absolute honor to photograph this incredible day and witness so much love, laughter, and history being made.

bride laughing together with her wedding party capture by Lancaster, PA wedding photographer

Planning a Sentimental Wedding in Lancaster, Hershey, or Philadelphia?

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in around the Lancaster, Hershey, Williamsport, Philadelphia, or Maryland area who will capture the heartfelt moments, small details, and candid emotions that make your wedding day yours, I’d be honored to be part of your story.

You deserve photographs that feel like memories—ones you can hear, smell, and feel for decades to come.

Let’s create something unforgettable together. Reach out here