lOVE STORIES REMEMBERED FROM LANCASTER, pA & bEYOND

Welcome to the blog—a curated collection of some of my all-time favorite love stories, wedding celebrations, and meaningful moments I’ve had the honor of documenting as a Lancaster based Wedding Photographer.

Here, you’ll find highlights from engagement sessions, wedding days, and couples sessions—from my home base in Pennsylvania to wherever your love calls home. Whether you're planning your own celebration or simply drawn to stories full of heart, this space is here to inspire and reflect the beauty of connection.

I approach every session with care, creativity, and an eye for those real, in-between moments that make your story uniquely yours. If you're searching for a PA wedding photographer who values presence over posing and emotion over perfection, you’re in the right place.

An Emotional Rooftop Wedding under the Pittsburgh Skyline
Kirsten Hartzell Kirsten Hartzell

An Emotional Rooftop Wedding under the Pittsburgh Skyline

Sara & Zoe’s rooftop wedding at Il Tetto in downtown Pittsburgh was nothing short of magical. Overlooking the city skyline, their heartfelt ceremony and joyful reception at Sienna Mercato perfectly reflected their love—timeless, down-to-earth, and filled with laughter. As a documentary-style wedding photographer serving Pittsburgh and the East Coast, I focused on capturing every candid, emotional moment, from their intimate first look downtown to their unforgettable dance under string lights.

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Now That You’re Engaged: Essential Steps to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding
Kirsten Hartzell Kirsten Hartzell

Now That You’re Engaged: Essential Steps to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding

Certainly! Here’s an excerpt tailored for SEO that highlights key points from your blog:

What to Do After Getting Engaged: A Guide for Newly Engaged Couples

Congratulations on your engagement! As you embark on this exciting journey, it's important to savor every moment. Here are essential steps to take after getting engaged:

  1. Celebrate Your Engagement: Take the time to cherish this special period with loved ones. Consider hosting a celebration to share your joy.

  2. Set a Wedding Timeline: Discuss your vision for the wedding and create a planning timeline. This will help you prioritize key elements and stay organized.

  3. Establish Your Budget: Determine your budget early on. Allocate funds to the aspects that matter most to you as a couple, such as venue, catering, and photography.

  4. Book Your Vendors: Secure your venue and wedding planner first, as they help solidify your date. After that, choose a caterer and, of course, your wedding photographer. A skilled photographer will capture the magic of your day.

  5. Plan an Engagement Session: Consider scheduling an engagement photo session in a different season than your wedding. This way, you can capture the beauty of both times of year.

Remember, the key to a joyful planning process is staying true to yourselves and finding vendors who align with your vision. If you’re looking for a photographer to document your love story, my books are open for 2025 and 2026. Let’s create beautiful memories together!

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Your Memory Keeper & Lancaster, PA wEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

As someone who loves the tangible and reflecting back on prior chapters, I have always been a lover of shared stories and journaling.

Here, I invite you to slow down and reflect on the experiences that make this work so meaningful—from joyful wedding celebrations across Pennsylvania to everyday moments that deserve to be remembered in full color and detail,

If you're someone who values presence, nostalgia, and photography with soul, you're in good company here.
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