I swear I am STILL pinching myself over the fact that I was lucky enough to photograph the most perfect day in existence celebrating Justin and Madalyn at The Dovetail at Lindsey Hollow! If I could dream up the most stunning weather and beautiful humans to spend the day photographing, I think this past Saturday may just be it!
Just imagine everyone’s favorite small-town high school quarterback and prom queen growing up their entire lives together. He is lifelong best friends with her twin brother. The two go out into the world after high school and live their separate, yet parallel lives… and inevitably find their way back to one another in their 20s. They’re ridiculously incredible on their own, but even better together. So naturally they get married on the most beautiful day to ever grace northwestern Pennsylvania, and everyone in attendance cries every waking moment of said day because it’s just too beautiful for words. That’s the VERY abridged synopsis of Madalyn & Justin’s love story.
This is the part of the blog where I typically list three things I loved most about a wedding day, but I don’t have the mental capacity, or time, to even try to narrow it down. (Literally choosing photos for the blog was hard enough… I physically COULD NOT choose favorites!) SO here’s a random list of things I’m obsessed with from their day:
- Handwritten love notes from the couple to literally every person in attendance.
- Madalyn’s entire look. She put every Disney princess to ever grace a television screen to shame. Her updo, makeup, gown… literally all of it was pure perfection.
- Pocket boutonnieres. Very underrated and require zero pinning. Love that for everyone involved.
- The best first dance potentially ever. I don’t know if it was the dreamy golden light pouring into the reception space, or the fact I really just love this couple so much it makes my stomach hurt… but watching Madalyn and Justin spin & dance & be stupidly in love is a moment I will never forget for the rest of my photographic career.
- The Mother/Daughter dance. Madalyn surprised her mom by giving a speech, dedicating her bouquet to her, and sharing a special dance with all the mothers and daughters in attendance. As someone who is really, really obsessed with my mom… it was incredible. Also I’m really just hoping and praying my own daughter loves me that much one day, because WOW… it was so special.
Sweet Madalyn-
Goodness this paragraph feels wildly hard to write. (Which is extra strange, because finding words has never really been an issue for me, especially when it comes to you) Despite our seven year age gap… you and I have just always clicked. From the moment I interviewed that effervescent, sweet, teenage Mads to work at my parents’ store, I knew you were so special. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed harder with, or thought more fondly of, any single human being in my lifetime. Your personality is comparable only to the sun itself, radiating through every space it encounters; the world would quite literally be incomplete without your existence. To be loved by you is one of the sweetest gifts anyone could ever be given. You are intentional, ridiculously hard working, and selfless to a fault. To know you is to love you and I can’t believe my family got to call you “ours” for so many years. The light and joy you have brought to our lives will never ever be taken for granted. I truly mean it when I say that ALL I have ever wanted for you is the absolute BEST this life has to offer, and I am so indescribably happy (and confident) that you have found exactly that in Justin.
And to you, Justin-
When Madalyn told me all those years ago that she wanted me to photograph her wedding one day… I admittedly had my doubts that she would ever find someone equally as amazing as she is. I am so thankful you put all those fears to rest when you chose her to be your wife. The way you love and cherish our girl quite literally brings tears to my eyes. And the amount of life you’ve lived alongside her, already, reaches so far beyond what most can even fathom. You are resilient, kind, humble, and hilarious. And despite being dealt some absolutely insane cards over the last 27 years, you continue to radiate a joy and gratitude for life that makes everyone want to be better. I have no doubt you and Madalyn were always meant to be together. And finally, just as a disclaimer, I will never disclose my running list of “All-Time Favorite Hannah Bryerton Grooms” to the world, but it’s safe to say that you have set the bar pretty dang high for any who follow in your footsteps.
I love you both more than I can even attempt to articulate and cannot wait to continue encouraging, loving, praying, and cheering for you all in the years that lie ahead.
I have dreamed of photographing this wedding from the day Madalyn and Justin started dating. Thank you to all the vendors who made this celebration a reality for them!
Photography: Hannah Bryerton Photography, @hannahbryerton
Church: St. Boniface Catholic Church
Venue: Dovetail at Lindsey Hollow
Priest: Father Marc
Hair Stylist: Charisma Salon
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Kate
Flowers & Floral Design: Miss Laura’s Place
DJ: DJ Hector & Michelle (DJ Hector & Catering Services)
Catering: Mark Morello
Bride’s Dress: The Winner, Morilee MAGDALENA dress
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Bridal Elegance/Cuff’s Formal Wear
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Grey, Azazie, Revelry
Decor/Rentals: Grapevine Laundry and Linens
Transportation: La Grand Elite
Desserts: Sarah Verleni (Verleni’s Bakery)
Dance Choreographer: Julie Barton (choreographybyjulie)
