Maddy & Zach celebrated their nearly decade-long love story with the most perfect early fall wedding at Bear Ridge Destination in Clymer, New York! I was lucky enough to photograph their intimate, outdoor rehearsal dinner on Friday evening, followed by a stunning event all day Saturday.
This bridal party was gigantic, but I seriously couldn’t have asked for a better group of humans to hang out with all weekend! The love that surrounds Zach and Maddy is so tangible and every inch of their celebration was sprinkled with sweet, sentimental moments and intentional details.
I love sharing a few of my favorite things from every wedding I photograph, so here are my own personal highlights from M&Z’s wedding weekend:
- The champagne pop to kick off the day.
When hair and makeup was finished, I asked the girls if they wanted to pop champagne and they (of course) jumped right on board. The photos from this moment quite literally had me crying of laughter while editing. Maddy went all in on shaking the bottle before popping it open and everyone was terrified for their lives… well, mostly just their hair and makeup… the moment that cork flew off. I’m honestly still laughing just thinking about the chaos that ensued in a matter of sixty seconds, but it was so freaking awesome and the perfect start to the celebration. - The slight hints of fall.
It’s no secret that I am a summer girly, through and through, but this wedding season has been a freaking scorcher. If you’re from the area, you know it’s been an unseasonably warm summer, so I was loving every ounce of this cooler day. The brisk morning, consistent breeze, fall sunshine, and beginning touches of foliage peeking through the trees. The natural fall tones were the perfect compliment to Zach & Maddy’s neutral color palette! - The delicious food.
Rehearsal as catered by Vintage Woodfired Catering and the pizza was SO freaking good. I’m now counting down the days until I work another wedding where they cater again (… it’s this upcoming weekend, actually, and it STILL can’t come soon enough! hahaha!) And then the wedding charcuterie and meal were put on by Your Daily Serving and Federal Hill Smokehouse. Holy freaking moly. I’ll be dreaming about that brisket & bacon butter & cornbread until the end of time, I swear.
Zach & Maddy–
I am so thankful you guys chose me to be document this incredible season of your lives together! (Especially you, Zach, because we know how deeply passionate you are about photos! hahaha!) From your initial inquiry, you all have been nothing but patient and loving, more than willing to wait it out until I opened my 2025 calendar last spring. To your engagement session, where I put you through the wringer with every dang pose and Zach missed half a softball game to be there. To every ounce of your wedding weekend. Even in the most stressful moments, you two never wavered. I have no doubt that you will continue to make the most incredible team from here on out, and I cannot wait to see what you accomplish in life as husband and wife! <3
All my love, always.
xoxo,
Hannah B
Photography: Hannah Bryerton Photography, @hannahbryerton
Videography: Donnie Rosie, ROSIE Photo & Video
Wedding Planning & Coordination: Irina of Serendipity Planned
Venue: Bear Ridge Destination, Clymer NY
Officiant: Brother of the bride, Jeremy Gdaniec
Hair Stylist: Sarah Lauer
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Kate
Florist: Beyond the Barnyard Flower Co.
Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Will Holton, saxaphone player
Reception DJ: Erie Encore Entertainment
Catering: Vintage Woodfired Catering (Rehearsal), Your Daily Serving (Charcuterie at Reception) and Federal Hill Smokehouse (Wedding Reception Meal)
Bride’s Dress: Bridal Beginning in Pittsburgh PA
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdie Grey
Decor/Rentals: Party Plus Erie
Custom Signage: Rubber Ducky Balloon Design
Transportation: Peek ‘N Peak
Desserts: Bethany Hotchkiss (wedding cake); Cookie table was made by family & friends
