Katie and Joe balance sweet and silliness so well. Maybe this is the secret to a successful marriage! Their session made me awwed so many times from their sweet exchanges – how they gazed at one another, slow danced, and recounted their wedding day. We also laughed lots – the anticipation of the champagne pop, the excitement Katie had when running toward Joe, and their playful piggyback.
I love the joy and excitement on wedding days, but I’m beginning to think capturing anniversary portraits is the sweeter gig. In fact, I’ve always refused the notion that your wedding day is the best day of your life. (I certainly cannot accept that life goes downhill afterwards! Haha.) There is so much beauty and comfort in having a love that grows stronger and a partner who supports all your dreams. I’m sure Katie and Joe agree with me here.
I have also learned that you cannot grow complacent with love. That is, don’t take it for granted you get to wake up to your person everyday. A comfortable love doesn’t equate to a lack of excitement. I admit COVID has really thrown a wrench into our travel plans – the one thing we consistently do every year to build excitement and make beautiful memories. But Katie and Joe reminded me that your best adventures don’t necessarily require traveling.
Katie wanted to plan a special anniversary with a professional photoshoot, makeup, killer dress, and a bouquet of wildflowers picked from her own pollinator garden. We brainstormed various locations and finally settled on Oak Hall Regional Park because Joe reminded Katie how much she loves the mountains here. After all, Katie moved back to State College for the mountains!
And the sweetest detail of this session is the tattoo on Joe’s wrist. Katie signs all her letters to Joe with a heart. This particular one that’s inked on Joe’s wrist came from Katie’s letter to him on their wedding day. ?
Katie and Joe – I love getting to know you both and what a true pleasure to be a part of your anniversary celebrations. Cheers to 5 years and many, many more! ❤️































