Rachel and Chris, An Elegant One Barn Farm Wedding: Mifflinburg, PA
Every great love story starts with a couple who meets when they’re young but fate doesn’t bring them together until they’re older. That’s exactly what happened with Rachel and Chris. These two met in high school when they ran cross country together, became fast friends, but never anything more because of timing. That is, until after college, when the pair found themselves single and realizing that those feelings they felt for each other were more than friends! Once they both acknowledged these deeper feelings, a beautiful relationship blossomed and the two have never looked back!
The Proposal
In September of 2020, Rachel and Chris decided to take a little Labor Day weekend getaway to Lake George, New York. For those not familiar with Lake George, it is a gorgeous little getaway area in New York’s Adirondacks. The perfect spot for a couple who loves the outdoors; there are endless outdoors activities such as fishing, hiking, and swimming. Little did Rachel know, this relaxing getaway was really when Chris was planning on proposing!
While on a hike, the pair hit the summit of the mountain and below them was a breathtaking view of Lake George. It was at this moment that Chris asked Rachel to turn around so he could take a picture of her overlooking the lake. But in reality, he was getting ready to get down on one knee. When Rachel turned back around, Chris had placed a sign around their dog’s neck reading, “Mom, Dad wants to know…” and this is when Rachel looked at Chris who asked her for her hand in marriage. Of course her response was a resounding, “Yes!”. But the surprises weren’t over! Hiding in the bushes was Rachel’s sister and some of their friends, taking pictures, and there to celebrate the happy new’s with the couple! To Rachel it was a perfect proposal; Chris couldn’t have made this a more special and meaningful day.
One Barn Farm
Rachel and Chris had a relatively short engagement; about 8.5 months. And the trickiest part for this couple in planning their wedding was finding a venue and vendor who still had openings in 2021 since many 2020 couple’s had rescheduled for 2021. But let me tell you; Rachel and Chris found a beautiful venue that fit their personalities and likes to a tee!
One Barn Farm is located in the beautiful countryside of Union County Pennsylvania; in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains . This stunning estate was purchased over 40 years ago by Thomas Rippon who had a vision of maintaining it as a colonial working farm while enhancing its beauty by establishing a wildlife preserve, a wetlands habitat, and numerous other native plants and animals that are unique to this region. Thom’s vision was met and then some! This estate is absolutely beautiful!
One Barn Farm is situated on over 90 idyllic acres that boasts a stunning Estate Lawn, a classic Pennsylvania Bank Barn, a brick Terrace Garden, two ponds, and numerous woods throughout the property. To say the least, there was no shortage of stunning backdrops..a photographer’s dream!
The Wedding
Rachel and Chris’s wedding day was absolutely flawless! Literally, a gorgeous venue, a beautiful couple, and perfect weather is exactly what you need for an exquisite wedding!
I was lucky enough to be with Rachel and her girls prior to the ceremony; capturing all the important getting ready moments. And one thing that was evident and flowed effortlessly throughout the room was how much Rachel, her friends, and family meant to each other. The love, joy, respect, and laughter was endless and speaks volumes to what a beautiful person Rachel is; inside and out.
Then there is Chris. I’ll never forget the moment he saw Rachel for the first time! The look of pure love that was splashed all across his face was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. From the smile that spread across his face, to the look of pride in his eyes as if they were saying, “That’s MY wife”, to the tears he shed when she got close. There is no doubt, the love Chris holds for Rachel runs deep and I think every guest saw that too!
And last but not least, my favorite part..incorporating their dog, Yogi into the ceremony! Yogi played such an important role in the proposal, it was understandable he’d play an important role in the wedding as the ring bearer! And boy, did he take this job very seriously! But really, I loved that they incorporated him into their wedding since he holds such a special place in both their hearts.
Rachel and Chris, it was an honor capturing your special day. The love you two share is something that many dream of finding; you two truly are lucky-in-love! I wish you both a life of joy, love, and laughter!
VENUE: One Barn Farm
HAIR/MAKEUP: Portfolio Salon
CATERING: Nittany Catering
