Bear Creek Mountain Resort wedding

What an incredible bride who is as kind and clever as she is beautiful. Yumiko & Stefan contacted me looking for a wedding photographer who would be able to capture candid moments as well as traditional portraits in a natural, creative way throughout their wedding day.

I arrived at Bear Creek Resort in the morning and began capturing the wedding preparations. Here Yumiko’s mother helps her with her pearl bracelet. You can also see the exquisite bearl and rhinestone detailing on the bodice of her dress. I love the intimate feel of this photograph…

Here her mother is helping Yumiko with her shoes. Yumiko’s family lives in Japan, so she treasures the times that she is able to see them. This was a very special moment for them. I love their expressions and the way the sunlight is dancing o their beautiful cheeks…

The grandmother of the bride was charming and beautiful inside and out. Here Yumiko gifts her with a traditional floral wrist corsage. Her grandmother seemed to be so pleased to be a part of the day, and even gave a speech at the reception.

As we climbed the stairs to photograph Yumiko outdoors I caught this moment when she seemed to glow against the shrubbery and hold her own against the vibrant sky…

Stefan fell in love with Yumiko and her smart, genuine, caring nature. They were compatible from the beginning and could always be themselves around each other.

While they both had many friends in attendance, they chose not to have a bridal party. They also had everything on the grounds of Bear Creek from preparations through the last dance.

I love this mysterious silhoette of Stefan straightening his bow tie in he mirror…

A few moments later with different camera settings and a different angle ;). I like the expression on his face, he look so serious even though he is an upbeat character, but the morning of the wedding his mind was fixed on getting all of the details perfect for Yumiko. It was actually very sweet.

Finishing up his preparations– Bear Creek has such fun carpeting!

Yumiko loves Stefan’s sense of humor and his smile that always puts her at ease. She admires his strong work ethic and is most looking forward to sharing a peaceful life together with lots of laughs and love. Here is a portrait of Steffan looking very dapper…

They exchanged letters before the ceremony separated by a door. It was a sweet, emotional time for both of them…

It was time for the ceremony to begin. The strings were playing and everything was in place for the ceremony to begin. They chose a photograph from their engagement session to be in their sand ceremony frame– great choice, guys! (More of their Lehigh University engagement photos can be seen here).

They chose to have a traditional Western ceremony. Here is the moment that Yumiko’s father gave his daughter to Stefan.

Yumiko chose Bear Creek for several reasons, but primarily because of this ceremony space and the wonderful view. It almost looks like they are on the top of the world. What an unbelievable blue sky, too!

They exchanged vows surrounded by the people who love them most…

then they exchanged rings…

Stefan shared that he was concerned about his father’s health and that it would mean very much to him if he were able to attend the wedding.

I kept an eye out for Stefan’s dad and I saw him smiling throughout the ceremony looking extremely happy, pleased and proud of his son.

Following the ceremony, we photographed several groups of family members, here is Stefan with his father and beautiful sisters.

Following the family photos, Stefan & Yumiko had some time alone to explore Bear Creek’s grounds alone together. They chose to spend their time by the pond. Bear Creek had the fountain on and a newly constructed bridge.

I like the colorful, intricately patterned reflection below.

I was most drawn to this lush little area at the side of the pond. The bank had such a pretty curve and the sun was illuminating all of the surrounding foliage.

I like their subtle position in the top corner here, it is as if they are organically part of this peaceful scene.

They had a traditional reception in the Mountain Ballroom. Here are a few photos that show their first dance and guests dancing.

Yumiko’s Aunt in Japan made this bear cake topper for Yumiko. Yumiko loves bears and adopted a subtle woodsy theme which was perfect with a venue like Bear Creek! Here are their guest favors, s’mores with a clever little Bear stamp!

A serene moment among the tall grasses during sunset.

Sunset…

Yumiko & Stefan it was such a pleasure to work with the two of you and have the opportunity to meet your very kind families. I wish you both the very best!