Jess + Matt’s 1-Year Anniversary at Cork Factory Hotel
It’s anniversary weekend for Jess and Matt. Some couples go out to eat on their first anniversary. Others go on a mini trip. Then you have Jess and Matt who spend the entire weekend AT their wedding venue snuggling, journaling, going through photo albums, going out to eat and remembering their “whys” in celebration of their first anniversary.
Shortly after Jess and Matt’s wedding day, Jess happened by a photo of an anniversary session I did for a couple who decided to get back into their wedding attire to both relive their day a little and to get more photos for their walls in their new home since they weren’t the happiest with their actual wedding portraits. Jess couldn’t stop thinking about it and thinking, “I want to wear my dress again and get those photos I REALLY wanted!” SO, she messaged me and asked a few questions about one of those anniversary sessions and before I knew it, she was on my schedule already for almost a year away for a portrait session. We worked together to find an amazing team for hair, makeup and flowers and magic happened.
I had never been to the Cork Factory Hotel before. There was a wedding happening that day so we were careful to stay out of their way. I arrived early to take a look around and also because IT’S FUN to hang out when it’s not wedding day so we can all chat! Jess was a riot and Matt was a good sport with all of our girly giggles and squeals. It was fun to hear everything that Jess actually knew about my family. She is a true follower and that meant the world to hear. I was impressed with the lengths they went to for the weekend. There were flower petals for the bed. Their marriage journal was there. Their photo albums were there. They brought their cake and kept with their wedding day color scheme! Just wow!
Not only were they attentive to each other and their anniversary details, they also showed gratitude to all involved in their weekend. They had a card for the couple getting married that day. They had a card for me! I almost cried when I got home and read it. The bottom line is that these two are far from the cookie cutter…anything. They are that extra special.
The shoot itself was cold. I think we can all say out loud that below 40 degrees is cold when you don’t have a coat…or sleeves. There was a lot of “think warm thoughts” and “just one more pose and we’ll go warm up!” We wanted to get more shots at the venue but there was a wedding happening and we really didn’t want to disrupt their day so we left earlier than previously planned. I know Jess must have been a little disappointed and so I truly hope that the AMAZING photos we were able to capture in Lancaster County Park made up for it. I still can’t stop staring at them.
Jess and Matt, you are AMAZING. Truly extra ordinary. Thank you for everything. Thank you for following along. Thank you for trusting me with this special time in your lives. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us dedicated to our marriages. I’m so glad to have met you and taken your photos. I hope you enjoy this small sample of my favorites from your very special one-year anniversary. There are many more to come in your full gallery. But, because I know how hard it is to wait, there are a few surprises in your inbox RIGHT NOW. SO, go check!
XO - Megan
