Weddings at the lodge at Indian lake feel like a destination wedding at a lake resort but without the long drive! This resort features a big beautiful ballroom and cozy outdoor covered porch for intimate ceremonies, and a neighboring golf courses for beautiful photo opportunities. And the best part is that it’s only 2 hours from Pittsburgh!

Nicole and Alex had the perfect day for a wedding - clear skies and comfortable temperatures, but even more importantly they were surrounded by people that genuinely cared about them and wanted to be there for THEM! We started the day in the complimentary bridal suite (!!!) which had plenty of gorgeous light, mirrors to get ready by, and lots of room for her large bridal party and family. My favorite parts of the getting ready portion were Nicole’s amazing 6 inch heels (her maid of honor told me that Nicole came out of the womb able to walk in heels, and it even was mentioned in the maid of honor speech later that night), the sweet first looks between Nicole and her moms, abuela, and dad, and a sweet and totally coincidental moment when I walked in to her room and found her sitting by the window reading her Bible to calm her nerves.

I am blessed to know Nicole from her early teenage years where she attended a youth group that my husband and I volunteered at. I remembered her as a sweet and spunky (in the best way) beautiful young lady. I had know idea the incredible woman she would grow up to be! Nicole and Alex both serve in the military (where they met!) and have endured so many more trials and challenges in both their personal and professional lives than most are aware of. They have even taken in younger family members as their own to give them a chance to thrive, even though they are still young themselves and working so hard.

I had the privilege of meeting Alex when we started wedding planning all together, and the respect and love he had for not only Nicole but everyone he encounters was evident from the first few minutes of talking to him. surrounded by his best friends from high school and the military on wedding morning, the nearly dozen groomsmen were loud and crazy (we heard them singing and laughing from 4 rooms down the hall in the morning), but immediately respectful and kind once I got their attention. Which was no small feat - I’m considering purchasing a “wedding whistle” so I don’t lose my voice again, haha!

Alex looked incredible in his deep purple suit with black lapels - the only person that could hope to upstage him was of course Nicole, who was breathtaking in her lace Essence of Australia dress with long sleeves and open back. The two were sheer perfection together. The ceremony was shared with a small number of family on the back deck, where Nicole and Alex wrote some of the best vows I ever heard.  Nearly every person cried hearing them, myself included. The two share a deep love that honors God and each other, which was evident in their vows.

After the ceremony came my yell-fest (in a good way!) to get through some large family groupings and a 20 person bridal party, which was super fun to work with because all of them loved the couple so much and genuinely wanted to be there for them, and not just to party. We wrapped up portraits with Nicole and Alex on the grounds behind the lodge near the lake, and when they both were willing to climb in a ditch on the side of the road with flowers all through it for SOME OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS OF MY CAREER, their paparazzi team of 5 were all speechless. That’s a lie, I’m pretty sure I squealed. A lot.

The only thing that could top the amazing portrait session we had was one of the most fun receptions I’ve been to in 11 years. With a big crew that just wanted to dance, the floor was packed all night with the DJ throwing out some Hispanic inspired songs as well as all the wedding favorites. Nicole’s Puerto Rican heritage meant this girl can dance, and some of my favorite moments were watching her and her mom salsa on the dance floor. With her beautiful satin Marilyn Monroe inspired reception dress and killer moves, Nicole was radiant and joy-filled as we all had an amazing evening celebrating.

It’s not often that I don’t want to leave at the end of the night, but this was such a smooth, fun day that I was a little sad to pack up my lights and go. Over the past 11 years of photographing weddings, the one thing I’ve learned that all great weddings have in common is simply this: surround yourself with people that love and respect you, and your day will be filled with love and respect towards everyone, which is exactly what God calls us to model in a marriage.

A special thanks to this amazing vendor team for pulling off a flawless day:

Lead Photographer: Jill Gearhart Photography

Second Photographer: Kirkland Photography

Photographers Assistant: Ben Lloyd

Videographer: m20 Media

Gown: Essence of Australia at White Lace Bridal, Indiana PA

Makeup: Sparrow Beauty Co.

Jewelry: Sam Jam Creative

Rings: Lorelli’s Jewelery

Caterer: Flair of Country

Cake and Cookies: Nikki Hockenberry, Nikki’s Sweets and Treats

DJ: DJ John with the Lodge at Indian Lake

Officiant: Summit Church

Invitations: Tiffany Miller