Katrina Brown Photography » barn

Lexy & Rob – Engagement Session – Valley Forge Park – 6.5.11

Katrina Brown Photography — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 02:38:58 +0000

Lexy & Rob live just around the corner from Valley Forge National Park so it seemed like the perfect spot to do their engagement photos! We started at one of my favorite spots way in the back of the park, a white barn that sits right next to a large open field. I have done numerous shoots in this area and nature wins out every time! Normally the swallows that live in the barn poop on my head however this time it was Lexy and Rob who lost out on the battle with mother nature. You can’t see it in the photos but they had thousands of gnats swarming their heads, flying up their noses and in their ears. They were definitely troopers! Thank you for the entertainment! Bug sandwiches are now complimentary with all engagement shoots!

Bethany & Travis – Engagement Session – Tyler Arboretum – 9.26.09

Katrina Brown Photography — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:37:00 +0000

Engagement sessions are quickly becoming one of my favorite things to shoot (behind the bridal fashion shoots). They are so much more relaxed because you aren’t rushing to get to a reception. I get to spend some one on one time with the bride and groom and really get to know who they are as a couple which makes my job so much easier on the wedding day. Everyone is much more relaxed that day because it’s almost like having another friend following you around versus some stranger with a camera which I must say makes my job a million times easier. Thankfully for Bethany’s sake this should come easy as I am not a stranger. We went to high school together which seems like an eternity ago. She is the first of two North Penn classmates whose weddings that I have the pleasure of shooting this year. For their engagement session we had bounced a few location ideas around but none really seemed to fall into place until they suggested the Tyler Arboretum. I had never been there before so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but the place is gorgeous and the grounds are huge!! When doing any type of photo shoot, my preference is to have a variety of options for backgrounds. If you want the same background for every single photo, you may as well go to a portrait studio. That is simply not my style. As anyone who has done this type of shoot with me can tell you, we do a lot of walking! That is the only way you are going to find those hidden unique spots that make great pictures and walk is exactly what we did. We started out in a small fenced in garden to get them warmed up to having a camera in their face.

I loved these huge barn doors! The backside of the barn is where wedding ceremonies and receptions are held.

We made our way through the property and ended up at this old house called Lachford Hall which was built in 1738. The inside has been set up with furniture and belongings as if a family was still living there.

We continued to make our way down to an open field which happened to be next to a big tree house for kids to play. It didn’t take long for some of the little girls to start giggling at Bethany and Travis kissing and yelling over to ask if they were getting married.

We made a quick trip through the butterfly house hoping to see lots of butterflies but to our disappointment we didn’t see a single one. I guess fall is not the best time for butterflies so we were off to the meadow maze. Heading into the maze I think we all had the same thought…pay close attention on where we went so we could get back out. That was until we realized we could see over the grass back to the entrance and there were small children making their way though with no issues.

While we were sitting there Travis just casually picked up and piece of grass and blew on it to making a loud whistling noise. Of course not knowing how Bethany wanted to learn too. It was super adorable if I do say so myself! If you too want to learn how to do the grass whistle click HERE. Disclaimer: apparently this attracts animals like mountain lions, coyotes and lynx. Dually noted!!

After a few tries she did it!

We ended the day with a little lounging around in the grass. I love how vibrant and colorful these next few photos turned out.

Thank you Travis & Bethany for a fabulous day in the sunshine! I can’t wait for your wedding later this year!

Steph & Bobby – Stonebridge Inn – 7.4.09

Katrina Brown Photography — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:45:09 +0000

Steph & Bobby got married on the 4th of July at the Stonebridge Inn in Union Dale, PA. Never having been to Stonebridge or Union Dale for that matter I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but the grounds and view were beautiful. I had Krista Patton 2nd shooting with me who went over to the grooms parents house to shoot Bobby and the guys getting ready while I followed around Steph and the girls at Stonebridge.

Bottom right photo of Bobby & next photo of guys shot by Krista

We had to be a bit sneakier trying to get some photos of the girls before the ceremony as the guests were wandering about the property early trying to search out the bride.

The ceremony took place on a hillside overlooking the mountains. The altar, candle, flower petal holders as well as many other items were all hand made by family members for Steph & Bobby! It added a very nice personal touch to the day!

Steph & Bobby did a traditional Celtic Handfasting Ceremony where their hands are tied together with ribbon to symbolize being tied together forever.

After the ceremony we headed down to the road to a big open field on the hillside with a very rundown old barn that made an excellent backdrop for some bride & groom pictures.

Seeing as how it was the 4th of July no wedding would be complete without a HUGE basket of sparklers for the guests!

Image below shot by Krista

Some of their family & friends got together to sing the bride and groom a song.

Mid reception I wanted to head back up the hill to the ceremony site to mess around with the setting sun. It was on this little adventure that I was like an inch away from stepping on a fairly large snake. Thank you to Steph who was paying attention and screamed…which resulted in my screaming at the top of my lungs and high stepped it on outta there like a little girl! Nature is nice but I am a city girl if that wasn’t painfully obvious already!

Stonebridge sort of has a no fireworks policy…as you can see it wasn’t followed very well but it was the 4th of July so who could blame them! Image shot by Krista.

Thank you Steph & Bobby for letting me be a part of your special day!

Marcelis Kids – Blue Bell, PA – 4.26.09

Katrina Brown Photography — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:58:44 +0000

So to make up for not posting in weeks you are getting two posts in one night. This is a shoot I did with the Marcelis kids at their home in Blue Bell, Pa. I used to coach the 2nd oldest Lucas in cross country at Amber Olympic Club so I have gotten to know their family quite well. They were kind enough to let me come out and do a shoot with them to help me advertise for children’s photography. I must say I learned one thing during this shoot…one trampoline + one fisheye lens + 4 kids = AWESOME! Check em out.