Reading Country Club Wedding | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer | Matt + Kara

"If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it's yours forever. If it doesn't, then it was never meant to be."

I can't think of a more perfect quote to sum up Matt and Kara's relationship. They met while they both lived temporarily in Chicago working for the local Amate house. While they enjoyed a friendship at that time, once Kara moved to Washington, DC, and Matt returned to New York, it could have all been over. But these two were meant to be from the beginning, and after Kara reached out to Matt so he would be her date at a wedding in Long Island, the rest is history. Eventually, she moved up to Manhattan and officially began dating the man she knew she would marry one day.

That day came in the beautiful city of Reading, Pennsylvania, under a cloudless June sky. Matt and Kara spoke their vows during a traditional Catholic nuptial mass before heading to Reading Country Club to celebrate the new family they had just started. The bridesmaids chose lavender dresses in their respective styles while Kara carried a bouquet of purple flowers, greenery, and white. Her all-over lace dress with a chapel train and braided updo were inspired by Pippa Middleton - only I happen to think she made an even more gorgeous bride :) Overall, the beauty of the wedding was simply a reflection of some of the purest, most true love I have ever seen...

Oh this couple. Such a blessing to be around. They are the kind of people that lift your spirits with their positivity, and with their love. It was so obvious from the beginning, even before they saw each other for the first time, that Stu & Julie are so in love, and so ready to be together the rest of their lives. Their story is incredible, and includes many hardships and difficulties - including a cancer diagnosis - but it's evident that these trials only caused their love to grow. I was so blessed to be the second shooter for Dani White Photography, and so blessed to meet Stu, Julie, and all their friends and family.

I love seeing a couple that is so ready for their marriage that their whole day solely revolves around their future together. Julie is a sweet but spirited woman whose joy bubbles over onto those around her. Stu is more quiet and reserved, with a steadiness that is evidenced by all the people who surrounded him, loved him, and encouraged him on such a special day. Between the two of them, they fit together like a puzzle piece, a truth obvious to even myself, who only got a glimpse of it on their day.

Between Stu & Julie, they could have danced all night, just the two of them, and been content. And that's what they will do for the rest of their lives.

Stu & Julie...what can I say? I am a photographer because of people like you, whose lives I get to glimpse into for one special, solemn, and sweet day, one that will begin your future together. May blessings, laughter, and joy, define your marriage!