Taylor + Nic’s Excelsior Wedding

If there’s one thing I absolutely love about traveling for wedding photography, it’s the chance to capture love stories in the most incredible locations. Taylor and Nic’s wedding at Excelsior in Pennsylvania was one of those jaw-dropping, heartwarming days that remind me why I do what I do. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was going to be something truly special.

Taylor and Nic share a deep love of reading, and when I say they went all-in on their literary wedding theme, I mean all in! Every single detail was thoughtfully curated to reflect their passion for books, from the invitations to the table decor, and even the dinner menu! They even transported hundreds of books from Florida to Pennsylvania just to bring their vision to life.

A Literary Wonderland

Taylor, being the creative genius she is, designed all of the stationery and signage herself. And let me tell you—it was next level. Guests were given “library card” seating assignments with their names written on them. The menu was styled as a book, with each dinner course labeled as a “chapter.” And the wedding favors? Bookmarks, of course! It was hands-down one of the most well-thought-out wedding themes I’ve ever seen.

Each reception table was dedicated to a different literary theme, and Nic and Taylor even had piles of their favorite books stacked beside their sweetheart table. But one of the most touching details? As a wedding gift, they exchanged new books with handwritten notes inside the covers.

A Cinderella-Worthy Love Story

Beyond their love of books, Taylor also has a deep love for Disney. So, naturally, when it came to choosing a wedding dress, she went straight for the Disney Princess collection and chose a dress that was part of the Cinderella line. It was gorgeous! The delicate details, the shimmering fabric—it was as if she had stepped right out of a storybook.

She truly looked like a princess, and Nic’s face when he saw her? Absolute perfection. These are the moments I live for as a wedding photographer—when love, joy, and pure magic all come together in a single frame.

Excelsior Wedding

I’ve been lucky enough to shoot weddings in breathtaking venues all over, but Excelsior is one of those places I can’t wait to return to. Located in the heart of Pennsylvania, this venue is pure magic. It has such a unique blend of historic charm and modern elegance, with a variety of stunning spaces that make it look like you’ve traveled to multiple locations without ever leaving the property.

Taylor and Nic’s wedding took full advantage of this. Every setting— from the intimate reception space, to the ceremony area— it felt like stepping into a different chapter of their love story. The versatility of Excelsior is a dream for any wedding photographer, and I’m already hoping to shoot there again soon! There was also a grand staircase where we captured some truly regal portraits that was about five minutes down the road from Excelsior.

Now, let’s talk about THE shot—the one that I am absolutely obsessed with (the header image). This wasn’t just any wedding portrait; it was one of the most intricate photographs I’ve ever created. It involved four different flashes, color gels, grids, and a special creative tool I use called aerosol atmosphere (aka fog in a can!) to add the perfect amount of drama.

The result? Pure magic. The way the colors played off the mist, the way Taylor and Nic stood in perfect harmony—it all came together to create a once-in-a-lifetime image. I love pushing creative boundaries in wedding photography, and this was one of those moments where everything just clicked (literally!).

A Wedding For The Books

From start to finish, Taylor and Nic’s wedding was a true reflection of who they are—creative, thoughtful, and deeply in love. It was a day filled with storytelling, romance, and adventure, just like their favorite books. Every detail was a testament to their personalities and their journey together.

As a wedding photographer who enjoys traveling for work, getting to capture weddings like this—where every detail has meaning and every moment is filled with love—is what makes my job so rewarding. Excelsior, I hope to see you again soon! And Taylor and Nic, I know your love story will continue to unfold like the most beautiful book ever written.

Wishing you both a lifetime of love, adventure, and of course, endless bookshelves!