It’s not often that we get to create engagement films for our couples, and it’s definitely once in a lifetime that we get to tell them in such an in-depth, creative manner as we did for Bethany & Jonathan. It takes an epic proposal story to make an epic engagement film. Jonathan gave Bethany two dates in which he had planned two trips whose locations remained surprises until they got on the plane (or underwater train, if we’re being specific). He told her to bring her passport, gave her ideas for things to pack, and climates they’d be visiting, but nothing else. Of course all along, Jonathan knew Bethany was expecting a proposal, so the idea was to keep her on her toes. I’ll leave the details of the engagement at that. Epic describes it best. Mark and I spent a day in Manhattan capturing Bethany & Jonathan at their favorite places around the city and at their apartment across the river in Hoboken with their little pup, Charlie. We decided this one needed an even more special treatment, so we scored a little soundtrack to it in our friend’s recording studio. It was a big task but we’re so proud of the outcome:

And then came their wedding day. The best thing about capturing an engagement story – or any kind of film for that matter before a couple’s wedding day, is that the couple gets comfortable being in front of our lenses, so that our cameras are almost invisible. It really makes a difference and makes for more honest captures. Bethany & Jonathan’s wedding day, set on the peaceful countryside of Clifford, PA – way up north of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre – was the perfect blend of Jonathan’s British roots and Bethany’s country upbringings. Though their ceremony was racing (literally) against the fast rain clouds moving in, the atmosphere and company couldn’t have been any more perfect. The stormy weather made for some hilarious moments throughout the service and, in the perfect dry-humored kind of way, just after Bethany said, “‘Til death do us part,” a giant crack of thunder rang out overhead. Her reaction couldn’t have been more hilarious. Everyone laughed, umbrellas opened, and the officiant quickly rushed to get their marriage made official. Rain clouds poured in just as the couple recessed inside Fern Hall but the skies opened up shortly into cocktails and made way for great photos, cozy chatter and fun dancing late in the night. Without further adieu, enjoy Bethany & Jonathan’s wedding trailer & film set to some of our favorite tunes that so perfectly match the vibe of their day:

Venue: Fern Hall Inn (Forest City, PA)
Videographer: Birdhouse Productions
DJ: Denny Testa 
Ceremony Music: Penn Strings
Florist:  Central Park Flowers (Olyphant, PA)
Wedding Gown: Kleinfelds (New York, NY)
Groom’s Suit: Tom Ford
Wedding Planner: Fete Events (Scranton, PA)