Ben + Andrea Feature Film | General Potter Farm

Like many State College couples, these two met while attending college at Penn State. Unlike other couples, their story begins on the other side of the bar! Both Ben and Andrea worked in downtown State College at Levels Nightclub. Ben was the "bad boy" bouncer, while Andrea was the lovely VIP waitress. At first, Andrea thought Ben was a jerk, like all the other bouncers, and Ben thought Andrea was "pretty cool".

At their reception, a few of their closest friends recalled moments of the two getting to know each other. Taylor, Andrea's Maid of Honor, approval approved of Ben, on the night of her 21st birthday. "I knew Ben was a keeper, when after working until 3am and dealing with drunks all night, he came over to watch the Summer Olympics with us, just for a chance to spend time with Andrea." After dating for less than a year, Ben moved over 700 miles from his hometown of State College to stay with Andrea. A year after that, their relationship was put to the test, having to date from a distance of over 1,000 miles. Ben went to work and earn his master's degree in Boston, while Andrea went back to Georgia, to earn her PhD.

On one of their many trips to see each other, they took a trip to Bear Hollow Zoo, in Athens GA. Prior to leaving for the zoo, Ben took a picture of their cat Jackson with the ring. While there, he sent Andrea the picture, and while she looked at it, Ben grabbed the ring from his pocket and proposed!

A while after this joyful event, I was contacted by the couple, and had the opportunity to Skype with them! I had never three-way Skyped with all three people in different states. The quality of the call was rough, people freezing, voices coming in and out, etc. (I CAN'T imagine doing that with someone for FOUR YEARS!). Although the call was a big foggy, I knew that I'd LOVE working with these two.

Fast forward to this past June. They were reunited, back in State College where the two had met, FINALLY ending their long distance relationship for good.

We loved working alongside our friends, Sarah and Brittany of Sarah Canning Photography! See more of their photos here.

I must admit, this wedding film was probably one of my most challenging yet. Aside from it happening in the midst of a move and two family vacations, I had a hard time editing to Ben and Andrea. Every film I take into post production, I cater to my couples, each having their own story and most of all, their own personality. These two were so different for some reason. I restarted this project at least 7 times, unable to reflect their day accurately. Once I'd come close, I'd show Evan the almost finished piece, and he'd agree. Still not right. We started going through each "almost" feature, and analyze what it could have been. Maybe it was too slow of a song, too quick of a cut, an over dramatized shadow, SOMETHING... was just not "Ben and Andrea".

These two share a timeless, fun, and playful love, that withstood miles and years apart. Everyone at the wedding had such a genuine love for them individually and as a couple. Not only did I love spending time with Ben and Andrea, but I had so much fun spending time with their families, guests and their wonderful wedding party. You can tell how much Ben, Andrea and their families value time spent together.

Andrea and Ben, CONGRATULATIONS! Evan and I were truly honored to be a part of your day, see the love you share with each other and the people that surrounded you. Every detail, every word, every moment was so beautifully personal. We have never left a wedding ranting about how much fun the ceremony was, until we attended your's (and that was just the beginning of the day)! And in case you're wondering, yes, we eventually figured out your feature film. Not only did we figure it out, but it's Evan's favorite because in his opinion, "it's Andrea and Ben". I hope you two enjoy your feature film as much as we loved getting to know you all and spending your wedding day with you!

The Wedding Team!

Venue | General Potter Farm

Coordination | Events by HK

Officiant | Ernie Siegfried

Florist | Woodrings Floral Gardens

Photography | Sarah Canning Photography

Hair | Dana Mesaros

Makeup | Designer’s Denn Salon

Bride's Gown | Pronovias- Jon’s Bridal by Suzanne

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie

Invitation Suite | Vista Print

Catering | Kickin Kater

Cake | Dolce Vita Desserts

Entertainment | DJ Shooter

Big thank you to Holly Wagner of Events by HK for keeping us informed throughout the planning process and DJ Shooter for helping us hook up to his sound board!