Joe + Maggie Wedding | Brush Mountain Lodge, Spring Mills, PA
Two things you should know about Maggie, my dear college friend, is that she is the most organized, punctual, and planned person I know. The second is that she is so ready to spend forever with Joe that no detail or even global crisis could distract her from what her wedding was all about.
Six days before Maggie and Joe’s wedding, our college girlfriends set up a video chat to surround Maggie in love and well wishes before the big day! We wanted to know everything and she told us she wasn’t feeling nervous, just excited! A few minutes later she nonchalantly mentioned that her final dress fitting but it was delayed until Monday… Maggie and Joe were leaving Philadelphia on Tuesday. Have I mentioned how ready she was to marry her best friend? If she was feeling any stress, her joy was so much more present that the stress went unnoticed. Her energy and happiness is something I wish for all couples on their wedding day!
Now let’s talk about Joe!!! Samantha and I have known Joe and his family since elementary school. I grew up with Joe’s sister, Emily and my brother, Joe, was childhood friends with Joe (we constantly had to reference them as “my Joe” and “your Joe” so if you’re still with me so far, you’re doing great!). Joe is the life of the party and a legend at Penn State tailgates. You might leave a Joe Vratarich tailgate with a spotty memory but you will never forget how welcomed you felt by Joe and how much fun you had!
After a fall proposal, and a unpredictable year of planning, Joe and Maggie made their wedding day plans. With the help of thier close friends and family, Joe and Maggie celebrated their May wedding in the mountains of Spring Mills, PA at the Brush Mountain Lodge.
Maggie's mom and sister-in-law helped her into her dress.
This was the moment Maggie first saw herself in her dress with her hair and make up done. Her complete wedding day look! What a stunning bride!
Joe's mom and dad helped him get ready!
Since Maggie didn't have a traditional wedding party, she decided to do first looks with her girlfriends, brothers, and her father. Here are a few of our many favorites.
Catherine snagged this picture right before Maggie's first look with her dad.
We loved this handkerchief that Maggie got her dad. "Dad, for happy tears ❤️ Maggie"
CEREMONY TIME!
It was important to both Joe and Maggie that their family was part of their special day, and their family went above and beyond to make it perfect. Maggie’s brother Ryan opened the ceremony on the piano while Shawn and Bobby officiated a perfect, hilarious, and sweet ceremony. Joe and Maggie picked out two special readings which Joe’s brother, Matt, and sister, Emily, delivered.
This first look. I thought I couldn't keep it together during this part but then the ceremony began...
This ceremony was so special and intimate. It was made complete with family, meaningful readings, and Joe and Maggie's personally written vows.
Joe and Maggie’s wedding day joy was so perfectly balanced. Their wedding ceremony was one of my favorite to be a part of as a friend and as a photographer. And these vows were some of the best we have ever heard. Joe and Maggie had everyone laughing, crying, and everything in between. We were so thankful that they recorded their ceremony for their live-stream attendees.
FINALLY HUSBAND AND WIFE! After the ceremony, we had time for some family portraits on the balcony!
These beautiful reception details were done by the Vratarich and Lamb families! We loved the table settings with the bold accents of orange and navy blue.
Maggie and Joe met at Penn State through Mission Mexico. Maggie fell for Joe’s silly spirit that had all of the kids at the orphanage laughing and lining up to play with him.
Through teary vows, Joe shared the trials of living on the east coast while Maggie was in China. Through every phase of their lives together, Maggie’s encouraging heart has pushed Joe to find happiness in his work and to live a fulfilling life.
These two have truly grown together and grown stronger together. I cannot wait to see how they will encourage each other to laugh daily while enjoying every moment together.
The dance floor didn't last inside of the lodge for long, the party quickly moved to the deck!
Maggie and Joe wanted to thank their family and friends for the huge part they played in putting this wedding together. From the floral arrangements, cookies, cake, reception decor, and so much more, they really appreciate all the time and hard work their families and friends put into their wedding day. It was a beautiful day. Thank you to the Vratarich and Lamb families as well as the other amazing vendors who kept the day running smoothly! We really appreciate you all!
VENDORS
Hair and Makeup | Makeup by Megan, with Nails by Leslie
Venue | Brush Mountain Lodge
Officiant | Shawn Lamb and Bob Lamb
Caterer | Brown Dog Catering
Tux | Men's Wearhouse
Photography | Samantha Malizia Films
Maggie and Joe, thank you for sharing your day with us! Maggie, you were stunning. Thank you for being the perfect reminder that weddings are about marrying your best friend with so much joy and excitement. Joe, thank you for making us laugh and cry through your vows and for loving my dear friend the way that you do. The happiness you bring Maggie is everything I could want for my friend.
So much love for you both and your WONDERFUL families who had us leaving tired from dancing so hard before we left!
Catherine
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