~~~

Saturday Evening, October 15

~~~

Ashlea knows I like candid photography and asked if I would record their wedding rehearsal by taking pictures. I love doing that kind of photography and prefer to not have to set up photos. Just take pictures as things are happening.

Ashlea is my sister’s granddaughter and lived on the Hershey Homestead with her parents Larry and Karen – next to our house – before she married Colton the other week.

Those involved in the rehearsal at the Smoker Farm Weddings venue near New Providence, PA, started gathering about 4:30 pm.

My brother-in-law Marlin and sister Nancy (left) talking to others in the driveway.

I enjoyed watching the horses and mules who were in a nearby meadow.

Walking to the area where the wedding will take place. Ashlea and Colton are on the left.

Preparing for the first rehearsal

Minister Mike Hess praying for the evening and the marriage of Ashlea and Colton the next day.

Mike giving instructions.

Going over things that will be happening the next day.

Rehearsing the Parent’s Prayer.

Rehearsal #2. Colton escorting his mother.

Colton escorting Ashlea’s mother, Karen.

The guys entering on a very upbeat “guy song”. I can’t remember the name of it.

Waiting for the girls.

The girls and others waiting for the girl’s song.

Notice the shirts: “Ring Security” and “Flower Patrol”. 🙂

This was an emotional moment for this father and daughter.

This may be my favorite photo of the evening.

Parent’s Prayer

Jamie is carrying Marlin and Nancy’s (my sister) first great grandchild.

Ashlea’s brother Travis and sister-in-law Stephanie.

Parents of the bride.

Parents of the groom

The upper part of the barn is where the reception will be held. The rehearsal dinner was on the bottom level of the barn.

Cerwin talking to Colton’s grandparents the Balmer’s (left) and Mrs. Lefever. Cerwin knew her husband, so had fun connecting with her and reminiscing about her husband who passed away in recent years.

Taking some chairs up the hill for the meal.

This meal was prepared by the Lefever’s (Colton’s parents). Pulled pork, rolls, baked beans, gourmet potatoes, fruit salad and apple sauce. The whoopie pies were made by Ashlea’s aunt Amy Rohrer.

My choice of food

A barn cat showed up – to the delight of the children.

There was a peaceful close to the evening – reflected on the pond.

My “thank you” gift from Colton and Ashlea. Ashlea makes cocoa bombs (for hot chocolate) – the directions you see above the bag. There was also a Bed and Bath hand soap in the bag.

I bet most of you never called me “Jeanie” or knew that I am recognized by that name in my family. My full name is Doris Jean – which I am also called is some circles. Because many of my aunts and uncles called me Jeanie when I was young – and still do – it carried on through the generations. I loved to hear my dad call me Jeanie – even up until he died.

Thanks Colton and Ashlea for asking me to do this. It was fun.