This Wilbur Mansion wedding could not have been more perfect and picturesque for two longtime sweethearts. Journeying through the previous year with Andrew and Rachel has been a true privilege. From photographing the moment Rachel said “yes” to Andrew’s proposal at National Cathedral, to their picture-perfect snowy engagement session at the DAR Headquarters, to a warm rehearsal dinner at Hotel Bethlehem (more to come on that in a later ENP Journal post). Now I cannot wait to share highlights from their wedding day in Lehigh Valley, PA!
Andrew & Rachel’s Love Story
As sweet as any love story could be, Andrew & Rachel are longtime childhood friends. They attended the same elementary school, where Rachel first developed a crush on Andrew (unbeknownst to him)! But it wasn’t until 2020, after years of casual, occasional connecting on social media, that Andrew reached out and eventually shared his feelings for her. The plot twist – she was a taken woman at the time!
Remaining friends, Rachel’s previous relationship ended and they once again connected and began officially dating in the summer of 2021. Their relationship endured long distance as Rachel moved to DC and family tragedies with the loss of Rachel’s father. Andrew’s love was steadfast and his remote job allowed for extended visits to keep growing their love together. Finally, on November 5, 2023, Andrew proposed to Rachel at the National Cathedral, a milestone in their relationship I had the honor of preserving as their photographer!
Returning to Lehigh Valley, PA for a Wilbur Mansion Wedding
Now Andrew & Rachel are preparing to move into their new home together in Arlington, VA. But they returned to the setting their connection first started – the Lehigh Valley – to seal their commitment to one another. I first arrived at the Bethlehem Hotel to photograph their Rehearsal Dinner and “Night Before” portraits. Befitting this childhood friendship-turned-marriage, the warmth and love between their dinner guests was palpable.
By the next morning, that buzz of energy and excitement was still riding high. Andrew & Rachel both got ready at Wilbur Mansion, their wedding reception venue. The mansion was a perfect setting for their wedding day design, blending traditional, steeltown manor charm with minimalist, mid-century modern decor.
A Touching Packer Memorial Church Wedding Ceremony
After a sweet first look with her bridesmaids, we all headed to their ceremony at Lehigh University’s Packer Memorial Church. The ornate cathedral sat in stunning glory against Pennsylvania’s peak fall foliage. There, Andrew & Rachel shared their personal vows before their friends and family, committing their relationship to the Lord.
We couldn’t help but use the gorgeous fall backdrop at the church for their family formals and bridal party portraits! Of course we had to stay behind a tad longer for their newlywed portraits, as well. The glow on both their faces was so fun to capture in the vibrant, sunlit colors surrounding them.
Wilbur Mansion Wedding Cocktail Hour & Reception
Returning to Wilbur Mansion, we continued with a few more portraits before sending the couple off to their cocktail hour. They were welcomed by their guests and were able to spend time greeting each one before beginning their reception dinner.
After dancing into the reception space, everyone settled at their tables with salad to hear from the couple’s friends and Rachel’s mom for toasts. Admittedly, Rachel’s mom’s toast had me tearing up. Maybe that’s because I’m now a mom to a baby girl. But she so beautifully made tribute to Rachel & Andrew’s story.
One touching moment I’ll always remember was when Rachel was surprised by an additional toast. Her best friend Lana, who was originally to serve as maid of honor but could not make the wedding, recorded a toast speech for Rachel. It was watched on an iPad while guests got to listen through the speakers as Lana shared her love for Rachel and her new marriage to Andrew. There were few dry eyes in the room.
In Andrew & Rachel’s Words…
In the spirit of my mission to magnify the beauty of marriage, I always love asking couples what it is that they love most about one another. Emily Nicole Photography best serves couples seeking to build beautiful marriages. That is so often done through the little mundane moments that remind you why you love each other. So, in Andrew & Rachel’s own words, here is how they answered.
What Rachel loves about Andrew: “It is so hard to say what I love most. Andrew is truly the best person I know. He is so selfless. He puts others first in every single scenario. I love how much he loves and takes care of his family, and does the same for me.”
What Andrew loves about Rachel: “I love Rachel’s sense of humor. We laugh so much in our relationship and just have some much fun teasing one another.”
What do you value most about your relationship?
“We value the unwavering commitment we have one another, and the friendship and love we have in one another.”
What is the most beautiful thing about marriage, in your opinion?
“The most beautiful thing about marriage is its representation of Christ’s love for His church, and its life long commitment.”
Congratulations, Andrew& Rachel, and to your families as well. I wish you both such a beautiful married life ahead. May it be filled with wonderful adventures, gracious blessings, and plenty of new restaurants to visit together. 😉
Vendor Shoutouts
I was honored to work alongside a vendor dream team, consisting of the following talent:
- Planning & Coordination: Ariel & Rebecca of Ariel Ashton Events
- Venue(s): Packer Memorial Church (ceremony); Wilbur Mansion (reception)
- Videography: Little Kings Media
- Invitations/Stationery: Designs by Allison Rene
- Floral Design: Orinthea House of Flowers
- Bride’s Dress: Antonio Gual, purchased at Love Couture (Potomac)
- Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
- Bridesmaid Attire: Jenny Yoo, purchased at Bella Bridesmaids
- Hair: Eileen Hale from Salon Sonder
- Makeup: Dew Harbor Beauty
- Cake Design: Cupcakes2Cake
- Catering: Wilbur Mansion
- Live Music: Elysium Quartet
- DJ/Entertainment: Sonic Entertainment
- Transportation: Lazer Limo
More Journal Posts Like This
Love what you see and want to be the next ENP Couple? I travel all over the East Coast, as well as serve couples in the DMV area who want to build a beautiful marriage. Learn more, then inquire with me today to chat!
Meanwhile, check out my other work below to get inspired as you plan your special day.
- A Low Country-Inspired Hilton Head Island Wedding | Hilton Head Island Wedding Photographer
- Ethereal Lakeside Wedding at Rassawek Vineyards | Virginia Wedding Photographer
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Wedding with a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony | Northern VA Wedding Photographer
- Black Tie Wedding at Holy Trinity Catholic Church & National Press Club | DC Wedding Photographer
- Traditional Jewish Ceremony at a Winter 1757 Golf Club Wedding | Northern VA Wedding Photographer
- A Joy-Filled Fall Wedding at St. Bridget Catholic Church and Dominion Club | Richmond Wedding Photographer
- An Old Town Alexandria Wedding Laced with Family Tradition | DC Wedding Photographer
