When we arrived at Felicita Resort and Spa in Harrisburg for April & Jeff’s wedding a few weeks ago, we were so excited. Felicita Resort is a gorgeous wedding venue just a short drive outside of the state capitol, but worlds away from the bustling city. April prepared us for a day filled with unique, quirky details and an incredibly, loving family. The day was all we hoped for and more!
Getting Ready at Felicita Resort
We arrived at the lodge at Felicita Resort to photograph April getting ready. The room was filled with beautiful window light and the bustle of girls doing their hair. Both April & Jeff’s 9 year old daughters, Alina & Audrey were following April around and their excitement was palpable. I began to photograph all of April’s amazing, handmade details–there were so many! April is an avid seamstress who had created both the bridesmaids’ dresses and hand-embellished her own dress. Her gorgeous bouquet from Splints and Daisies was lush and vibrant, with deep purples and pinks throughout. April had told me about her Unicorn shoes before I arrived. Nothing could have prepared me for the awesomeness of her details, though!
On the other side of Felicita Resort, Jeff was getting ready at the Inn. Jenn was there to photograph him relaxing before they headed over to the beautiful ceremony location.
A Little Back Story
April & Jeff have an amazing history! I loved finding out more about their relationship, but no one tells the story as well as they do!
“Jeff and I first met in German class in high school. We sat next to each other and were partners until the teacher had to separate us. After college, we re-connected, but just as friends at first. Jeff was actually married and I was dating someone else. We didn’t even realize how well we got along at first, until Audrey’s second birthday party when we ended up spending a good bit of time together. After he separated from his wife & I was single we started hanging out more, but mostly just to get the kids together. It wasn’t long before we realized how much we enjoyed each other’s company.” -April
“April pretty much covered it. I wasn’t looking for a relationship or anything after my divorce, but I guess you don’t get to plan what’s meant to be:) We were getting together because we were friends and so our kids could play and before long I realized I found my other half…. It scared the shit out of me at first, but April is amazing and put up with me. I’m so happy everything worked out the way it did. I love her more every day.” -Jeff
An Outdoor Ceremony at Felicita Resort
At Felicita Resort, there are a few options for outdoor ceremonies, but the secret garden was the perfect spot for April & Jeff’s ceremony. We were in a cove of trees and greenery, with a beautiful white trellis. Both the flower girls and the bridesmaids walked down the aisle, building up Jeff’s anticipation of April’s arrival! Both April & Jeff’s parents sat up front as a part of the ceremony. When April walked in, she beamed at the guests. It was awesome to witness their marriage. Each said vows that they had personally written. April even recited a part of her vows in German–an homage to the high school German class where they had first met! At the end of the ceremony, the guests released butterflies. April and Jeff walked out amidst a sky of monarchs!
Wedding Portraits at Felicita Resort
Felicita Resort is perfect for wedding portraits! Once the guests headed over to the Inn for cocktail hour, we paused for some portraits at the Secret Garden. While April & Jeff snuggled in for a few intimate portraits, we took in the scenery–rolling hills and blue skies for miles! We wandered over to the Italian Gardens and were impressed by the tiered levels of Manicured lawns, pools, and fountains. We photographed our bride & groom among the trellis, stone stairways, and gardens. After an awesome portrait session, we drove back to the Inn to capture their reception.
The Reception at the Inn
April had done a beautiful job personalizing the reception space. The beautiful arrangements included succulents and rustic details. Instead of a guestbook, guests signed a beautiful wooden bench. Jeff engraved the bench with their wedding date! After a beautiful first dance, April & Jeff settled in among friends & family to celebrate their first meal as husband and wife.
April & Jeff, thank you for including us in your awesome wedding! Your love story has been years in the making, but it was perfectly timed! You are perfect together! We wish you all of the happiness in the world (and much love to Audrey & Alina, too!)
April hand-embellished her wedding dress with flowers in shades of pink and purple, dip-dyed her hand-made veil, and sewed both the bridesmaids’ dresses herself.
April’s details were so personal & unique. Her engagement ring had an emerald center stone. Her wedding shoes were platforms with a golden unicorn heel and purple fabric details.
Our gorgeous outdoor ceremony location had views of rolling hills, forests, and blue skies.
Felicita Resort Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at the Secret Garden.
When April & Jeff walked down the aisle after their ceremony, guests participated in a butterfly release.
Close up of the bride’s pink and purple cascading bouquet and bridesmaid’s bouquet by Splints and Daisies.
The gorgeous Italian Gardens at Felicita Resort were a photographer’s playground for April & Jeff’s Portrait session!
Guests were greeted with tiny succulents to escort them to their table. Jeff had wood-burned the date of their wedding into a bench for the guests to sign.
