Sam and Josh’s beautiful Historic Hotel Bethlehem wedding was a true celebration of these two and their love overcoming a year of curveballs. Initially scheduled for June, the global pandemic forced the postponement of their large scale wedding, and then brought their guest count way down for their intimate wedding in September. We plan to celebrate full in the spring, but in the meantime, their wedding day was spectacular!
Getting Ready
When we arrived at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, we made a beeline for Josh and his guys as they got ready. Josh was totally at ease, enjoying the time by bantering with his groomsmen. Once he was in his sharp tux, he took a few minutes to read the letter Sam had written him, and open the gift she’d given him: an engraved guitar pick. A first for us in our many years of wedding photography. Super cool! Once he was all set, we made our way upstairs to where Sam was getting ready with her bridesmaids. Knowing a few of the details she’d planned to include, we were really excited to see what waited for us!
We weren’t disappointed. Sam happily greeted us and pointed us in the direction of her spectacular weddings dress, two pairs of excellent shoes, and a perfect velvet ring box for their rings. We spent several minutes making sure all these stunning details were captured fully before turning our attention back to the beautiful bride. The morning had been full of fun, but as the time drew closer, the nerves were starting to creep into the picture. These were all allayed when she donned her wedding gown. As the buttons were done up, Sam’s smile hardly left her face. We set up a first look with her dad so she could wow the man who loved her first in her life, and then it was time to go see Josh.
First Look and Portraits at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem
On the landing of the grand marble staircase, Josh stood waiting. As Sam drifted down to him, he gave a nervous laugh. When she touched his shoulder, he turned and beheld his wife to be, and was utterly elated. It was a day long in coming, and they were just so glad to have made it.
Afterwards, we went outside and a very kind police officer blocked traffic for us so we could get a photo in the middle of the street with the Bethlehem Star before we wandered around back for some beautiful greenery pictures. Bridal party joined us and soon we were wrapping up all the portraits and making our way back to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem for the wedding ceremony.
The Wedding Ceremony at Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Very few guests were in attendance, per the guidance of the CDC, but Sam and Josh had set up a Zoom call for those that couldn’t be there in person. Then it was finally time. The music began, bridal party entered, including an adorable flower girl, and then Sam swept down the aisle to Josh. They exchanged their vows and rings. Everyone cheered when they shared their first married kiss! As the ceremony concluded, they waved excitedly to those on Zoom before walking out as husband and wife. They’d planned dinner at a nearby restaurant, so our time with them was finished for this year. But next year, we get to party with them back at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
