For Lena & Anthony’s elopement day, there was only one place they wanted to be.
Home.
The two had already built the perfect life together. And their happy place, nestled in the Pocono mountains, embodied everything Lena & Anthony cherished most. Comfort, support, and encouragement. That warm and fuzzy feeling of being in a safe space with the person you love most by your side. This was a day focused less on epic adventures and far away destinations, and more on cherishing the life they get to experience together every single day.
Their story began at their Pocono mountain home, where each got ready separately and then shared a sweet first look on the back deck. From there, we set out on a greatest hits tour of the area.
Our first stop was Ricketts Glen State Park, a local favorite and one of the most scenic places in all of Pennsylvania. There are over 22 named waterfalls in the park, and we set off to explore as many as we could. Each of the falls are entirely unique, with the trail following right alongside the water as it cascades down. When the moment felt right, the two hopped along a path of stones in the water to share private vows in the mist of the waterfall. Pennsylvania allows self-uniting ceremonies, so we took a step back to give them space to speak their hearts alone. (The roar of the falls guaranteed that this was an exchange meant only for them anyway.).
After the ceremony, Lena & Anthony wanted to celebrate the other significant love in their lives: Charcuterie. For their post-elopement picnic, Lena did not hold back. This is where I could sit here and list everything she managed the fit in that picnic basket, but I’ll just let the images speak for themselves.
Trevor and I enjoyed what was truly the finest “vendor” meal of our lives, and then left them to enjoy some alone time on the beach before packing up and on to the next location.
It was important to Lena & Anthony, before heading back to the house, that we visit a few more sentimental stops along the way. We visited the local covered bridges (a place they’ve shared many afternoon dates together), and Anthony’s family tree farm.
The sun would soon be setting, so the only thing left to do was head home, make dinner, and watch last light of the day fade in the mountains. WIth that, our time with Lena & Anthony came to a close. They settled into a beautiful evening at home, watched the logs crackle in the fireplace, and reflected on their perfect day.
Lena & Anthony reminded us that the perfect elopement day is not measured by how far you travel, or how many bucket list items you check off. And there’s no one to perform for or cater to.
All that matters is enjoying each moment.
This is a day to celebrate that in each other, you’ve found your home.
