Downpour, dirt-biking accident/shattered foot/surgery 2 weeks before the wedding, last-minute change of venue… but this incredible couple and Jim Thorpe Wedding Photographer took it all in stride! It is all part of their adventurous, authentic, beautiful story!
Adventurous souls, Katie & Bret, fell in love in the forest & got engaged in Arizona during a 8-hour motorcycle ride to an abandoned hotel in the desert!!
Right before the wedding, Katie shattered her foot dirt biking and was using an i-walk (a peg leg with support). When she arrived from getting her hair and make-up done, she also got caught in a downpour! This may have broken some bride’s spirits, but Katie’s attitude and determination were incredible!
Their wedding was supposed to be a hike up their favorite mountain with them and their guests and saying their vows from the view up top. When she wasn’t able to do that, they just stopped at a random spot on a barely used trail and set up some basic decor there. Her attitude (and his) was so amazing, I just love these guys!
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Katie shares, “I have followed Lisa’s journey for over a decade! We actually went to the same high school, so I watched her journey from cell phone pics to being the international award-winning photographer she is today!”
She continues, “Working with Lisa was incredible! She made us feel great about the day, helped to organize it, and both went with the flow & took charge all while cooperatively working with our vision. We are hoping to capture the majestic forest and all of the emotions the day brought together.”
She laughs, “We all cried when we saw the sneak peek!”
And OMG, how much do I love being a Jim Thorpe Wedding Photographer!?! This place has so much soul!! And also, this couple…
Meet Katie & Bret!
Katie smiles, “I fell in love with Bret because he compliments me in ways I never thought possible – he’s patient beyond belief, relaxed, and goes with the flow. He’s silly and dances when no one is looking. He’s smart, hard-working, and always looks to do better. He open-mindedly tries any of my new recipe attempts. When I am with Bret, I am the best version of myself because I can be utterly and unapologetically myself.”
Bret shares, “I fell in love with Katie because of her adventurous spirit. She’s always down for an adventure at any time and has an amazing knack for planning some epic trips. She’s also incredibly beautiful, caring, and always encourages me and pushes me to be the best version of myself. I love that she’s driven, independent, and can look out for herself– together we make a great team.”
First Look: Jim Thorpe Wedding Photographer
Katie and Bret were all-in, all day long. They trusted me and my vision, which always makes for incredible photos! For me, I knew capturing the forest was key to them and their story!
I found 3 different spots for the first look b/c I wasn’t sure how much walking Katie could do using her i-walk! She is a trooper and made it to the third, most beautiful spot...
Dirt Biking Hobby & Accident
One of Katie & Bret’s favorite hobbies is dirt biking, they signed up for a race 3 weeks before the wedding. Unfortunately, Katie misjudged a jump and landed wrong and immediately knew that she broke her foot. Within 3 mins, Bret, who started the race behind her, immediately stopped to make sure she was ok. He reassured her that everything would be ok.”
I get this message from Katie– I was stunned and immediately felt so bad for her!!
She writes, “I shattered my foot last weekend and just had surgery to screw it back together. I’m not supposed to walk for 10-12 weeks.”
What a moment of complete serendipity, dirt bikers passed us on the trail!!
The Happy Couple: Jim Thorpe Wedding Photographer
The Happy Couple: Jim Thorpe Wedding PhotographerKatie smiles, “Bret & I grew up about 20 minutes apart, knew all the same people, but didn’t meet until 20 years later after I moved back from the West Coast!”
She adds, “We followed each other on Instagram and bumped into each other at a race over 2 years ago. We have been inseparable since. We’ve gone across the country to ride multiple times and spend every weekend exploring and being in the forest.”
She continues, “We’ve both supported each other through injuries and surgery while dating and found we are great partners and best friends. We don’t dwell on the past, just see things as challenges and overcome them with a positive attitude.“
Sometimes It’s the Little Things
Bret shares, “Katie didn’t want a traditional diamond, so we chose a moss agate ringto represent the forest we fell in love in.”
Why a Jim Thorpe Wedding?
Katie shares, “It was the perfect blend of nature and rich, victorian history!”
Katie shares, “I moved Jim Thorpe when I moved back from Washington State. We fell in love there and would go hiking and mountain biking, we’d watch the sunset from Pisgah View, our very favorite spot and favorite way to end the day!”
Katie says, “We originally planned to have the wedding ceremony at the Pisgah view. It was a good 1/2 mile hike straight up the mountain that we wanted our friends and family to experience, too.”
Ceremony Location Change: Jim Thorpe Wedding Photographer
Katie adds, “When I shattered my foot and had surgery 2 weeks before the wedding, we had to improvise and find another spot. It worked out very well and with teamwork, the day went perfectly!”
Jim Thorpe Wedding Vows
So sweet of him writing and re-writing her name with his last name on the top of the paper where he has written his vows!
Time for Toasts, Baby!
I love capturing candid moments like this, laughs, toasts, and babies being adorable. And the woods is as much my happy place as it is Katie and Bret’s so I was on cloud 9!
Cafe Arielle Reception
I loved the intimacy of this Jim Thorpe Wedding!
You forgot she was using that i-walk, right? She totally killed it!
Rain in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Katie says, “We stayed at the Loft above the Stabin Museum and hosted our micro wedding dinner at the Cafe Arielle also at the museum. Having a centralized location to start from and end with was key to a smooth day.”
Then the rain came…
Train Station: Jim Thorpe Wedding Photographer
There are so many historic and beautiful locations to work with in Jim Thorpe!! This train is actually where I took one of my very first engagement shoots with two amazing people Amanda & Nelson. From there I photographed her cousin’s wedding, sister’s wedding, her cousin’s friends and their friends, other people from the venue. This train may have just fast-tracked my career ;).
Bret’s Love of Cars
Katie shares, “We got to enjoy our first drive as husband and wife in Bret’s restored E-30. He spent 11 years restoring it and it looked perfect for our wedding day!”
Again, such serendipity check out this car that just happened to be driving past us…
At the End of the Night
The couple smiles, “We were surrounded by family and friends in the incredible location that means the most to us and that was everything!!”
Vendors:
- Food: Cafe Arielle
- Lodging: Incredible Wireworks Loft in Town
- Groom’s Suit: Suit Supply
- Flowers: MillionBlooms
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Are you or someone you know looking for a photographer for their weddings, portraits, business branding, etc? I’m your girl! Contact me here, I’d love to hear all about it!