Pediatric oncology nurse & childhood cancer survivor (Callie) married the love of her life (Ryan), surrounded by supportive friends and family, making me one happy Woodstone Country Club Wedding Photographer!
This vibrant, inspiring down-to-earth couple is both self-proclaimed ‘awkward in pictures’ yet was ‘in love with my photos of them’! While Callie’s story began as a Lilo & Stitch-loving childhood cancer patient, she met Ryan, the love of her life, and has become a ‘Stitch-loving’ Pediatric Oncology Nurse (keep an eye out for blue, I know I did)! Many of “Callie’s Crusaders” were in attendance at the wedding (one who even wore his OG tye-dye beneath his wedding attire). Together they have raised over $90,000 to help pediatric cancer research!”
Fun Fact: Callie & Ryan grew up 10 minutes apart from each other AND went to the same high school with mutual friends but did not meet until years later in life on an online dating site. Callie’s mom has always said, everything happens for a reason and they believe they found each other at the most perfect time! Speaking of Callie’s mom…
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Ryan shares, “I could tell from our first meeting that Lisa was very passionate and dedicated to her work and she really took the time to find out what was important to us and to get to know us. Lisa is very creative and she brings a really unique perspective that I think that is going to make our photos stand out and fit us as a couple.”
Callie adds, “Lisa was just so fun and relaxed to work with and was by our side every step of the way. We even turned to her for guidance when it came time to cut our cake! Neither one of us is comfortable in front of a camera and tend to look awkward in photos, and so avoid them, but Lisa made us feel so comfortable and had us laughing with each other the whole time!”
Woodstone Country Club Wedding Photographer: Ladies Preparations
Callie shares, “I’m a huge Disney fan! Stitch is my favorite, I have at least 30 stuffed animal Stitches that I have gotten over the years when I was younger. I used to bring them with me to the hospital as a kid, and they’d put ID bracelets on them, too. I now display the seasonal ones in our family room.”
She continues, “I’ve moved into collecting more practical Stitch things: shot glasses, cookie jars, soup bowls, and pretty much anything I can find. Ryan pretty much knows if we’re out and I see something Stitch, it has a pretty high chance of ending up in our home! He learned quickly to just accept that lol. I’m a kid at heart and will always be!“
I love how Callie incorporated Stitch into her wedding day: from the t-shirts to the color of her bridesmaids’ dresses— it was perfect!
Gentleman’s Preparations: Woodstone Country Club Wedding Photographer
Ryan shares, “I’m an introvert by nature and I’m lucky enough to have a great group of friends who help bring me out of my shell. I’ve known all those guys since we were kids, and I definitely spent some moments throughout the day reminiscing and thinking how crazy it is that despite our lives moving in separate directions, they were still part of that special day. I’m truly blessed.”
From pool to beer pong, these guys had it all! They were even having some fun on the golf course too– What a fun group!
Rain? Uh-oh– Let’s go!
He adds, “When someone told me it was raining right before the ceremony, I was like ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ That didn’t help with the anticipation that was making me anxious!”
Callie says, “Shoutout to Tiffanie for making it happen outside despite the rain while stalking the weather app for a break long enough for our ceremony to take place. Getting married outside was my top priority. You couldn’t beat the view from our ceremony site either! We really couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to make our day as perfect as possible.”
She continues, “I definitely had nerves too but more so because I don’t like being the center of attention and can be clumsy, so glad that I was able to say my vows and stay standing in my 4 ½ inch heels walking up and down the hill, haha!” Callie laughs, When my dad and I were walking he even said ‘Don’t fall.‘”
A mix of colorful, creative portraiture, traditional shots, and photojournalism!
Callie and Ryan agree, “We feel like we are our true authentic selves when we aren’t trying so we think the candid pictures capture us better, not only when it’s just us but also with our friends and families.”
Romantic Getaway/Sunset Sneak: Highly Recommend…
Callie smiles, “Woodstone Country Club checked all the boxes! From Tiffanie our coordinator, to the outdoor ceremony space, to the grand ballroom, man cave, bridal courtesy room, bridal suite…the list goes on and on. It literally had everything we could’ve wanted and more!“
Ryan says, “The balcony and the view put it over the top!”
Callie adds, “I would definitely recommend taking a few minutes from the reception to get more pictures. We did it a couple of times (for sunset and the end of the night) and from the pictures I’ve seen they may be some of my favorites.”
Polish Wedding Traditions
Callie adds, “I feel like all the pressure was lifted once the ceremony was done, we could just relax and have a great time with our families and friends!”
Ryan shares, “I was so happy that all of our family were able to be there, especially our grandparents!”
She continues, “My Pop-Pop (my mom’s dad) narrated the blessing which was so special and meant a lot to him, my mom, and us. He did it at my sister’s wedding in 2019 as well so it was a full circle moment.”
Callie smiles, “I’m 50% Polish from my mom’s side. The Polish wedding tradition symbolizes the union of the bride and groom, their families, and hopes for the couple’s future.
- The bread symbolizes the hope that the couple will never go hungry.
- The salt: a reminder that life may be difficult at times and they must cope with life’s struggles.
- The wine: hope that the couple will never thirst and wish that they have a life of good health, and good cheer and share the company of many good friends.”
Ready, set, groove! Woodstone Country Club Wedding Photographer
Callie and Ryan share, “We have the best family and friends and they are always up for a good party! We loved that they were having a great time!”
Callie adds, “The reception space was my favorite. I loved the twinkly lights and drapes on the ceiling! What a fun atmosphere!”
Smiles and laughter filled the Woodstone country club reception hall with dancing, suspender shenanigans that had me laying on the floor lol a conga line and even grandma joining in on the fun…
Callie’s Crusaders!!
Callie shares, “Callie’s Crusaders was born in 2005 after I was diagnosed and treated for leiomyosarcoma at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) in November 2004 at 9 years old. Every September CHOP hosts the CHOP Parkway Run and Walk which benefits the oncology division and oncology research at CHOP.”
She continues, “In the 20 years that Callie’s Crusaders has been participating our team alone has raised over $90,000!! Even though I only required surgery to cure my cancer and spent less than 2 weeks hospitalized, I had many years of follow-up testing, doctor appointments, and bloodwork. Each time I went for a check-up I took a different stuffed animal with me, many of which were Stitch. Each time whatever furry friend I brought with me would get a hospital bracelet just like mine and they are still wearing them to this day!”
Callie says, “Raising awareness for pediatric cancer awareness is so important to me not just because of my own experience but also to all of my former, current, and future kiddos as a pediatric oncology nurse. It was so fun that Cole had our team shirt on on our wedding day! I loved it!!! You can’t miss our bright tye-dye t-shirts on the parkway and you couldn’t miss Cole with his on either!”
Reflecting Back
Ryan reflects, “It was such a great day but so exhausting especially because we were at the afterparty until 2 am!”
Callie smiles, “It was all worth it in the end, especially to get those photos under the Woodstone Tree!”
She concludes, “I can see the love Ryan has for me when he looks at me. He still gives me butterflies and I love the life we’re building together and can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.”
BTS: What is Lisa doing in the Bushes, and other logical Questions…
I am incredibly dedicated to my work and willing to do just about anything to get the shot! I know this might look weird to outsiders, but there is a reason for the madness! I’ve actually had a guest come up to me after a wedding and say that it was so nice of me to shoot this for my friend, they could tell it was my first wedding since I didn’t know where to stand lol! I am currently ranked as one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the country, but I didn’t need to tell them that 🙂
1. Ninja-mode: I typically jet around like a little ninja on the wedding day, quickly climbing up and down and from side to side rather than staying in a fixed position. This allows me to get all of the angles able to show what a cool ceremony space Callie & Ryan had at the Woodstone Country Club. Their friends and family are literally surrounding them. It’s so beautiful!
2. Say Cheese: Yes, I do smile when taking photos, I just love my job and couples that much! I also tend to shoot with my pinky out, which my photographer friends make fun of me for, lol, luckily you can’t see that in this photo! Here I am in the bushes because that gives me the best perspective for the first kiss as husband and wife. I know it’s a really important moment and I wanted to get the incredible view of the golf course at Woodstone Country Club, Callie’s wonderful train, and frame them with the bridesmaids and tree.
3. An Eye for Detail: When I saw the color of this water and the color of their eyes, I knew I wanted to get some shots that would really play that up. I knew they needed to get low and my assistant, Kelly, was quick to do the job, I also knew I would need to use the perfect camera setting and lenses as we were losing light, fast!
Congratulations Callie & Ryan!! Thanks so much for inviting me to be your Woodstone Country Club Wedding Photographer and your Jim Thorpe Engagement Photographer! I loved working with you two so much!
Vendors:
- Bakery: Custom Cakes by Adele
- Bridal Salon: All Things Bridal
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
- Dj: Dan Sisson – Dice Productionz
- Flowers: Ross Plants and Flowers
- Hair/Makeup: Vanesa Oliver Beauty
- Officiant: Joe Tocci
- Suits: Tuxedo by Sarno
- Venue: Woodstone Country Club
- Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia
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