This fairytale wedding unites two teachers in a quintessential field trip town, it doesn’t get much cuter than this– I love being a Gettysburg Wedding Photographer! These two hit all the best locations in town from the Flying Bull Saloon to the Monuments from the Battlefield to the Nerd Herd, they did it all!
Scroll for authentic moments, incredible stories, deep family connections (including a memorial to Brian’s dad), meet Brian’s twin, and more here!
Brian & Amanda’s Fairytale ☺️
“Once upon a time, in the faraway “Outback” of Ledgewood, New Jersey, among an ever-changing landscape and the delightful bustle of busy townsfolk, a bewitching maiden named Amanda and a charming hero named Brian crossed paths. ‘Twas the year of our Lord 2014, and their journey began in the heart of a lively restaurant where they both worked. After several months of courtship, their first attempt at romance ended, merely a brief side-quest in the grand adventure of their lives; however, little did they know, destiny would later have magnificent plans awaiting them in the future.”
“Years passed, and fate brought Amanda and Brian together once more. It was during the cold and gray of March 2022, and this time the stage was a prestigious school where both had become beloved pedagogues. Brian, ever the courageous and gallant gentleman, embarked upon a quest to win Amanda’s heart yet again. Before long, he emerged as the heroic victor in his valiant quest, and finally conquered the fair maiden’s tender heart once and for all.”
“The wheel of the year continued to turn and their love blossomed. In the summer of 2023, Brian swept Amanda away to the Kingdom of Magic in Orlando, Florida. There, amidst the excitement and enchantment, Brian made his ultimate proposal: On the final day of their getaway, the two sealed their fairy tale with a kiss and the promise of forever.”
“And so, Amanda and Brian’s love story, filled with serendipitous meetings, intrepid quests, and magical moments, continues to unfold as they embark on their greatest adventure yet: A lifetime of love and happiness.”
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Amanda shares, “Lisa is not your average wedding photographer, she is an artist; someone who understands the potential for not only documenting life’s important moments but, also, the beautiful opportunity to tell ordinary stories in an extraordinary way. Her photos are absolutely enchanting!”
She continues, “She is organized and professional. The time she spent planning our wedding day timeline and getting to know us was so valuable. Hire Lisa if you want to feel comfortable and empowered. Her personality and process made working with her, as our Gettysburg Wedding Photographer, such a pleasure.”
From Flying Bull to Waldo’s: Downtown Gettysburg
Amanda recalls, “When Brian and I first started talking about getting married, I seriously considered having a courthouse wedding. As a pair of late 30-somethings, having a traditional wedding was a dream I gave up years ago. Brian, however, would not entertain that thought. I remember standing in our kitchen late one night listening to Brian say, ‘You deserve to have a real wedding; we deserve to have a real wedding.’ I replied, “If that is the case, then we were going to plan a wedding that will be worth the time, effort, and all the resources required to create a day to remember.’ Ultimately, all of the essential elements we selected for our weddings were representative of us and what we love.”
She continues, “At first, we looked at venues at home, in New Jersey, but we had a hard time finding a location that met our needs.” Amanda explains, “One night I was on the couch and I started thinking about my favorite places, Gettysburg always being near the top of that list. So, I searched for wedding venues in Gettysburg and soon found the beautiful Hotel Gettysburg. The hotel in the center of downtown Gettysburg was absolutely perfect for us. I adored the idea of getting married in a historic building in a historic town. Hotel Gettysburg was perfect for us: The venue had everything we desired. Once we found our venue, planning a Gettysburg wedding was so natural. I knew exactly what I wanted, and I was enamored with the idea of capturing portraits throughout the beautiful town.”
Daddy’s Little Girl
Amanda smiles, “I believe my dad and I have a soul bond, one that probably extends back lifetimes. Long before Brian, my dad was someone who demonstrated unconditional love to me. He has always been a champion of my happiness and still takes true joy in seeing his children achieve their heart’s desires. Whether he was driving the U-Haul to the next marching band competition, joining me in the front row at a concert, or allowing me to organize the next family vacation, my dad taught me that it is what you do for the joy of others that makes life sweeter.”
She adds, “We had been looking forward to our daddy-daughter dance for a long time. I could not wait for my dad to see me in my wedding dress, a dream come true, something that I know he always wanted for me, too–this was an unforgettable moment. At the reception, we danced to ‘You Raise Me Up,’ a song that emphasizes the influence of a father’s strength, figurative and literal. No matter the challenge, physical or emotional, my dad has not only seen me through the worst life has to offer, but he ensured I endured. I know I would not be the successful person I am today without both of my parents, their sacrifices, and their love.”
Gettysburg Hotel Wedding Ceremony
Amanda says, “AnneMarie, our officiant and dear friend, wrote the entire ceremony. Even our vendors knew she was the woman in charge as soon as she arrived! The only guidance I gave her was, ‘Give me some literary references and a little Disney magic, and I’ll be happy.’ The rest, I left up to her. Of course, she nailed it.”
She continues, “Lisa got a picture of me close to tears as AnneMarie quoted Anne Bradstreet, a peerless Puritan poetess, whose legacy includes unquenched love and desire for her husband. Absolutely radical love. The whole ceremony was perfect and beautiful. We cannot thank AnneMarie enough for helping us, literally, tie the knot, haha!”
Heartfelt Symbolism: Downtown Gettysburg Wedding Photographer
We explored some of the best downtown Gettysburg Wedding photography locations: Waldos, The Flying Bull, Nerd Herd, PA Monument, Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station, The Pub, and The Majestic Theater.
Amanda shares, “Gettysburg is one of my favorite places on Earth. I was bitten by the ‘history bug’ when I was 12. I was in the 7th grade when we started learning about the Civil War. It was the photography in the textbook that got me; I was hooked. After that, I’d wake up early to watch documentaries on the History Channel before school, and I’ve never looked back. All of this to say, my love of Gettysburg isn’t random. I wrote a speech for our guests–a wonderful bunch of saucy and proud New Jerseyans–explaining why we asked everyone to drive to central PA for our wedding.”
“Of course, Gettysburg, the sight of a horrific Civil War battle, seems counterintuitive for a wedding destination; however, what I love most about Gettysburg and its history are the people who have endured here. After the battle in July 1863, the civilians and community of Gettysburg remained with the devastation left behind by war. Together they labored, cleansed, healed, and rebuilt their beloved home. And, while most of us here today have never known the horrors of war, we have all endured struggles and challenges of life. My own story has been filled with heartbreak and pain but, like the people of Gettysburg, I am resilient. I have labored, cleansed, healed, and rebuilt my life over and over, just like this wonderful town.
Also like this sequestered land, the fact that we both continue to thrive today is not without credit to our communities, friends, family, and loved ones. It is the people here today who have shaped me, tended to my wounds, and put me back on my feet time and time again.”
She smiles, “I think that captures my love of the town. Besides Cinderella’s castle in Disney World, there was just no better place for me to share this moment, our wedding, with our family and friends. It was a dream come true running around town, visiting places like Waldo’s and the Nerd Herd all dressed up with our wedding party.”
All the “Congratulations” from Passers By!
Amanda recalls, “This was so FUN! The people in town that day made me feel famous!”
Focusing on Family: Gettysburg Family Portrait Photographer
Amanda shares, “We really wanted to highlight the people we love more than anything else at our wedding. Architecture and decor can be attractive, elaborate, opulent, and a spectacle even; however, all that is not what made us who we are today. Rather, the people we love helped shape us into the perfect wife and the perfect husband for each other. When planning our wedding we prioritized photography to capture the love and stories between all of us. My parents, my son, my best friend of 20 years, Brain’s grandma…. All of these people who mean the world to us. We knew we wanted Lisa as our Gettysburg Wedding Photographer to be the one to preserve these memories.”
Brian adds, “It meant so much to have my three best friends by my side. Together, my groomsmen and I share nearly half a century of friendship. Victor, Rajon, and Steve have been like brothers to me since day one, and I couldn’t imagine this day without them. I am beyond thankful that they were there to celebrate and support Amanda and me on such a special day.”
Remembering Dad
Brian shares, “Losing my dad less than two months before our wedding was absolutely gut-wrenching. I wanted him there so badly—we weren’t prepared to say goodbye. He was my hero. He raised my brother and me as a single father, and he was the best. I don’t even know how to put it into words… I miss him every single day.”
He continues, “At the wedding, we did everything we could to make sure he was still a part of it. My sister carried his picture down the aisle, and my niece held his boutonniere, placing it next to my Gramma for the ceremony. Annemarie masterfully wove words of remembrance into the ceremony that felt just right. We saved his seat at the family table, and I put together a small photo album for friends and family to look through, hoping it would bring back good memories of him.”
Brian says, “Losing my dad made me realize just how important it is to cherish every moment with family. While I was saddened that my sister arrived too late to join us for photos, I am grateful for the time I had with my Gramma, my brother Kevin, and my niece and nephew, Malia and Grayson. Taking pictures with them was a moment I will always treasure. I miss him all the time, but I know—without a doubt—that he was with us on our wedding day.”
True Love: Classroom Connection 🥹
Brian recalls, “I’ve had the privilege of falling for Amanda over and over again. But if I had to pick the moment that set us on this path more than ten years ago, it would be when we first met. She was the new girl at the restaurant where I was the head waiter, and I immediately thought she was really cute. (I’d describe her differently, but I’ll keep it PG for the blog… is ‘total smoke show’ acceptable?). I spent the whole shift debating whether to ask her to join the crew for after-shift drinks across the street. My friend finally told me to just go for it. So, as she was leaving, I tried to smoothly ask her to come out with us. Before I could even finish, she grabbed my phone and said, ‘Yes, but you’re gonna need my number first.’ She typed it in and added a 🙂 at the end—exactly how it has stayed to this day… with just one small change to the last name.”
He shares, “Amanda and I have known each other for a long time—since 2014. What made me realize she was the one was the way we kept crossing paths. It was like the universe wasn’t going to let us drift apart. At least once a year, we’d run into each other, and every time, there were sparks. But for one reason or another, it was always the ‘wrong time.’ Yet somehow, that never seemed to matter. Then, one last time, fate stepped in—Amanda started working at the same school as me. I’ll never forget the moment that sealed it for me. I walked into her classroom and saw her sitting behind her desk, completely lost in her book as her students read independently. She was so engrossed that I managed to sneak all the way across her classroom without her noticing. Her students saw me, and I signaled for them to stay quiet. When I finally revealed myself, she yelped in surprise, and the whole room burst into laughter. It was funny in the moment, but what truly hooked me was later that night—when she reached out to me. From that moment on, the ‘wrong time’ didn’t matter anymore. The universe brought us together again, and this time, we weren’t letting go.”
True Love: Her Hero
Amanda shares, “When I’m with Brian I feel completely safe, loved, and supported. No one else can make me laugh like him. Something I love most about Brian is his storytelling and his sense of humor. In true Irish tradition, Brian weaves wonderful stories: Obviously, as an English teacher, this is a core value of mine. I truly believe in the importance of the arts and storytelling, specifically. Brian shines bright when he has an audience, even if that audience is just me. There’s no doubt I first fell in love with his charisma and charm, and the fact that Brian embodies the essence of great storytelling is just one of many facets of his personality that make him the perfect husband for me!”
She continues, “I often joke with Brian about his ‘hero complex’ but, what I have come to realize is that Brian doesn’t just ‘save the day.’ Brian often sacrifices his desires and inclinations for the well being of others. He consistently inspires me to be a better human by his example. Brian brings so much joy and comfort into my life, often putting his needs second to everything else. As someone with a lot of anxiety, I knew Brian was the one because he helped me experience and know the safety of a secure relationship and unconditional love. Brian’s love afforded me the gift of a life absent of fear; and now, if ever fear is present, Brian is always by my side to quell the pangs of the unknown. The gratitude I have for his soul is profound. I am incredibly blessed to be his wife.”
Wormwood Fences: Gettysburg Battlefield Wedding Photographer
Amanda says, “Worm. Wood. Fences. I am in love with them, and I know I’m not the only one! A popular subject of Gettysburg photography, I cannot wait to see our fenceline pictures. Fellow Gettysburg friends know, with these pictures in hand, ‘Fenceline Friday’ is about to get even more lovely. I couldn’t get enough of the battlefield at sunset, I wish I could go back and experience it with Brian again!”
Meet Noah
Amanda smiles, “My son! My son! Since day one, there is no one I have loved more, or more completely. We are so proud of the person Noah is today: His curiosity, excited personality, sense of humor, and love of adorable animals are so precious to me. Having him as a focal point for these pictures was a priority for me. As a single mom eight years ago, an elaborate newborn photoshoot was not financially possible. Working with Lisa as our Gettysburg Wedding Photographer finally made professional portraits an option for us. I will treasure these pictures of Noah forever.”
Gettysburg Wedding Reception
Amanda exclaims, “Kenny I and NGXB were professionals we knew we had to have at our wedding! We met both at a friend’s wedding the year prior in Atlantic City. Brian and I wanted a fun wedding and we were confident these two would make our event extra special. We are so thankful to both of these incredible people who shared their talent with us!”
She continues, “I was so excited when NGXB played the Pokemon theme on piano– he just brought the perfect energy to our cocktail hour. Before that, Kenny played ‘The Shire/’ ‘Concerning Hobbits’ on violin as I walked down the aisle: I’ll never forget talking to him about it over the phone, I told Kenny I wanted this song from The Fellowship of the Ring because the Shire–this beautiful rural, peaceful land– is home for the hobbits, and Brian–with his attributes too numerous to name–is my home. I cannot express enough how these wonderful musicians added so much happiness to our wedding.”
Gettysburg Hotel Photographer: Fairytale First Dance
Amanda says, “We danced to ‘Glory of Love‘ by Peter Cetera. A romantic power ballad straight out of the 1980s, although I had never even heard of this song until I met Brian! I love how the lyrics play into Romantic archetypes like castles and knights in shining armor–Brian has been my hero for a long time and the more I thought about it, the more I could no longer deny how ‘Glory of Love‘ perfectly suited us.”
Gettysburg Hotel Wedding Reception
Amanda says, “I loved experiencing the entertainment with our guests. I can picture us hiring Kenny, our DJ, in the future. My dream is to host a Victorian yuletide celebration in the style of the Fezziwig Ball from A Christmas Carol. I would just love to dress up and dance with our friends and family again! Our reception was all too short!”
Um, yaaas! Please do this! I can photograph it! I go to NJ all the time for photography gigs :).
End of the Night: Gettysburg Wedding Photographer
Amanda concludes, “Looking back on our wedding day, there were so many wonderful moments: For 48 hours, I kept thinking how incredible it was to be surrounded by all these people who I love so much, all these amazing people in the same place, at the same time. As someone who is notorious for being introverted, I have never experienced anything like our wedding; I never had a huge party or formal celebration, and my heart and mind could barely process everything, I just remember being overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. These people have loved me through it all, and sharing my wedding day with them was so important to me.”
Gettysburg Wedding Photographer:
Vendors:
- Venue: Hotel Gettysburg
- Dress: Whitehouse Bride
- Hair/Makeup: MKUP Beauty Studio
- Flowers: The Flower Shop
- DJ/Soloist: Kenny I Entertainment
- Soloist: NGXB
Hungry for More?
Contact Me!
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!