The Booking House, Cara & Nathanial’s One-of-a-kind Wedding

On October 6th, 2024, I, a Philly wedding photographer, had the pleasure of capturing Cara and Nathanial’s wedding at The Booking House in Manheim, PA. Their wedding was filled with bold colors, music, and unforgettable moments that truly reflected their personalities and love for each other.

The Booking House

Cara and Nathanial chose The Booking House because it offered the perfect mix of style and amenities to match their unique vision for the day. The Atrium, with its stunning natural light, was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. Upstairs, the groomsmen suite, which doubles as a cigar lounge, gave guests a chance to unwind and enjoy cigars during the reception. The venue’s atmosphere, location, and features made it the ideal spot for their wedding.

The Bold and Musical Vibes of the Wedding

The couple’s wedding was bold and lively, just like them. Their love for music and the places they’ve lived was a central theme, especially with the seating chart made from vinyl records of their favorite bands. Each table was assigned a record, which tied in beautifully with their engagement session at a local record store. The wildflower arrangements added a pop of color, making the entire event feel fresh and full of energy.

The wedding was visually stunning, with vibrant wildflowers and bold floral displays throughout. The color palette, full of rich jewel tones, perfectly matched the couple’s fun and colorful personalities. As their photographer, it was a dream to capture these moments, from the bright, airy feel of the Atrium to the lively atmosphere during the reception.

Memorable Moments from a Philly Wedding Photographer

One of the most memorable moments was the dance floor — it was electric. The couple, their friends, and family partied the night away. Then, they pulled off a fun “encore” moment: after a fake exit, the DJ and bridal party led the crowd in chanting “ENCORE!”, and Cara and Nathanial returned in their after-party sweatpants to keep the celebration going.

A special personal touch was Granny’s sweet tea, which was made just for the wedding to honor the bride’s Southern roots. This gesture added warmth and a personal connection to the day, making it even more meaningful.

A Wedding Photographer’s Photography Moments & Styles

To capture the couple in a dramatic light, I used backlighting and flash photography during their cigar photos. This technique highlighted the smoke and added an atmospheric effect. The Atrium’s natural light was used to create bright and clean portraits, perfectly reflecting Cara and Nathanial’s love for simplicity and elegance. The day was captured with a mix of editorial and documentary styles, showcasing both the planned moments and spontaneous ones.

Bride & Groom Attire

Cara looked stunning in her lace V-neck dress, which added a touch of elegance while remaining timeless. Nathanial, on the other hand, stood out in his emerald green custom suit, which added a pop of color and complemented the overall aesthetic of the day.

Ceremony & Reception Highlights

The first look was an emotional moment, with Nathanial’s reaction to seeing Cara for the first time as a bride being one of the highlights of the day. The ceremony itself was intimate and personal, as they alternated speaking their vows, making the moment feel deeply meaningful.

The reception setup was filled with jewel tones and wildflowers, perfectly representing the couple’s love for color and fun. The DJ kept everyone dancing all night, and the energy was contagious.

Cara & Nathanial’s Advice for Future Couples

“Make your day about what you want,” Cara and Nathanial advise. “Plan for what makes you comfortable, and everyone else will understand.” It’s a refreshing reminder to stay true to yourselves while planning your big day.

Couple’s Favorite Photo

While Cara and Nathanial loved every moment captured, their favorite photos were those of just the two of them — the quiet, intimate moments that perfectly reflected their love and connection.

Philly Wedding Photographer

Venue: The Booking House // Catering: TFB Catering // Florist: Honey Bee and Fox Co Florals // DJ: Bring on the Bash // Rentals: Caroline’s Rental // Makeup: Lauren Marie MUA // Hair: Korina Lantz & Caitlyn Borden // Dress: Polish Bridal Lanc // Suits: Central Menswear PA // Cake: The Urban Farmhouse PA // Coordination: Carly Bilindabagabo // Hangers & Flutes: The Morgan Made Wedding Shop