From the very first moments of Madi and Brad’s wedding day, it was clear that every detail was crafted with intention and love. The combination of their elegant ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and their tented reception at The Kahkwa Country Club in Erie, Pennsylvania made for an amazing day.  Their wedding day was a true celebration that reflected their personalities perfectly. With playful touches like disco-ball decor and never-ending playlists at their reception, their wedding weekend was nothing short of unforgettable.

Erie PA Wedding Welcome Party on Sassafras Pier

Madi & Brad’s (or Bradi as they call themselves– what a perfect couple name!) welcome party was hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott on the Sassafras Pier overlooking the beautiful Presque Isle Bay. When I arrived, the sun dipped behind the clouds and music played softly in the background as a warm breeze blew in off the Bay. Guests embraced, drinks were passed around, and friends and family toasted the soon-to-be newlyweds.  It was the best way to kick off Bradi’s wedding weekend.

Wedding Morning at The Erie Yacht Club

The next morning, Madi & her bridesmaids relaxed and got ready for the upcoming wedding ceremony in their hotel suite.  Meanwhile, Brad & the guys kicked off the day on a scenic morning sailboat cruise at the Erie Yacht Club. Madi wanted her wedding gallery to feel as unposed and natural as possible. I made it my mission to capture the authentic, unscripted moments as they unfolded around the couple. Capturing the personal details of their pre-wedding morning was a key part of that!

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Erie PA Wedding Ceremony

Madi and Brad’s elegant wedding ceremony took place at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Madi wore a beautiful off-the-shoulder gown with pearl accents in her classic French twist. Her mother escorted her down the aisle where Brad met her with radiating joy. They exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest friends and family in one of the most beautiful churches in the area. In a beautiful twist on tradition, the couple chose to have their first kiss captured with all their loved ones in the background. This moment was as unique as it was heartwarming. After exchanging vows, we headed to the venue for candid bridal portraits and one of the most lively receptions I’ve ever attended!

Playful & Candid Bridal Portraits at The Kahkwa Club

The Kahkwa Club’s expansive grounds offered endless possibilities for capturing Madi and Brad’s love story. Keeping the atmosphere light and fun, we leaned into candid moments with the couple and their wedding party. The goal was to ensure they could fully enjoy their time together while I documented the laughter and joy. Following the bridal portraits, the real party began at their tented wedding reception.

Erie Wedding Reception at the Kahkwa Club

Madi and Brad’s wedding reception was held beneath a beautifully appointed tent on The Kahkwa Club grounds. Madi’s attention to detail shone through in every element. (My personal favorites were the twinkling disco balls and the show-stopping cake by Crumb Cakes Bakery.) As the evening progressed, the celebration continued even after the DJ wrapped up his set. Brad took over with his personal playlist and transformed the tent into a club-like atmosphere. His song choices had everyone on their feet. Calling it a celebration feels a bit like an understatement & theirs is a wedding I won’t soon forget!

Erie, PA Wedding Photographer

Hey there! I’m Jessica, an editorial wedding photographer passionate about capturing lived-in and lifelike moments for refined couples from the East Coast to the Mountain West. I believe in artfully curating your favorite day, ensuring your core memories and most important people are authentically documented. To learn more about my approach and the experiences I offer, please visit my details page. If you’re ready to embark on this journey together, I’d love to connect! Let’s start planning your unforgettable day.

Erie, Pennsylvania Wedding Vendor Team:

Reception Venue: The Kahkwa Club
Florals: Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses
Tent Rentals: South Shore Rental
Cake: Crumb Cakes Bakery
DJ: MSDJs
Hair & Makeup: Ambridge Rose Salon