Marielle & Zach’s Wedding Celebration at Bally Spring Inn
Story matters.
The places you choose matter, too.
Marielle and Zach's wedding at Bally Spring Inn was a celebration of exactly that kind of love—the kind that starts in sixth grade homeroom, deepens through real-life adventures, and becomes a legacy you’ll carry for decades. We had the privilege of documenting their March 23, 2024 wedding day, and as their anniversary approaches, we’re looking back at the details that made their story feel so unmistakably them—a tucked-away treehouse moment, portraits by the waterfall, and an unforgettable vintage mint-green car getaway that felt cinematic yet completely authentic.
a love that started young
Not every couple can say they've known each other since middle school, but Marielle and Zach can.
They met in sixth grade homeroom, back when life was all about passing notes and figuring out who you'd sit with at lunch. What started as a childhood friendship eventually blossomed into something deeper, something worth building a life around. There's something incredibly special about watching two people who've grown up together choose each other again and again, through every season, every change, every new chapter.
By the time Zach planned his proposal, he and Marielle had already shared countless adventures together. They're the kind of couple who jumps out of planes for fun, literally. They've gone skydiving together, proving that when you find your person, you're ready to take the leap in more ways than one.
the proposal: an icy adventure
Zach chose a winter day at his parents' lake house to ask the most important question of his life.
He planned a hike to a waterfall, romantic in theory, slightly treacherous in practice. The trail was icy, the air was cold, and yet there was something perfect about it. Because that's who they are together. Adventurous enough to hike through winter weather, brave enough to face whatever comes their way, and certain enough in their love to know that every challenging path is worth it when you're walking it together.
And when they reached that waterfall, with the sound of rushing water and the cold air biting at their faces, Zach got down on one knee and asked Marielle to marry him.
She said yes.
bringing their story to bally spring inn
Arriving at Bally Spring Inn on March 23, 2024 felt like stepping into a setting that already understood them.
This wasn’t just another wedding—it was a celebration of two people who’d chosen each other long before they ever said “i do.” The venue is tucked into the rolling countryside of Barto, Pennsylvania, offering nearly 60 acres of farmland, stone architecture, and that timeless Pennsylvania charm that makes every photograph feel like an heirloom.
Yet what made this day feel especially story-driven were the spaces that invited them to be themselves: the hidden-away treehouse where they could breathe, laugh, and hold each other without an audience, the waterfall that echoed their proposal adventure, and the vintage mint-green car that turned their exit into a true “final scene.” Intentional, authentic, and so unmistakably Marielle + Zach.
the details that mattered
Marielle and Zach are huge Philadelphia sports fans, Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and while their wedding day was elegant and timeless, their personalities shone through in the details.
We captured the quiet moments before the ceremony. Marielle getting ready, surrounded by her bridesmaids in sage green dresses that complemented the natural beauty of the venue. The rings resting on a bed of blush roses, delicate and beautiful, symbols of the commitment they were about to make. The way Zach straightened his light-colored suit and took a deep breath before seeing his bride for the first time.
These are the moments that matter, the ones that slip by so quickly but deserve to be remembered forever.
a ceremony filled with emotion
The outdoor ceremony space at Bally Spring Inn is nothing short of breathtaking.
With rolling green hills as the backdrop and an arbor decorated with fresh flowers and greenery, Marielle walked down the aisle escorted by both her parents. Her father and mother, dressed in their finest, beamed with pride as they walked their daughter toward her future. The joy on Marielle's face was unmistakable, this was the moment she'd been waiting for.
Zach stood waiting with his groomsmen, his expression a mix of excitement and emotion. When their eyes met, you could see the weight of their entire story reflected back, all those years of friendship, all those adventures, all those moments that led them to this one.
They exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends, promising to continue choosing each other through every season ahead. And when they sealed their promises with a kiss, the celebration truly began.
portraits in paradise
Stepping away after the ceremony gave Marielle and Zach space to feel the day—without rushing, without performing, without losing the thread of their story.
Bally Spring Inn gives you so much variety, yet it never feels like you’re hopping from “spot to spot.” It feels like moving through chapters. We started with that treehouse tucked into the property—quiet, elevated, a little whimsical—and it instantly softened everything. Being wrapped in wood tones and late-March light, hearing their laughter carry across the deck, watching them settle into each other. Those are the portraits that age well, because they’re rooted in who you are.
Then we made our way to the waterfall—rushing water, stone textures, and that feeling of being in your own world even when the day is moving fast. For a couple whose proposal involved a waterfall hike, it felt like the sweetest kind of echo—full circle, yet brand new.
And then came the getaway.
Their vintage mint-green car was the kind of detail that doesn’t just look amazing—it does something to the story. It gave them a playful pause, a private moment, a movie-ending escape that still felt honest. Windows down, hands intertwined, grins that said, “we really did it.”
We finished with golden light in the open field—quiet, warm, enduring. The kind of sunset that reminds you these images will outlive the day and keep telling the truth for decades.
a reception full of joy
The reception at Bally Spring Inn was everything a wedding celebration should be, warm, joyful, and filled with love.
Marielle and Zach sat at their sweetheart table in front of a stone fireplace, decorated with flowers and draped fabric. A large engagement photo of the couple sat in the foreground, a reminder of how far they'd come. The "Mr & Mrs" sign sat proudly on their table, flanked by vibrant florals that added pops of color to the rustic elegance of the space.
Their first dance was a moment we'll never forget. The room fell quiet as they swayed together, surrounded by their loved ones, their story playing out in every step. The way he looked at her. The way she rested her head on his shoulder. These are the images that will hang on their walls decades from now, the ones their children and grandchildren will page through with wonder.
The evening continued with toasts that made everyone laugh and cry, a cake cutting that involved more frosting on faces than on plates, and dancing that lasted well into the night. Philadelphia sports references made their way into speeches, because of course they did. This was Marielle and Zach's day, and every detail reflected who they are together.
the birds of a feather perspective
We believe that wedding photography is about more than just beautiful images, it's about preserving legacy.
For fifteen years, our family-led team has been documenting love stories across the Lehigh Valley and beyond. We approach every wedding day with reverence, treating your story as the sacred trust that it is. We're not just there to take photos, we're there to witness, to honor, and to preserve the moments that will matter most when decades have passed.
Marielle and Zach's wedding was a perfect example of what we love most about this work. They trusted us to capture their story authentically, not with stiff poses or forced moments, but with genuine emotion and real connection. We documented their day the way it unfolded naturally, creating a collection of images that feel timeless yet utterly true to who they are.
Our calm presence allows couples to actually experience their wedding day rather than perform it. We're unobtrusive yet attentive, always watching for the moments that reveal the heart of your story. And when you look back at your wedding gallery years from now, we want you to remember not just what your day looked like, but how it felt.
That's the legacy we're committed to creating, for Marielle and Zach, and for every couple we have the honor of serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bally Spring Inn a good venue for outdoor ceremonies?
Absolutely. Bally Spring Inn offers stunning outdoor ceremony spaces with rolling hills, lush gardens, and beautiful natural backdrops. The venue's nearly 60 acres provide plenty of options for both ceremonies and portraits, and the stone waterfall feature is particularly gorgeous for photos.
Does Bally Spring Inn have a waterfall photo spot on-site?
Yes—Bally Spring Inn’s stone waterfall feature is one of the most iconic portrait locations on the property. It photographs beautifully in soft light, adds movement and texture, and gives you that “tucked away in nature” feeling without leaving the venue.
Is there a private, tucked-away spot for portraits (like a treehouse)?
There is, and it’s such a hidden gem. The treehouse area creates a more intimate, storybook vibe—perfect for couples who want a quiet pocket of time together and portraits that feel effortless, playful, and real.
Can we incorporate a vintage car getaway at Bally Spring Inn?
Yes—and it’s one of our favorite ways to end the story. The property gives you space to pull up a vintage car for portraits and a send-off, and it instantly adds personality and a cinematic finish to your gallery.
Does Bally Spring Inn have indoor backup options for weather?
Yes. While the outdoor spaces are breathtaking, Bally Spring Inn has beautiful indoor reception spaces that work perfectly for ceremonies if weather doesn't cooperate. The stone fireplaces and rustic elegance of the indoor areas photograph beautifully.
If you are newly engaged in the Lehigh Valley and are looking for vendors that you can trust, we would be honored to work with you! Our family team can only take on a limited number of weddings each year and we would love for yours to be one of them. Please reach out to me, Tassia: at Hello@birdsofafeatherphotography.com or visit our website at www.birdsofafeatherphotography.com.
