Kelly & Alex Wedding at Slatedale Fire Department | Lehigh Valley Wedding Photographer
We photograph weddings like legacy matters—because it does.
Kelly and Alex’s day at the Slatedale Fire Department was relaxed, personal, and full of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments you’ll want to remember forever.
They’re the kind of couple who feels grounded yet adventurous—equal parts service-minded, travel-loving, and totally themselves.
when a bonfire becomes the beginning
They met at Frostburg State at a college frat bonfire—one of those nights that starts out casual and ends up changing everything.
Alex was walking a roommate’s dog (iconic), and Kelly was there with friends. No pressure, no big setup—just an easy conversation that turned into something real.
From there, they built a life that looks like them: traveling when they can, chasing new hobbies, volunteering, and cooking the kind of complex meals that somehow require three timers, two sauces, and a little bit of chaos.
And yep—real-life grown-ups, too. Kelly is an accountant, and Alex is an engineering geologist, which feels exactly as steady and capable as they are together.
a proposal worth writing about, literally
When it came time to propose, Alex made it perfectly them—a fossil-hunting road trip in New York at Penn Dixie Fossil Park.
He proposed right on the trail, in the middle of all that fresh air and excitement—and because their story is that good, it made it into two newspapers.
celebrating at the heart of community
The Slatedale Fire Department might not be the first venue that comes to mind when you think "wedding location," but for Kelly and Alex, it was perfect. This wasn't about checking boxes or following trends. It was about celebrating in a space that represents service, community, and the kind of unpretentious warmth that defines who they are.
The intimacy of their celebration allowed us to focus on what matters most, the quiet moments between vows, the way Kelly looked at Alex when she thought no one was watching, the laughter that filled the room during toasts. We documented their day not as a collection of staged poses, but as the authentic unfolding of two lives becoming one.
The fire truck photos weren't just fun additions to their gallery. They were a celebration of personality, of joy, of the willingness to be playful even in the midst of something deeply meaningful. Both Kelly and Alex donned firefighter helmets, and the images we captured tell a story of two people who don't take themselves too seriously, yet take their commitment to each other with profound reverence.
the art of the telephoto lens
We talk often about our love for the telephoto lens, and Kelly and Alex's wedding showcased exactly why. The compression, the way backgrounds soften into dreamy bokeh, the ability to capture genuine emotion from a distance without intrusion, this is where magic lives.
While wide-angle shots have their place in telling the full story of a venue, it's the telephoto images that capture hearts. The way Alex's hand found Kelly's during a quiet moment by the creek. The soft focus on wildflowers while the couple embraced in the rain. These are the images that will matter in thirty years, when Kelly and Alex are paging through their album with grandchildren.
We stayed unobtrusive throughout their day, allowing moments to unfold naturally. Our family team moves with a calm presence that lets couples forget we're there, until they see their gallery and remember every feeling, every sensation, every moment of joy they experienced.
when nature writes the narrative
The Pennsylvania countryside provided a stunning backdrop for Kelly and Alex's portraits. From lush green fields to wooded paths, from a gentle creek to a meadow dotted with wildflowers, each location offered something different, something beautiful, something timeless.
We chased golden hour light through tall grasses. We embraced an unexpected rain shower that added softness and romance to their meadow portraits. We let the natural world do what it does best: create beauty without trying.
This is what happens when you trust your photographer to see possibility in every moment. When you're willing to step into a field even though rain is falling. When you believe that the best images come from being present rather than performing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Slatedale Fire Department available as a wedding venue?
Many local fire departments in the Lehigh Valley area offer their halls for private events and celebrations. Spaces like the Slatedale Fire Department provide an intimate, community-centered atmosphere perfect for couples who want warmth and authenticity over traditional ballroom elegance. We recommend reaching out directly to inquire about availability and amenities.
What makes a fire department wedding unique?
Fire department venues offer character, history, and often surprising versatility. They typically feature community charm, reasonable pricing, and the opportunity to incorporate unique elements, like fire truck photos, that add personality to your day. These spaces work beautifully for couples who value substance over flash.
How do you photograph in unconventional venue spaces?
Our fifteen years of experience means we've photographed in every type of venue imaginable. We look for light, connection, and authentic moments regardless of the setting. Unconventional spaces often provide the most memorable images because they reflect who you truly are rather than what's expected.
What should couples know about planning a Pennsylvania wedding photographer?
As a Lehigh Valley wedding photographer, we understand the rhythm and character of local venues, from rustic barns to community halls to countryside estates. We know how Pennsylvania light moves throughout the day, which locations offer the best natural backdrops, and how to make the most of our beautiful region's seasonal changes.
Do you travel to venues throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos?
Absolutely. We serve couples throughout the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, and surrounding Pennsylvania areas. If you’re looking for a Poconos Wedding Photographer, we’ll help you plan a photo timeline that fits the light, the landscape, and the pace of your day—so your story feels effortless and true. Each venue offers something unique, and we love discovering new spaces alongside our couples while also returning to favorite locations that have become part of our family's story over the years.
The Birds Of A Feather Perspective
We believe wedding photos matter—because your story deserves to be held onto.
We've been documenting love stories in the Lehigh Valley for over fifteen years now. Our family-led team brings not just technical skill, but a calm, grounded presence that allows your day to unfold exactly as it should—easy, honest, emotionally rich. And for couples looking for a Poconos wedding photographer who can hold space for the real stuff while still creating timeless, cinematic art, that balance is our heartbeat.
What we loved most about Kelly & Alex’s celebration at the Slatedale Fire Department was how personal it felt from start to finish. The fire truck wasn’t a “prop”—it was a piece of their story, a nod to service, community, and the kind of playful joy that shows up when you’re fully yourselves. Photographing them in front of it felt like documenting legacy in real time—bold, rooted, unmistakably them.
And then—stepping out into the Lehigh Valley landscape. That soft countryside light, the greens that stretch forever, the quiet little pockets by the creek that invite you to slow down. Those are the places where we can create the kind of telephoto-driven images we’re known for—intimate, unobtrusive, full of feeling—so decades from now you can look back and remember not just what it looked like, but what it sounded like, what it held, what it meant.
Kelly and Alex's wedding reminded us why we're so selective about the weddings we accept each year. It's not about the size of your guest list or the grandness of your venue. It's about couples who value what endures—real connection, genuine emotion, imagery that will mean even more thirty years from now than it does today.
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.
