The bride and groom embrace on a wooden bridge surrounded by tall grasses and lush trees. She smiles up at him, hands resting on his shoulders, while he gazes lovingly back — a quiet, romantic moment after their wedding ceremony.
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Domenica & Zach: A Joyful Wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge

Filed in Wedding Days — November 5, 2025

The groom leans in to kiss the bride on the cheek as she smiles softly, standing together in front of the gazebo adorned with white florals. Her bouquet of roses and baby’s breath complements the gentle romance of their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.

It was such a treat to capture Domenica and Zach’s wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge, a stunning venue located on a golf course just under an hour from Lancaster. It offered the perfect blend of rustic warmth and refined elegance for Domenica and Zach’s wedding day. Set against the rolling hills of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the venue’s outdoor gazebo and sweeping golf course views created a peaceful and romantic backdrop for every moment. This day felt especially meaningful to capture — not only because it overflowed with joy, but because The Lodge at Liberty Forge will soon be closing its doors. I’m so thankful I had the chance to photograph one of its final celebrations before it transitions into a new chapter.

If you’re planning your own Central PA wedding and looking for photography that captures both the energy and emotion of your day, I’d love to help you bring that vision to life.

Let’s start planning your story

A decorative bookshelf display at a Lancaster wedding, styled with vintage books, moss, and framed artwork beneath a dark wall that reads in white script, “Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite.” A calendar block shows September 27, and antique touches like a brass clock and green glass sconces complete the romantic literary theme.
A styled flat-lay vignette from a Lancaster wedding featuring the couple’s stationery suite, a black envelope, a gold-rimmed clock, wedding rings displayed in a vintage tray, and a September 27 date block. Green moss weaves through the setup, uniting the elegant woodland aesthetic of the day.

A close-up of a long-sleeved lace wedding gown hanging from a white hanger inside a rustic barn venue in Lancaster. The soft twinkle of string lights and chandeliers in the background gives the image a dreamy, romantic glow, emphasizing the gown’s floral appliqué details and ethereal tulle layers.

Getting Ready at The Lodge at Liberty Forge

The morning began with laughter, nerves, and an air of anticipation. Domenica got ready alongside her bridesmaids in matching satin pajamas, sipping champagne and sharing stories before stepping into her breathtaking lace gown. Her mom helped with the final button details, the room filling with emotion as everyone took in how stunning she looked. Meanwhile, Zach prepared with his groomsmen — tying ties, laughing over inside jokes, and taking a quiet moment to steady his nerves. The soft natural light pouring through the lodge’s windows made every detail glow, setting the tone for the heartfelt day ahead.

A black and white candid photo of the bride and her bridesmaids celebrating together before the ceremony. The group, dressed in matching satin pajamas, bursts into laughter as the bride, holding a bottle of champagne, stands in fluffy slippers at the center of the lively scene—capturing pure joy during the getting-ready moments of a Lancaster wedding.
The bride stands in front of a large ornate mirror, admiring her reflection as her mother adjusts her gown. The lace sleeves, sweeping train, and off-the-shoulder neckline shimmer softly in the warm indoor light, creating a timeless and emotional moment before the Lancaster wedding ceremony begins.

A tender moment of the bride’s mother fastening the buttons on the back of her daughter’s intricate lace wedding dress. Both women are smiling, their faces lit with excitement and love, encapsulating the heartfelt anticipation of a Lancaster wedding morning.

A First Touch & Private Vows Before the Ceremony

Domenica and Zach chose to share a “first touch” — standing back-to-back around a wooden beam, hands intertwined, before their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge. They exchanged private vows, their voices low and trembling with emotion. It was one of the most intimate moments of the entire day — just the two of them, present and connected, pausing before stepping into marriage. The sunlight filtering through the nearby windows seemed to wrap them in warmth, a quiet, sacred prelude to their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.

The bride and groom stand back-to-back on either side of a wooden beam, each holding their vow books, sharing a private pre-ceremony moment without seeing one another. Soft light from tall windows illuminates them, creating an emotional and intimate pause in their Lancaster wedding day.

A close-up of the groom’s hands resting over a small beige vow book. He wears a deep green suit, white shirt, and a gold Versace watch, with subtle nervous energy as he prepares for his Lancaster wedding ceremony.
The bride holds her ivory vow book embossed with gold script reading “Hers.” Her hand, adorned with an elegant engagement ring, rests against the detailed floral lace of her gown—an intimate detail capturing bridal elegance and anticipation at this Lancaster wedding.

A Romantic Ceremony at The Lodge at Liberty Forge

The couple exchanged vows beneath the venue’s signature white gazebo surrounded by greenery and delicate florals in soft neutrals. Domenica wore a lace off-the-shoulder gown that caught the light beautifully, her cathedral veil trailing along the stone path. Guests smiled through happy tears as she walked toward Zach, who couldn’t stop grinning the moment he saw her. Their ceremony was heartfelt and intentional — from a touching family blessing to their emotional exchange of rings — creating an unforgettable start to their marriage.

The groom, dressed in a deep green suit and ivory tie, stands at the altar surrounded by his groomsmen. His expression shows emotion and anticipation as he watches his bride approach, capturing the heartfelt moment of a Lancaster wedding ceremony.
The bride, radiant in an off-the-shoulder lace gown, smiles joyfully while walking down the aisle at her wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge. She carries a bouquet of white roses and baby’s breath, surrounded by guests whose faces are filled with admiration and excitement.

The bride and groom stand hand in hand before the officiant beneath the floral-covered gazebo, exchanging vows during their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge. Her long veil trails down the stone aisle, framed by white petals and seated guests witnessing the moment.

A wide shot captures the ceremony setting at The Lodge at Liberty Forge, where the bride walks toward her groom beneath a white gazebo adorned with cascading white flowers and greenery. Bridesmaids in champagne dresses stand to the side holding bouquets of baby’s breath, while groomsmen in deep green suits watch the moment unfold.
A touching scene at The Lodge at Liberty Forge wedding shows both sets of parents joining the couple at the altar for a blessing. The bride’s mother, in navy satin, adjusts her daughter’s gown while the groom embraces his mother, who wears a burnt orange lace dress.
A close-up captures the groom gently placing the wedding ring on his bride’s finger, his gold watch glinting as the officiant stands behind them reading vows. The intricate floral lace of her sleeve and the tender moment emphasize the intimacy of their ceremony at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.

The groom dips the bride into a joyful kiss in front of the white gazebo at The Lodge at Liberty Forge. Her veil flows dramatically across the stone path, surrounded by scattered white petals—a perfect romantic portrait to conclude their ceremony.

Quiet Moments and Portraits Around the Grounds

After the ceremony, Domenica and Zach took a stroll around the grounds, soaking in the moment as newlyweds. The two shared quiet laughter on the bridge surrounded by tall grasses and late-summer foliage, a peaceful pause before heading into the reception. The scenery around The Lodge at Liberty Forge provided a timeless backdrop — from the manicured paths to the elegant gazebo, every space radiated romance and warmth.

The bride stands alone before the gazebo, her lace gown and cathedral-length veil trailing behind her across the pathway. The greenery and white rose florals surrounding the gazebo create a serene, elegant backdrop for this wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.
Beneath the bride’s flowing veil, the couple shares an intimate kiss, their foreheads touching tenderly. The soft light filters through the sheer fabric, creating a dreamy, timeless moment from their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.

A close-up detail shot shows the couple’s hands resting together over the bride’s lace gown. Her engagement ring sparkles beside his gold watch, with her bouquet of white roses visible to the side—symbolizing unity and love during their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.

A Grand Entrance & First Dance to Remember

The reception kicked off with excitement as the couple was introduced for the first time as husband and wife, walking into cheers beneath the softly draped tent. Their first dance was full of laughter and closeness — a beautiful balance of sweet and spontaneous. Guests waved napkins, clapped, and cheered as the newlyweds twirled across the dance floor, surrounded by the golden glow of string lights. It was the perfect start to a night that only grew more energetic and joy-filled.

The wedding party erupts into cheers during the couple’s grand entrance, holding up a lighted marquee sign reading “Now Introducing the New Mr. & Mrs. Chapman.” The atmosphere is electric as guests clap and dance beneath the draped white tent ceiling.
Laughter fills the room as the bride and groom share a playful toast, chugging drinks side by side while their friends cheer and raise their glasses around them. The bridal party in champagne gowns and dark suits adds to the festive energy on the dance floor.

The couple shares their first dance beneath a glowing white canopy, surrounded by friends and family seated in golden chairs. Dollar bills scattered on the dance floor glimmer under the lights as they sway closely together, lost in the moment.
The bride and groom exchange joyful smiles during the reception, framed by warm ambient lighting and guests dancing in the background. Their love and connection radiate as they hold each other close, still glowing from the ceremony.

Personal Touches and Sweet Details at This Wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge

From their unique cookie-layered cake adorned with white roses to the chic black-and-gold signage that announced them as “The Chapmans,” every detail felt thoughtfully chosen. The décor balanced modern fun with classic romance — champagne-toned bridesmaid dresses, simple white florals, and plenty of laughter throughout the evening. As the night wound down, the couple shared a quiet kiss beneath the draped canopy, a perfect ending to their joyful celebration.

A rustic naked-style wedding cake, layered with icing and topped with white roses and baby’s breath, sits beside a marquee sign reading “Just Married.” The simple yet charming dessert table captures the couple’s relaxed, joyful wedding style.
A flat-lay arrangement of wedding details captures the night’s elegance — white heels, photo booth strips, menus sealed with gold wax, and champagne flutes rest across a table. The names “Domenica” and “Zach” appear on personalized place cards beside a “Reserved” sign in calligraphy.

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake together, both smiling as they carefully slice into the dessert. The glow from nearby string lights reflects off the bride’s lace sleeves, creating a warm, intimate ambiance.

An Unforgettable Dance Floor

While both Domenica and Zach are naturally quiet, their reception told a different story. Once the music started, Domenica was unstoppable — laughing, dancing, and leading the celebration with pure joy. Her brother even told me he had never seen her dance before that night. That energy set the tone for the entire evening. Guests cheered, drinks clinked, and the tented space glowed with excitement as the couple shared their first dance and celebrated with family and friends. Capturing those moments — the laughter, the movement, the genuine happiness — was easily the highlight of my day.

The groom twirls the bride on the dance floor under violet uplighting as guests dance and laugh around them. Her gown flares gracefully with every movement, capturing the perfect blend of elegance and celebration.
Two bridesmaids in satin champagne dresses dance joyfully on the checkered floor, their laughter filling the air. The folds of their gowns shimmer under the reception lighting as guests celebrate around them.

The bride laughs joyfully while holding a professional video camera on the dance floor, surrounded by guests cheering and smiling under the glow of reception lights. This fun and candid moment perfectly captures the energy of their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.
The groom grins at the camera wearing custom sunglasses marked with “D+Z” and “9.27.25.” Guests dance behind him beneath a white draped tent, embodying the lively spirit of their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.

Well Wishes

Domenica and Zach, your wedding was a true reflection of who you are — thoughtful, full of love, and deeply connected to the people who matter most. Photographing your day was an absolute joy, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to document one of the final celebrations at The Lodge at Liberty Forge, and even more grateful it was your’s. Wishing you both a lifetime of laughter, love, and spontaneous dance-floor moments that surprise everyone around you.

The couple shares a soft kiss beside gold chairs and flowing white drapery, the warm light from inside the venue illuminating their faces. It’s a quiet, heartfelt pause amid the celebration of their wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge.

Central Pennsylvania offers so many beautiful spaces to say “I do” — from rolling countryside venues to intimate garden celebrations. If you’re searching for a Central PA Photographer who will document the joy and in-between moments that unfolds naturally, reach out here to connect about your wedding day

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