I awoke that morning to light spilling through unfamiliar lace curtains. I hadn’t noticed them the night before. I’m not sure I noticed much of anything after arriving late to this rural Pennsylvania town the preceding night. But a good night’s sleep later and I was ready to photograph this destination wedding…at the Murder Mansion.
Okay, okay. So it’s actually called the Harry Packer Mansion, but visit www.murdermansion.com and you’ll learn all about the not-so-sordid history of this place. It was built in 1874, there on a lush hillside in Jim Thorpe, PA, though I don’t think there has been a legitimate murder there ever since. However, the owners host murder mystery weekends at this grand, opulent mansion almost every weekend of the year. This weekend excepted.
This was the weekend that a long-time friend (and groomsman!) of mine would marry his beloved, right there in the mansion.
Now Justin hails from just outside of Sacramento (He and I attended junior high, high school and college together). Gretchen comes from Pennsylvania herself, just a stone’s throw from this very town. The two met and fell in love in Sacramento, but when it came time to pick the place to share their vows, they decided that this mansion nestled in the Pocono Mountains was just the place.
The generous couple invited a houseful of their family and closest friends to join them for the destination wedding weekend, with rooms for everyone. I would join them as both friend and wedding photographer, excited for my first destination wedding. From lazy breakfasts, to trips into town, to political conversations, to the wedding itself, to waltzing lessons and champagne toasts, everyone was in on the whole weekend. That extended time with this duo allowed me not only to become friends with graceful, intelligent, and passionate Gretchen, but to recognize just how perfect these two are as a couple. Justin, sure you’re witty, discerning, and hilarious. But brother, you’ve met your match!
You’ll see just a slice of what I saw over the course of a this wonderful wedding weekend in the images below…with not a single murder to report.



























Congratulations, Gretchen and Justin. May each year together be better than the last!
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2 comments
Mansion is a perfect setting for a wedding. It complimented the bride and groom.
The bride and her groom looked beautiful and in turn they complimented the beautiful setting that the Manison had to offer.
The bride’s dress was beautiful and it was the look of innocence .
Which you don’t see anymore on young brides.
My compliments to everyone
I couldn’t agree more, Deborah! Thanks for reading.