What It’s Really Like to Work With Hand + Arrow

Loved by Couples Who Care Deeply About Their Experience

Over the past decade, we’ve photographed hundreds of weddings, elopements, and portrait sessions. While the images matter deeply to us, what we care about just as much is how our clients feel throughout the process.

This page exists to share real words from real people  –  couples and families who trusted us with some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.

Real Words From Real Clients

Thinking about reaching out but still have a few questions? You don’t have to have everything figured out yet. If you want to talk through ideas, availability, or what your day could look like, we’re always happy to connect.

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Below are excerpts from reviews our clients have shared publicly. They reflect a wide range of experiences, personalities, and celebrations  –  but you’ll notice a few themes that come up again and again.

“The day of the wedding can be stressful but Jes and Chris kept us on schedule, having a checklist ready to ensure all photos we wanted were taken. They were so prepared, open to ideas, and helped me stay calm and on track all day.”

–  Julie + Bryan

“From the first phone call to the final delivery, Jes and Chris were professional, friendly, and incredibly talented. On our day, they made us feel so comfortable and at ease, capturing every special moment.”

–  Melanie + Andy

“The initial video meeting felt like talking with friends. No motion ever felt off or uncomfortable, and their photos are so meaningful and beautiful you can’t help but keep looking at them.”

–  Lisa + Antonio

“We are pretty shy people and don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera  –  but Jes and Chris made us feel like we were just hanging out with our best friends.”

–  Theresa + Mark

“They took the time to get to know us and it really showed in their work. Everything felt very natural, and we appreciated all the cues and guidance.”

–  Amina + Shyam

“They exceeded all our expectations. Our photos look artistic, unique, and like they belong in a magazine.”

–  Tara + Craig

“They captured moments we didn’t even realize were happening. Looking through our gallery felt like reliving the entire day.”

–  Lyndsay + Matthew

“They brought such a calm yet spirited energy to our day. We felt supported from start to finish.”

–  Danielle + Matt

“When you sign with Jes and Chris, it feels like a true partnership  –  not just another vendor.”

–  Jac + Alex

Verified Reviews Across Trusted Platforms

In addition to the stories shared here, you can find hundreds of verified reviews across trusted platforms like Google, Wedding Wire, and The Knot.

These reviews are written by real clients and reflect experiences across:

• Full wedding days
• Intimate weddings and elopements
• Engagement sessions
• Maternity, newborn, and family sessions

We encourage you to read through them – especially if you’re the type who likes to hear from many perspectives before making a decision.

Featured In & Trusted By

Our work and approach have been featured by a variety of publications and creative platforms over the years. We’re grateful for every opportunity to have our couples’ stories shared.

Some of those features include:

• The New York Times
• Lehigh Valley Style
• Philly In Love
• Quiltfolk Magazine
• Red Oak Weddings
• Wear Your Love
• …and more

While recognition is meaningful, what matters most to us is consistency  –  showing up with the same level of care, intention, and professionalism for every client, regardless of scale or setting.

Stories Behind the Reviews

Many of the reviews you’ve read above are tied directly to full wedding days and sessions you can explore in depth.

Seeing galleries often helps connect the words to the images  –  how the day flowed, how moments unfolded naturally, and how the story came together.

Below are a few client stories that pair real reviews with full visual narratives:

• Lisa + Antonio
  Engagement Session
  Wedding Day

• Emily + Mike
  Engagement Session
  Wedding Day
  Maternity Session
  

• Amina + Shyam
  Engagement Session
  Wedding Day
  

• Irene + James
  Engagement Session
  Elopement

Experience Across a Wide Range of Venues

Over the years, we’ve photographed weddings, elopements, and sessions at an incredibly wide range of locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and beyond. From refined estate venues to breweries, universities, mountaintops, and quiet backyards  –  adaptability is a core part of how we work.

Below is a grouped snapshot of venues we’ve worked at. This list is not fully comprehensive, but it helps illustrate the range of environments we’re comfortable in.

Farms & Estates

Bear Creek Mountain Resort · Osbornia Farms · Sylvan Ridge Farm · Brandywine Manor · Historic Stonebrook Farm · Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens · Gilbertsville Farmhouse · Durham Hill Farm · Spring Brook Farm · Fox Hill Farm · Camel’s Hump Farm · Barn Swallow Farm · Lock Heights Farm · Fiddle Lake Farm · Smith Farm Gardens · Monterre Vineyards · La Massaria at Bella Vista · Historic Ashland · Ray Vernon Estate · Archibald Johnson Estate · Domain Pterion · Foxfire Mountainhouse · Lotus Springs Farm · Historic Shady Lane · Emmerich Christmas Tree Farm

Hotels & Resorts

The Pump House B&B · Perona Farms · The Madison Hotel · Lancaster Marriott · Hotel Bethlehem · The Palace at Somerset · Normandy Farms · The Inn at Leola Village · The Inn at Mill Race Pond · Crystal Plaza · Valley Green Inn · The Lake House Inn · River House at Odette’s · Stroudsmoor · The Renaissance Hotel · Silver Birches · The Lodge at Mountain Spring Resort · Woodstone Country Club · Brookside Country Club · Running Deer Golf Club · Sand Springs Country Club · Beaver Brook Country Club · Hamilton Golf Club · Olde Homestead Golf Club · Blue Heron Pines Golf Club · Heritage Hills Golf Resort · Riverview Golf Club · Scotland Run Golf Club · The View at Morgan Hill

Universities & Historic Sites

Lehigh University (Packer Memorial Chapel & Iacocca Hall) · St. Joseph’s University · Fairleigh Dickinson University · Princeton University · John James Audubon Center · Fairmount Park Horticultural Center · Pen Ryn Estate · Burnside Plantation · Fonthill Castle · The Sun Inn · General Warren Inn · The Castle at Skylands Manor · Columcille Megalith Park · Sayen House and Gardens · Historic Smithville · The Conservatory at Sussex County · Llantrisant Retreat Center · The Forest Lodge

Outdoor & Non – Traditional Spaces

Jacobsburg Park · Trexler Nature Preserve · Hickory Run State Park · Prompton State Park · Minnewaska State Park · Shenandoah National Park · Grounds for Sculpture · Longwood Gardens · Cross Estate Gardens · Tyler Gardens · Magnolia Streamside Resort · Trout Lake Retreats · Rehoboth Beach · Historic Ashland · Playland · Garner Arts Center · ArtsQuest Center / SteelStacks · Colonial Industrial Quarter (Bethlehem, PA) · The Banana Factory · Bank Street Annex · Galvanized America · Rat’s Restaurant · Porta (Asbury Park) · Boser Geist Brewing Company · Beach Haus Brewery · Fegley’s Brew Works · Stoudt’s Brewing Company · Rodale Institute · The Loft at Jack’s Barn · The Ice House · Whitewoods · Camp Laurelwood · Camp Mack (Lancaster, PA) · Woods Edge Alpaca Farm

While experience at a specific venue can be helpful, it’s never a requirement. We love working somewhere new and are just as comfortable adapting to unfamiliar spaces  –  whether that’s an offbeat elopement location, a family backyard, or a place that doesn’t fit neatly into any category.

In addition to weddings, we’ve worked at countless other locations for engagement sessions, family sessions, maternity sessions, and non – traditional celebrations. We approach every location with fresh eyes, thoughtful preparation, and flexibility.

A Quick Hello

Hey there – We’re Jes and Chris!  Husband and wife, photographers, and the team behind Hand + Arrow Photography.

With nearly a decade of experience and hundreds of weddings photographed, we focus on creating an experience that feels calm, supportive, and natural. We read the room, guide when it’s helpful, step back when it matters, and approach every celebration with intention and care.

If you’d like to learn more about our story, approach, and what working with us looks like beyond reviews, you can explore our About page for a deeper introduction.

What Our Clients Often Mention

Across hundreds of reviews, a few themes consistently come up:

• Feeling calm and supported throughout the planning process
• Clear communication and realistic guidance
• A photography experience that feels natural  –  never stiff or performative
• Flexibility when timelines, weather, or plans shift
• Images that reflect how the day felt, not just how it looked
• Friendship & Professionalism mesh together seamlessly

These are not happy accidents – they’re central to how we work and how we show up for our clients.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re still deciding, that’s completely okay. Most of our couples spent time reading reviews, browsing galleries, and sitting with their decision before reaching out.

If you’d like to ask questions, talk through ideas, or see if we might be a good fit for what you’re planning, we’d love to connect.

We’re always happy to help you figure out what feels right!