The Herb Family | Italian Lake Family Photos | Harrisburg, PA

There’s something incredibly special about families who make photos a tradition. I recently had the joy of photographing a session at Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg with a family who returns to the same spot every five years—and it’s not just any location. Italian Lake is where Mom and Dad had their wedding photos taken years ago, so it holds deep sentimental value for them. And honestly? That made this session even sweeter.

Even more special—I photographed their session here five years ago too! It was such a full-circle moment to reunite and see how much has changed (and how much has stayed beautifully the same). Their kids are older now, growing into kind, confident young adults—and this year, their daughter’s boyfriend joined us. You could tell right away he’s already part of the crew. There was so much lightheartedness, teasing, and laughter throughout the evening.

Italian Lake Park provided its usual charm: the willow trees swaying by the water, the classic red bridge, and warm golden hour light filtering through the leaves. Watching this family revisit the spot where it all began and continue building memories here was such a beautiful reminder of the power of tradition—and photography.

I love when families choose to document their journey over time. You can see the evolution: the subtle changes, the growing bonds, and the expanding circle of love. This session was the perfect blend of nostalgia, connection, and joy!