Light Ridge Studio, Authentic Storytelling Through Timeless Films
Hey there! I’m James, owner and filmmaker of Light Ridge Studio, a Lancaster wedding videographer. I am honored to get to walk beside you on your journey to becoming husband and wife. I am passionate about telling your love story from the point of view of your wedding videographer so that you can celebrate this day for generations to come!
I love documenting moments. The moment a bride shows her dad her wedding dress, when a groom sees his bride walking down the aisle, and a couple’s first moments alone after they say “I do!” These moments are ones that you’ll want to remember for a lifetime. I capture these authentic moments and weave them into your film.
Meet James, your Pennsylvania Wedding Videographer
Here’s a little bit about me, your local Pennsylvania wedding videographer. As I said before, I am James! I am married to my amazing wife, Christina. We have two beautiful children, Hadlee & Hayden. Christina is a travel NICU nurse. We live in an RV full time and travel to her contracts across the country. During the wedding season, we live in Lancaster, PA.
I am a collector of hobbies as my wife always says. I love to learn new skills and create things. I fell in love with music at a young age. This passion led me to earn my Masters in Trumpet Performance from Penn State University. Throughout undergrad and my masters, I spent time learning about nature photography. This led to recording trumpet recitals for my classmates and interest in owning my own business.
When my wife and I were planning our own wedding, I started to feel the significance of a wedding day. From seeing my wife walking down the aisle to driving away with her at the end of the night, I wanted to remember these moments forever. I wanted our children and grandchildren to feel our love story, our marriage, as a part of their own.
Our wedding photographer, Katherine Zell Photography, graciously allowed me to join her for an engagement session. I wanted to learn more about photography and how she ran a photo shoot. I decided to grab a couple of video clips throughout the session to make her something to use on social media. A little “thank you” for letting me tag along. The couple she was photographing loved it so much, they asked me to film their wedding day. And the rest is history.
Looking back, I had no clue what I was doing, but this wedding launched me into the world of wedding videography. For that, I am forever grateful.
My Pennsylvania Roots
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Erie, Pennsylvania. I grew up going to Presque Isle in the summer and eating at Sara’s. I drove to school in my tiny Honda Civic no matter how much snow was on the ground during the northwest PA winters!
I got a Bachelors in Music Education from Grove City College. I was involved in every musical ensemble I could be, from brass quintets and jazz ensembles to the marching band. My senior year, I was the drum major and had to do a somersault as I marched onto the field!
The next step in my musical career was obtaining my Masters in Trumpet Performance from Penn State University (WE ARE!). It was there that I got involved in Grad Cru and later joined staff with Cru for 2 years while starting Light Ridge Studio.
From Presque Isle to the Philadelphia, I have spent a great deal of time exploring our state. The fresh air on a cool spring morning brings so much joy after long winters. I love a beautiful, sunny summer afternoon with bright blue skies you can see for miles. I love the cool fall, dewy mornings filled with bright orange, yellow and red leaves. I am going to be honest, I don’t love winter but nothing beats the sight of fresh snow on the ground while drinking a warm cup of coffee.
No matter what season you choose to have your wedding and no matter what the weather is, Pennsylvania is a beautiful backdrop for your love story.
Where did the name Light Ridge Studio come from?
I knew I wanted to be a “Studio” in the name because I wanted the flexibility to use my different creative passions in my business. I brought up name ideas with my wife. I liked blue or green ridge studio to incorporate my passion for the outdoors. Christina brought up “Light” Ridge Studio and we both knew that was the name! If only it was that easy to name our kids… But that’s a story for another time!
A cornerstone of our marriage is Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Jesus is our Light and we want to reflect Him in our lives, relationships and our business. I pray that every couple I meet can see the kindness of Jesus through every interaction I have with them.
Oh Hey, 2025 Wedding Season!
As we enter a new season, I am stoked for all that Light Ridge Studio is becoming with our busiest season yet in 2025! I am excited to be working on this blog alongside my wife, Christina. We are ready to bring you highlights of past couples and display our current couples wedding days. We will also provide education for videographers and give tips for couples in your planning journey.
I am looking forward to serving more wedding couples throughout 2025. I am also working on building relationships with curated corporate clients. My goal is to grow Light Ridge Studio in ways I didn’t know were possible 5 years ago.
Are you looking for a Lancaster wedding videographer who will authentically tell your love story and create a timeless wedding film? Fill out our contact form, I would love to meet you!
Thank you for supporting my small business! Every blog read, instagram follow and “like” mean the world to me and my family! I can not wait to get to know you and be a part of your special day!
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