Ashley and Justin's Wedding! 9-4-10

Ashley and Justin were married this past Saturday at the beautiful Milan Villa. What a beautiful couple - they were so kind and gracious - emotional - and fun! Their families were wonderful as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and and honored that they chose me to photograph their wedding. On to their story (click individual photos to see the enlarged versions).

The day started with Ashley fretting slightly that the weather was going to turn for the worse...but her family assured her that it would be just fine (and it was!)


As the crown is placed on Ashley's head, she doesn't notice that her mom (Cindy) is having a moment and "Honey" (Grandma) gives her a comforting kiss...

No time to waste! As her hair is being styled, Ashley puts on her makeup.

There was so much symbolism in this wedding - all with much meaning. Ashley's "something old" was the lace from her mother's wedding veil, to which her mom is sewing on a tiny butterfly. I asked Ashley what the butterfly meant. She said, "my mom always called us her beautiful butterflies."


Ashley gets veiled...

I love her toenails -- "I Do!"

Choices, choices!

I went from the salon (Hair, Etc.) to Milan Villa where the guys were getting dressed...


Justin's best man (and brother) helps him get that tie on just right...


Last touches...

Justin bought black diamond earrings to complement his all-black attire...

The girls arrive to the villa and prepare themselves. Ashley's gorgeous jewelery...

Her maid of honor's bouquet was stunning...

As was her own...


Ashley has a moment...
Her maid of honor (and sister) peek outside to watch as the guests arrive...
Ashley's dad sees her dressed for the first time. He also played his bagpipes during the ceremony and at the reception. He was amazing!

She sees Justin...

Justin sees Ashley...
They were both pretty emotional during the ceremony -- it brought tears to my own eyes!




They are married!
Ashley and her mom...
Some portraits among the willow trees...



Inside the manor was a quaint little area with cafe tables -- it felt like a painting to me --


They were driven in an classic Thunderbird...
We made our way to Vermilion Beach -- a couple of many gorgeous shots taken there...

The wedding party was led into the reception by this group of bagpipers/drummers -- another amazing, beautiful moment of the day...

The floral centerpieces were a cornucopia of colors...


Justin and Ashley "kisses"

First dance...

The rings...

Some Irish whiskey for the money dance

One hop this time, one hop this time...everybody clap your hands!

There was green alligators and long-necked geese. Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees. Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born, the loveliest of all was the unicorn.

Ashley does a solo Irish dance and the guests are thrilled!

Thank you again, Ashley and Justin. It was truly an honor to share in your day!

Cathy and Terry - 8/8/09

We were due for a rainy wedding day...and we got it on Saturday. The rain got progressively worse throughout the day and reached a steady pour at the start of Cathy and Terry's 3:00 backyard wedding. What amazed me was the number of people that showed up in ponchos and toting umbrellas to see the two of them exchange their vows. It really was a testament to how loved they are by their friends and family. The rain was just an impediment -- and didn't dampen the spirit of all who were there, especially the bride and groom! And it did stop after a while -- just in time for the after wedding party :-)

I don't have to tell you in words what a fun loving and boisterous couple Cathy and Terry were. I'll let the pictures tell the story... (click on individual pictures to see larger versions)

"the kiss" -- looking on is Cathy's son and daughter


Rain can't stop a beautiful bridal portrait

while we were still under the canopy we took a couple of gorgeous close ups



The inspiration for the next photo is a painting called "The Singing Butler" by Jack Vettriano. The more I look at this picture, the more I love it - it's quirky. Thank you, Ed, who served as our butler.
The "back yard" ceremony had a gorgeous lake and a private beach...




It started out innocently enough...
and ended up like this!
the rain stopped...and Cathy decided to row out to the floating trampoline...and...

yes she did...in her dress!

and they celebrate!
finally...some detail shots of this beach-themed wedding