September 7, 2013
You've heard the expression about a bride
glowing on her wedding day. Well, all of my brides have been gorgeous, beautiful, stunning, etc, but this was the first wedding where I really remember the bride actually having a genuine
glowing look. Ashley, you were absolutely beautiful on your wedding day! And, in addition to a very glowing bride, I don't think I've teared up so much at a wedding as I did on
Chris and Ashley's big day. The whole day was a very emotional event, and I was so happy to be a part of it!
I met Chris at a friend's wedding a few years ago while having a blast with everyone on the dance floor, and it wasn't too long after I first made his acquaintance that he met Ashley. They dated for a bit and Chris proposed to her with a beautiful sapphire on a balloon ride in California, if memory serves. Great work, Chris! If that's not love, I'm not sure what is ;) They chose me to be a part of their big day and I couldn't have been happier, since I get to see them every once and awhile via mutual friends. It's always fun working a wedding where you know lots of people (I was in
one of the groomsman's wedding this past February :)
My assistant, Kate, started with the boys at Ashley and Chris's home, while I met the girls at their hotel to get ready. The first emotional moment was when Ashley was dressing Chris's daughter, Maddy. She's the most adorable little thing, and all her cute little hugs and smiles added a lot to the big day. But Ashley almost got me going when she teared up seeing Maddy looking so lovely in her flower girl outfit and giving her some special jewelry to wear (which Maddy took VERY seriously!)
After getting ready, we all met back up at the church for portraits before the ceremony. The church was amazing. And the lighting was even better, so yay for us! I think the best part of the ceremony (though the whole thing was beautiful) was the look on Chris's face when he saw Ashley coming down the aisle. You'll see, he almost couldn't stay in his spot at the alter! Like I said, she was glowing so I don't blame him.
After the ceremony and a few family photos, we headed off to the reception on our little bus ride (thanks again for my good pal Kristin for driving my car so I could ride with the bridal party for photos!) and took lots of bridal party and couple photos. Kate got a lot of super cute shots of Maddy running around. She may not always be into doing photos but she definitely is photogenic either way. We beat the rain throughout the day, which makes it that much more perfect.
More tears ensued during the two daddy/daughter dances (Chris with Maddy, and Ashley with her dad), and Chris and Ashley's first dance. It is so amazing to watch these two together. It's like the whole world revolves around them when they are with each other. They are so deeply in love, and you can just see it. Also, they know how to have a fun because the reception was a blast as well. Sorry I got a little long winded with this post, but it was such a memorable day! Without further ado, you better get looking because there are way too many photos as well! Enjoy :)
Hair & Makeup: Sunshine Darling and Chelsea Helmholde
Bridal Dress Designer:
Venus Bridal
Bridal Shop:
Bridal Lane, Dorr, MI
Bridesmaid Dresses:
Liz Fields
Tuxes:
Libins Menswear, Kalamazoo, MI
Flowers:
Ambati Flowers, Kalamazoo, MI
Ceremony:
St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo, MI
Limo Services:
Affordable Limousine, Grand Rapids, MI
Reception:
The Silo, Allegan, MI
DJ: Andy Carlson from
Wiser Productions, Kalamazoo, MI
 |
| ^Pretty in love with these blue shoes. |
 |
| ^Getting her 'glow' on :) |
 |
| ^Maddy says this looks like a horse's toothbrush :) |
 |
| ^A special necklace. |
 |
| ^Dad seeing his little girl in her wedding dress. |
 |
| ^Chris is getting ready too! |
 |
| ^Apparently Ashley's card was funny. |
 |
| ^Cuff links from the soon-to-be wife! |
 |
| ^Looking good, men! |
 |
| ^One of my favorites of Ashley. Isn't she perfect?! |
 |
| ^Everything was so classy, loved this wedding! |
 |
| ^Gorgeous church! |
 |
| ^Maddy takes her flower girl duties VERY seriously. |
 |
| ^Chris's jaw is almost on the floor. I LOVE this photo! |
 |
| ^So beautiful! |
 |
| "Wait for me!!!" |
 |
| ^One of my faves. |
 |
| ^Love the perspective here :) |
 |
| ^I provided a little Journey for the last leg of the ride, always a great way to end a party bus run. |
 |
| ^Perfect family portrait! |
 |
| ^Another one I love of Ashley. |
 |
| ^The whole crew... a great wedding party, I must say! |
 |
| ^Rockin' the sassy, ladies! |
 |
| ^Great shots of Maddy, by my assistant for the day, Kate! |
 |
| ^Ashley's ring is awesome! Love the sapphire! |
 |
| ^I really wanted to do something like this for my wedding but ran out of time, such a cool idea! |
 |
| ^Love this shot of Kate's! |
 |
| ^Little friends! |
 |
| ^Man, I really got sniffly when these two danced, so adorable! |
 |
| ^Oh they are just too perfect! |
 |
| ^These two just got married in February. Love you Oole (Kristin) and Andy! |
 |
| ^My buddy, Josh, and his Kloey. |
 |
| ^Fluffy dresses everywhere! I loved how they matched. What a great day! |
