Ashley & Tyler {Wedding}

When I arrived at the Southwood House the morning of Ashley and Tyler’s wedding, the place was already full of movement as Unique Video Creations circled the venue documenting John Gandy Events and In Tents Events working quickly to finish design of the reception area. The reception space was topped off with a lighting display the bride’s father designed especially for Tyler and Ashley. Later that morning, 200 ceremony seats were fanned out across the Southwood lawn and Missy Gunnel’s Flowers were lining the aisle with bright flower arrangements. It was then that the girls peeked out to see the final ceremony space all set up and Ashley’s reaction was priceless. The vision, the plan, the wedding…it was all coming to life right before her eyes. The last to come was the food and food there was! Sie’s Gourmet Sushi was onsite to hand make rolls for guests as Andrews artistically displayed an abundance of seafood, prime rib, and other food for guests to indulge in. A towering white wedding cake created  by Publix sat stoically on a mirrored table as guests admired her from afar. The groom’s cake was the talk of the party as one of the groomsmen, Brian Orr, baked and decorated the cake himself (Yes, really!!). Once the reception began, Jim Epps kept the party going as he stood behind his sound board and flew through the songs as guest’s danced across the black and white checkered floor beneath them. Across the way, Jim’s photo booth was set up where guests shrieked with laughter as they dressed up for photo fun. All the while guests were gathered around the bar provided by On The Rocks...the bartenders were outgoing and friendly as they quickly passed around drinks to the guests. The night ended with a sparkler exit and a Pedi Cab from Capital City Pedi Cab, carried them off as they waved goodbye to their loved ones. For all that was going on, I was amazed to watch as Ashley and Tyler made their way to each and every guest to share hugs and their gratitude for their support on their wedding day. Genuine and thoughtful, no one was overlooked, as Ashley and Tyler are truly the epitome of southern hospitality. When you are with Ashley and Tyler, you are truly part of the family and charmed with genuine kindness.

While the wedding day was obviously stunning and no detail was overlooked, I must admit it was the personal moments shared during the day that stole my heart. When ducked behind a golf cart taking pictures of Tyler, I overheard one of the groomsmen marvel at how lucky Tyler is to have found Ashley. Later that morning I found Amber tucked away in a room writing Tyler a letter with silent tears of happiness for her sister on her cheeks. Tyler’s mother and father’s standing proud next to Tyler as he shares his appreciation for all that they have done for him in life. Ashley’s beautiful reaction to the romantic letter Tyler left for her next to two Tiffany’s jewelry boxes. Oh!! Especially when Ashley decided to wear the bracelet Tyler gave her (my personal favorite, you know why Ashley!). Tyler’s expression, serious and thoughtful, while reading a letter from Ashley…followed by his radiant smile when he saw she gifted him an all- inclusive golf weekend at a course he mentioned he wanted to play long ago. The bridesmaid’s priceless reaction to seeing Ashley in her dress for the first time. Tyler’s parents sitting anxiously awaiting to see Tyler walk out of the Southwood House to signal the beginning of the rest of his life. The happy tears, laughter, and promise echoed between Ashley and Tyler as they promise their lives to one another in front of all their family and friends.  Watching Ashley and Tyler begin their walk down the aisle pausing for Ashley to share her excitement with her mom, Tricia, where I captured the most beautiful connection between the two of them. Chip, the father of the bride, opening up the reception with a humorous speech followed with a heartfelt welcome to Tyler…because while he had been blessed with two beautiful daughters he now also had the son he always wanted. Bobby and Amber, the groom’s brother and bride’s sister, both laughed and cried their way through their toasts with so many wonderful stories about Ashley and Tyler.  With the amount of love and joy that was shared in these personal moments I can say without a doubt that this wedding was one that will go down in history.

Ashley and Tyler, you both know how much I have enjoyed getting to know you guys this past year. I am so honored that you invited me into your lives and that I could document the beautiful start to your lives together. Blessed and full of promise, I know you both will live in a place of rare happiness appreciating first and foremost each other…and all the other fine things in life. Congratulations!

The ever fabulous Robin Hanowell second shot with me and her shots of Tyler reading a card and waiting for Ashley to walk down the aisle can be seen below.

The energetic Brandy Vance assisted us both and was everywhere at once making sure all the behind the scenes lighting and details were perfect.

Thank you both for all of your hard work and support...you girls make me look good!