When we first showed up to the venue on Ashley and Brad’s wedding day, you could feel a sense of calmness in the air. Even though the forecast was not looking good, Ashley was still smiling from ear to ear, excitedly anticipating the day she had been dreaming of for years. As she got ready with her mom, we laughed and joked around, talked about life and soaked in the quiet moments before guests began to arrive.

Ashley and Brad had decided to forego having a wedding party, and I truly enjoyed the simplicity of their day. I didn’t have to wrangle up the groomsmen for pictures, there were no bridesmaids giggling and chattering as they got ready, and we didn’t spend a ton of time their wedding photos. Instead all eyes were on the bride and groom, and as they stood in front of their friends and family and became husband and wife, I had to blink away a few tears. It was perfect. Sweet, simple and full of love.

And amazingly, the rain held off the entire evening! There was some misting and drizzling here and there, but we were still able to have the outdoor ceremony Ashley wanted, and they braved the wet grass and spots of mud for pictures.

All in all it was a fun wedding spent celebrating two sweet, deserving people. Thank you, Ashley and Brad, for trusting me with your wedding! I am so, so happy for you!