I loved this wedding. I mean it and I'm not just saying something schmoozy to put on a blog to make you read it. Let's face it, I probably have a mini crush on these two love birds and might even get a little smitten every time I think of their wedding day. Kind of ridiculous, I know ;).
Ashley and I met at a coffee shop along with her bestie, Lindsey, the day she emailed and inquired and I think we both left wanting to work with each other. Maybe it was the sweet childhood love story which started from the third grade, or her life long crush on Ben. Perhaps it was that we are all PK's (pastor's kids). It could have been that when she described her adorable style that went from her outfits to her description of how she wanted to decorate her southern style wedding. And then after we shot their engagement photos, we were all goners and just waited with anticipation until their wedding day.
Click here to view their slideshow and see more photos from Ben and Ashley's day.
Ashley started her day off at Studio Escape in Old Town Scottsdale. I loved it's bungalow style charm. So cute.
Ashley and Ben both decided to get ready and do first look photos at the Royal Palms Hotel. Everything was gorgeous.
Love this.
Ashley, you are breathtakingly beautiful.
I love seeing Derrick's (my husband who shoots with me) perspective. He's the guy that's always hiding behind things and brings in such an amazing diversity to our shooting.
A little bit of tropical, which only made sense as it was well above 100* that day. Hot.
I sort of like it when there are tons of people in the Bridal Party. It just makes things more fun.
Ball jars you say? Yes please.
See? Much more fun :).
I know, I'm going way over the top with pictures of Ashley. My photographer friend and I have been discussing this topic and while I've worked very hard at cutting down blog images when I post, I get a big fat fail on this particular one. I just can't help myself!!!
These guys were seriously a blast. Just wait, you'll see even more fun coming…
Such a handsome guy you are, Ben.
Ashley wanted Ben to read her letter to him right before they saw each other for their first look. I have to say, I feel pretty lucky to be able to see him read it. The emotion all over this boys face was beautiful and my favorite part was when he realized the ring she gave him back was her promise ring. This day she would be replacing it with their wedding rings.
I love his emotions in these, he could hardly wait to see her. It was everything for him to keep it together. So sweet.
Finally.
And then he read his letter to her.
It took quite a bit for Dad to keep himself together here, too.
Giving his little girl away.
These are seriously the most amazing stained glass. I'm in love with this church every time I see it.
This ceremony was incredible. It was really more of an act of worship than a ceremony the entire way through. I couldn't have been more amazed at how much of an impact Ashley and Ben have on the community around them; how they have become such examples for people, both young and old. It's amazing for me to see two people so young already doing the Lord's work so fervently in how they live their lives.
I loved Ashley's details. So simple and beautiful.
They opted for pies instead of cake. Let me tell you, I had a bite (or three) of that pecan pie and was so tempted to sneak a whole pie in my camera bag.
Ha! I love this girls face as she watches Ashley's brothers #thelittlethings. Oh wait, I'm not on Twitter.
Yes, this is choreographed. Yes, this does turn into a giant dance routine that took everyone by surprise!
Yes, Ashley is shocked, I mean, look at her face!
Thank you lady in the back for providing me with awesome light for this photo :). So boy band!
Hilarious. Ben kept his face serious the entire time. It was awesome.
Ok, I know I am breaking about a hundred photography rules by posting these last two photos. My flash over heated on literally my last 10 shots of the night, no joke. Ironically, so did Derrick's. What are the odds? These were beyond adjusted to see them and I think I ended up loving them just the same. Thank goodness for RAW files.
Thanks Ashley and Ben for allowing me to photograph your incredible wedding!!!
