February 4, 2015 / Weddings
Philip + Ashley | The Rotary Reserve Lodge | Waterloo Wedding Photography
Oh my goodness, where to begin with this wedding. Philip and Ashley are two of the sweetest, most genuine people I have ever met. Their love for each other is beyond evident, but what makes them stand out is how deeply their love for others runs. It is at their core, and because of this, their wedding was quite possibly one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever photographed.
Right from the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by their family, and felt like one of them. It was a pleasure getting to know their families, and getting to see their interactions with their guests and bridal party. Philip and Ashley got ready at separate places, so I had the opportunity to meet quite a few people and document in an array of settings, which I absolutely loved. Their easy going nature, and their eye for great locations made roaming Waverly a breeze, and also allowed us to get a lot of great portraits, which is one of my favorite parts of the day.
Emotions and excitement were high going into the ceremony, after Philip surprised Ashley with a letter from him to read prior to their vows. I was honored that Ashley allowed me to document her reading the letter, as well as her being comfortable enough to cry as she read the words Philip had prepared for her. Words can’t express how monumental those moments are for both my couples and for me, because it’s truly an honor when someone allows me to be in their space and document their true reactions. That image is also one of my favorites to date.
But not to be trumped by pre-wedding events, Philip and Ashley’s ceremony was kind, intimate, and even had some fun shenanigans as the rings were mysteriously lost, and ended up with one of the ushers! It was impossible not to smile as these two united as one, and danced their way right out of the church.
…and then they danced their way right into the reception! Their reception was one for the books, as they and their guests danced the night away, complete with laser lights and fog machines. It was a true party, which is why I adored capturing every moment of it. Even grandma made it out to the dance floor, courtesy of a few handsome gentlemen, and had a blast!
As magical and fun as the day had been, though, one thing was missing. Ashley had mentioned that all she wanted was a bit of snow to fall, so that they could have some night time portraits with it. Well, let me tell you…we got a bit of snow. While during the day it had been calm and fairly warm for an Iowa winter day, after we left the ceremony, snow had begun to fall. By the time we reached our nighttime portraits, it was coming down hard, and we were able to create another one of my favorite images to date! The snow came just when Ashley wanted it, and I was so glad we were able to create some images for her and Philip that they will treasure for a lifetime.
Thank you, Philip & Ashley, for allowing me to document your amazing wedding day. It was an absolute pleasure and honor. Above all though, CONGRATULATIONS, and may you always love one another and the ones around you as deeply as I witnessed on your wedding day.
