For all the checklists, preparations, and programming involved in putting on a wedding, ultimately, that wedding is about two people choosing life together. Ashley and Sebastian so clearly kept that truth in mind as they celebrated their wedding at the Crooked Vine Winery. And seeing such a classy and calm couple join in marriage just about made my summer.
I first met these high school non-sweethearts earlier in the year, when they called upon me to capture their engagement photography. I had a blast getting to know them. They met in high school but just didn’t stay in each other’s orbit. It wasn’t until years down the line that seeing a picture online caused Ashley to recall this dapper fellow, only with a newfound fondness. She reached out (accidentally–or was it?) and so began a story of love that matured in friendship, faith in God, fitness, and dog-ownership.
Ashley and Sebastian savored the sweetness of their relationship and knew they wanted to build a life together around God. Was marriage in the works? Oh yes.
Take a look at the images below for a peek at the story of their wedding day…
All was locked and loaded for a ceremony at the Crooked Vine Winery courtyard.
The rings were ready to go.
There were just a few details left for the bride to take care of…
…Like getting ready.
That lady in the middle of the whirlwind? That’s our bride Ashley.
Like they always say, “The eye(lashes) have it.”
Ashley surprised her bridesmaids with mugs that featured illustrated versions of each of the ladies. Awesome to the max!
Then it was time for the hair…
A little of this…
…A little of that…
…To make her hair look like this.
All this preparation and beauty got mom a little misty. Can you blame her?
Ashley took it all in stride.
Meanwhile, the boys had slipped into their finery, just in time to heckle our groom Sebastian about a letter and gift Ashley had sent his way.
Then they pulled it all together to look more than a little suave.
Sebastian’s got suave down to an art. There’s that smoldering look…
Then it was time for Sebastian to slip into the Crooked Vine Barrel Room get that pre-ceremony pep talk from their friend and pastor.
But before putting their dresses on, the girls had to get their own squad photos going.
Sure, brothers gotta hug. But so do sisters! And there were plenty of sisters in the bridal party.
Granted, Ashley looked plenty beautiful all on her own.
But alas, the dress had to go on at some point.
She got by with a little help from her friends.
T minus five… Ashley took care of the finishing touches.
T minus four… Ashley’s dad got the pre-ceremony first look.
T minus three… Sebastian’s dad had been working out that selfie arm.
T minus two… Sebastian (and everyone) stood ready for the main event.
T minus one… The nieces/flower girls walked down the aisle, forgetting about scattering petals.
…And then she arrived.
Sebastian’s first look, trying to hold it together.
The bridesmaids, equally unable to hold it together.
Their moment had arrived.
All of their loved ones had made it here to the Crooked Vine Winery for this plunge into marriage.
Talkin’ ’bout love.
Face to face with each other, and ready for an incredible journey.
Now where were those rings, anyway?
Cheers to their pastor for keeping the ceremony joyful and focused on God’s plan for marriage. Smiles are a good sign!
They did a bit of this, too…
Stepping out of the ceremony and into something new.
Ashley gives one of her flowergirls some marriage tips, probably.
Bringing the whole crew together: blue vs. pink.
A grateful groom welcomes his guests to enjoy the reception.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say the girl in white has a thing for that guy in blue.
And then we snuck away to enjoy the sunset, you know, by the closest Studebaker we could find.
Only they didn’t get to drive that Studebaker around.
Her.
Him.
Better together, getting lost in the vines.
These two!
What are veils for if not for a bit of cozy privacy?
Putting the sunset in the “sunset sneakout”.
And soon that sun was gone.
And back to the reception they went…
…Just in time for toasts.
Toastmaster: Sebastian’s brother at work.
Speaking of toasts, this one was a tearjerker!
And Ashley’s dad knew just the right way to welcome Sebastian into the family.
These two had the champagne glass clinking thing down to an art.
And fortunately, they also had their dancing shoes on for that first dance at the Crooked Vine Winery Barrel Room.
The dance was even stunning in black and white.
The big finish!
Then dad cut in for a dance of his own. Not an easy task for a dad!
Sebastian’s mom got in on the fun too.
It felt like the whole room joined them out on the floor for “The Twist”. Or was it “Despacito”?
She danced, danced like it was the last, last night of her life.
Honestly, I’ve not been to a wedding with a fuller dance floor.
It’s safe to say Ashley was having a good time.
After burning some calories, it’s time to put some more in.
Sebastian may have missed Ashley’s mouth a bit when inserting that first bite.
Up…
…And away!
Who’s going to remove her garter if not this guy? He seemed eager for the work.
Up…
…And away!
Two turntables, but no microphone. Ashley takes over DJ duties!
As the night drew to a close, it was time for a breather.
Alone together at the spot where they said “I do” just hours earlier. That first kiss wasn’t enough, evidently.
One fantastic wedding celebration, brought to you by the color green and a new husband and wife.
Ashley and Sebastian, far beyond having the photographs I captured, you have my respect. I’ve got high hopes for the adventures ahead of you, thanks to the foundations you’ve built your love upon. Congratulations on your marriage, keep on chasing after each other and the Lord with every ounce of strength you’ve got…you fitness junkies, you!
