Clay + Ashlyn {12.28.13}

The clouds covered the sky Saturday morning as Carly and I drove to Columbia. Eager and excited, we arrived at Greymere church of Christ as Ashlyn was having her makeup done. Ashlyn's parents married at Greymere 25 years ago, and Ashlyn and her bridesmaids dressed in the same classroom that her mom dressed for her wedding. Her lace and tulle gown was stunning, and from the moment Ashlyn slipped on the dress, she beamed all day. Clay and his groomsmen dressed in the library, a small room with character that spoke from the shelves filled with books. The whole bridal party laughed and joked all day, and there was a pure sense of joy among them all. Clay and Ashlyn saw each for the first time in the auditorium where they'd say their vows a few hours later. The stage was covered in Christmas trees and candles. The family and bridal party walked down the aisle to Christmas songs, and Ashlyn made her way down the aisle with the instrumental version of The Polar Express song, "Believe." Clay and Ashlyn pledged their lives to each other, and were prompted to kiss as husband and wife when Ashlyn's brother pulled out the mistletoe! Clay and Ashlyn smashed the cake in each other's face, and later the groomsmen went to "decorate" Clay's car for their getaway. Friends and family threw snow glitter at Clay and Ashlyn to wish them well as they drove off to begin their lives together.   

I have had so much fun working with Clay and Ashlyn over the past couple of years. I took pictures of them for Ashlyn's birthday before they were even engaged! They wanted me to shoot their wedding and engagements as well, so we've had a lot of fun together. I can't thank them enough for trusting me with the honor of capturing their memories from their wedding. I hope we get to work together lots in the future!