There have been few weddings where I tear up as the photographer – this was one of them.
Mike and Ashley are contagious. You just want to be their friends and hang out with them as much as you can. They are also incredibly sweet with one another, especially Mike towards Ashley. I loved watching how overcome with emotion Mike was as the sight of his bride coming down the aisle and his expectation of their imminent commitment to one another. It also didn’t help that Ashley surprised him by having his favorite Explosions In The Sky song play right as his groomsmen were coming in. And you could tell how genuinely excited everyone was to be there celebrating with them as their guests exploded in laughter as Mike gestured he was “ok” as he used a handkerchief to wipe his eyes which the officiant jokingly commented he assumed would be mostly for Ashley’s use.
However, what I think made this day so special and stand out so much was that even though the weather was not ideal and it stormed much of the day, the tears of joy overshadowed the rain drops. Ashley and Mike’s love for one another was fully on display and was brighter than any sign of sunshine would be, which we did get a glimpse of at the very end of the day as the sun dipped below the storm clouds and behind the horizon.
It was such an honor and joy to celebrate with them and capture their wedding day. I was also incredibly grateful that they chose to be a Love Gives Way couple and leveraged their wedding day for those who have been victimized by sex trafficking.
Thank you Mike and Ashley for a great day and letting me be a small part of it!
