Jessica and Ashton are my favorites, and their perfect wedding day was one I will remember forever and always. You probably remember these two from their winter photo session and then their engagement session last year, but in case you don’t, I would just love to share their sweet story with you.

These two met when they were least expecting it at a bonfire on the outskirts of a small town. Neither of the two planned on going, but I love to believe it was fate and God’s timing that brought them there that night. At the bonfire, Jessica and Ashton started talking and getting to know each other, and since that night… It’s been history! A few months later and after making their relationship official and meeting each others’ families, these two moved to Bloomington, IL together. Ashton brought his pup, Harley, along and soon after they adopted another uppy, Pyper. After some time in Bloomington together, these two made the move back “home” to Bourbonnais to start their life together and to be closer to family. This was yet again another testament to trusting God’s timing in their relationship… I love these two and their testament to trusting in Him. Then last year – at the annual Spry SuperBowl Sunday party – Ashton completely surprised Jessica and proposed. They were surrounded by family and friends, and of course, Jessica started planning their wedding day right away!

And over the past year and a half, I have loved getting to know Jessica as a bride… Seeing her glow and light up and gush over wedding details and marrying the love of her life. It’s a beautiful thing, and one of my favorite parts of what I do each and every day. You see, Jessica and I went to junior high and high school together, so it was a joy to reconnect all because of her wedding day. I love it so, and I am so thankful for our friendship.

I remember the moment Kyle and I stepped into Town & Country Events in Milford on Jessica and Ashton’s (finally!) wedding day. Everything took my breath away… The intricately planned details, the florals, the joy of Jessica and her girls, the excitement of Ashton to marry his love, and so much more. I remember tearing up and feeling so, so thankful for these two and this honor to document a momentous day in their life together.

As the day rolled on, we ooh-ed and aah-ed over details, had fun photographing the bridal party as they prepared for the day, and loved our time spent with the bridal party and vendors pre and post-ceremony. You guys, this day was amazing. Jessica and Ashton planned so many little details from the pompous grass florals to the burgundy/gold/dusty pink style to the personalized handkerchiefs to their puppies walking down the aisle to the brushstroke wedding cake (gorg!) to the heartfelt voiceover stories at their reception. No small details were overlooked!

I loved Jessica and Ashton’s sweet ceremony where they were surrounded by their closest family members and friends (oh, and of course, their puppies like I said!)… It was intimate and sweet. And when they shared their personal vows with one another, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.

Before we knew it, the afternoon rolled into the evening and the couple was celebrating alongside their loved ones. I loved how Jessica and Ashton made so much of their day about their parents – recognizing that their relationship wouldn’t be where it is today without the love and guidance and support of their parents. And of course, I loved teaming up with some of my favorite vendors like Town & Country Events and Sound Express Entertainment along with new vendor friends at Reel Life Cinema and Fancy Florals by Nancy. This team was outstanding! This couple, their people, the vendors, the venue, and everything in between made this the perfect day for Jessica and Ashton.

Jessica and Ashton – thank you from the bottom of my heart for asking me (and trusting me!) to document your wedding day. It was an honor, and I love you two! Wishing you so many happy married years together. Marriage is so, so fun with your best friend!