Professional Pictures

 Here are my favorites from the professional photographer at Ashlyn and Alex's wedding:

Ashlyn and Luke (family pictures before the ceremony):

Ashlyn and Julia

Ashlyn and her dad. 

The bridesmaids in prayer before walking down the aisle. You can see the gorgeous church in the background.

I love this one of Ashlyn smiling! She didn't seem nervous at all.

Me being escorted by her grandfather (my stepdad, Mike), and my son, Luke.

And my favorites during the ceremony...

Ashlyn hugging her new inlaws during the "Peace be with you".

After Mass ended, they took photos in the church as husband and wife, Mr. and Dr. White.

Our new family! 💗

Photo with each set of parents.

The wedding party.

Leaving the church.

Outside before heading to the reception hall.

The bride and groom made a few extra stops to take a some private photos. I enjoyed seeing these since none of us knew they were taking them.

Eric and I being introduced at the reception.

The wedding party being introduced at reception.

Then finally Ashlyn and Alex!

First dance.

We had an amazing dinner!

The guests enjoyed the green wall for pictures.

Although the air conditioner went out, the guests still danced the night away and had a blast.

A private last dance while the guests lined up outside with sparklers.

And off they go with help from her cousins! 

It was such a beautiful event for a beautiful couple! Many blessings for a lifetime together.

Post-Wedding Brunch

The new couple wanted to thank everyone for coming this weekend by hosting a drop-in bruch on Sunday at a nearby park. 

The spread included bagels, breakfast breads, fruit, iced coffee, and juices.

We were surprised how many guests decided to show up! 

The guests of all ages enjoyed playing.

Like cornhole...

And volleyball among other activities.

It was nice to reconnect again and visit without the loud music. 

The newlyweds wore cute shirts that were perfect for the occasion. 

Wedding Day

 

It was a beautiful wedding at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The photographer pictures will be much better, but here are my candid shots that I could sneak.

Eric giving her away. 💕

Their exchange of vows.

A final blessing.

And their first kiss as husband and wife. 💓

A quick photo outside of church before it's off to the reception!

The reception hall was beautifully decorated.

Their first dance...

Then her dad got to dance with his daughter. It was the sweetest!

Ashlyn wore my sister's dress (her godmother). Ashlyn was the flower girl during her wedding.

They decided to recreate the photo. 

After lots of dancing with a broken A/C, the caterer brought in huge fans in attempt to cool the place down. The guests didn't miss a beat, though. The lights were turned down and colored foam sticks enhanced the energy and fun!

The evening ended with a sparkler send off.

Pre-Wedding Preparations

As our oldest got ready for the big day, we were grateful to have so many family members helping out. First, program folding.

Next, flower bouquets.

We were so busy with the flowers that we almost forgot our nail appointment!

At the rehearsal that evening, it began to hit home when Eric had to practice giving her away. That's when I almost lost it and had to hold back tears.

But then I took a breath and realized that this moment could be savored more if I could see clearly through dry eyes. I turned my attention to her practice flowers that were made from the bows during her bridal shower. Although this is no longer a tradition, it made her mom and future mother-in-law super happy. This was common 30 years ago.

The morning of her wedding day was filled with so many things to do that time seemed to literally disappear. She was adamant that she get a workout in first. Here's the bride with her workout companions.

She had the BEST bridesmaids who so graciously kept the excitement up with her through phone calls and texts over the 100-day countdown. These ladies represented her childhood school days, college years, medical school, and famiy. It was fun to watch them hang out in the hotel.

But time for glam was over. We needed to get the bride to the church for her wedding!