From the moment I met Brandon & Ashley, I knew I would not only looooove photographing their wedding, but I also knew I would become good friends with them! It was so fun to learn right away that Ashely and I have many similar friends, from all different times/places in life. Brandon and Ashley both attend Walnut Creek Community Church in Des Moines, and for a long time they were involved in similar activities, but never formally met each other. When Brandon first saw Ashley, he believed that she would be the woman he would one day marry. He prayed about it for months, not wanting to rush ahead of God’s timing for them. Once they met, they started dating right away and it was only a few months before they were engaged! It’s so neat how God led Brandon’s heart to her, before he even knew much about her, and that he was so patient to wait for God’s lead before making the first step. It is obvious to anyone who spends time with them how perfect they are for each other! They both have such lively personalities, and are a sheer blast to spend time with. They also have HUGE hearts for people; their love and compassion for people is so evident, no matter who it is they interact with!
A word of caution: LONG BLOG POST AHEAD! I had a hard time narrowing their photos down to a few favorites, so here come a whole bunch of my favorites! Feel free to leave comments at the end of the ones that you love!
They were married August 21st at Walnut Creek. It was a beautiful day outside, and each part of their big day was infused with beauty! Beginning at Bella Salon in Johnston, the stunning bride got her make up and hair done:
With these cool lighted mirrors, photographing at Bella Salon was so fun!
This next one is one of my favorites from the day:
Look at the cool ring pattern the lights created in Ashley’s eyes!
Ashley, you have a crazy amount of beauty!
Below: another of my favorites!
Ashley’s dress was incredible! She said she’s not usually much of a “lots-o-bling” kind of person, but her dress was covered in lace and glitz! She found this beautiful dress at the
Perry Bridal Boutique, and her gorgeous red flowers were put together by Lynelle Duncan.
Brandon & Ashley chose to see each other before the wedding so that they could go right to the reception after the ceremony. Their first look was full of emotion!
One of my favorite things is when couples place high value on getting great portraits of the two of them (not a surprise from me, right?!). They chose to go downtown for portraits, which will add so many sweet photos to their collection of wedding photos!
Enchanting!
This red door was perfect, since red was their accent color!
I love how this next photo captures their personalities!
They took a few moments for prayer with the bride before she walked down the aisle:
They kicked off their ceremony with worship:
Another of my favorites from the day!!
And off to the reception! For their afternoon reception, they served delicious desserts, catered by Cindy Hammerberg. Don’t these look delicious?!
I just
had to use the candy bowls for some fun ring shots! Their rings were too sweet, and these colorful bowls called my name!
CONGRATULATIONS, Brandon & Ashley! You are a beautiful couple, inside and out! Thank you for the JOY of photographing your wedding! I can’t wait for you to see the rest!
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