In July Kala and I celebrated 6 years of being wedding photographers. This was the first year that we had to wait until almost August to photograph our first full wedding of the year, but since absence makes the heart grow fonder, the excitement that we had for Ashley & Alex was at an all time high!
We had just spent a few hours with Ashley, her mom Terri, and sister/Maid of Honor Abby a couple weeks earlier for Ashley’s bridals at Hidden Hill. They were absolutely gorgeous. If you haven’t had a chance to read that blog, you can view it here.
So, before I tell you about their day, I feel that I must tell you about them. They are the couple that you have to have in your group of friends. They are the steady ones. The ones that you know to count on. They are the thoughtful ones. The two that you know think before they speak because they care about you.
Meeting through mutual friends in college at Western Carolina, these two ran track together. When Alex decided to pop the question, he made sure to plan everything about the day. He took Ashley to Charlotte to see the best view of the city, pulling a mini ring box out of his carefully planned socks, Ashley said yes. A year later, through Covid and the unknown these two were getting dressed on their wedding day.
When we arrived Ashley was putting the finishing touches of hair and makeup on. Simple, elegant, and beautiful. Ashley is the epitome of our ideal bride. Her mom helped her into her gown, and a few tears already began to fall. In the groom’s suite, Alex was a ball of nerves. Thankfully baseball had returned and his guys were helping to keep him loose.
It was time for Ashely’s first look with her dad. I can only image just before the door opened, it was a surreal moment. How many times had this exact moment crossed David’s mind in the past 20 years? He will finally see her dressed ready to meet her groom. As he entered the room there was a powerful wave of emotions, some expressed by tears. Love, excitement, happiness, and I’m sure some sentiment. Everyone in the bridal suite had to touch up their makeup after this.
Since makeup was already on the re-to-do-list, the bridesmaids decided to go ahead and pray for Ashley before the ceremony. Each bridesmaid called on Jesus for their friend, daughter, and sister. Beautiful, warming, deep, and meaningful prayers for Ashley and Alex’s wedding day and marriage. A prayer I will never forget came from Abby, Ashley’s sister. As she asked for a blessing for her sister and first best friend, as Ashley takes on this next chapter with her new best friend, her husband Alex….I’m not crying! You’re crying!
After a couple deep breaths and using all of my strength to keep from ugly crying, I rejoined the guys. Alex was finishing getting dressed. He slipped into his jacket, and placed his grandfather’s tie bar midways down the tie; a tie bar that was worn when his grandparents were married. Now all that was left was to wait until the ceremony music began.
All the guests found their seats and the groomsmen entered. Followed by the bridesmaids. As the music changed Alex turned around to see his bride walking down the aisle towards him. Happy tears. Vows, rings, I do’s, the kiss, and I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Pilkington!
After the wedding we were able to capture some amazing photos of the newlyweds. Hidden Hill is gorgeous and you can understand why this is one of my favorite venues of all time. Look how gorgeous this couple is, with this view behind them.
After being announced in for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. they shared their first dance. Followed by a father daughter dance, with David and Ashley. As well as Alex and his mom, Amy. So sweet.
Before I close, I have to thank Ashley and Alex, as well as their parents, David, Terri, Duane, and Amy. Thank you for being such gracious hosts. Your families are wonderful. Thank you for being so understanding with our situation, where we were only days away from Kala giving birth.
We want to wish you guys so many years of happiness. Congratulations! They say good things happen to good people. This is one of those things, and Ashley & Alex, you are two of those people.
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