Commence.

~

It is said that the wedding day flies by, and everything is a blur.  So for Ashley and Jon, here’s a review of the day you were wed- from my perspective behind the lens. I hope these photographs can bring back the moments that were so fleeting, and fill your heart with thankful memories. This is what I saw and was so privileged to experience as I watched the day unfold.

-Your friends and family surrounded you, laughed with you, supported you.  There were lots of smiles and happy tears all day long.

Your sisters. They were there for you, with little quips and happy chatter. Carrie and Jessica did what they were meant to do.  I know because I have four sisters.  And there’s just nothing like them, is there?

There was preparation, and waiting, and details- the culmination of months of planning.

There were more smiles, as Jon was readying to see his soon-to-be-wife. (*Thanks to my awesome second-shooter for these groom shots– couldn’t have done it without you, Kara Jill!)

60mm    f2.8   1/320 sec.   ISO 100

There was sunshine. And warmth.

35mm    f1.4   1/2500 sec.   ISO 100:

Karen helped with the last-minute touches, as any best friend would.

And there were more smiles.

There were telephone calls from your Dad. Every hour on the hour.  And though you teased and said, “Ohh, Daaad…” — see the look on your face? You loved it.

Your dearest friend, your sisters, and your sister-to-be made you laugh, and rejoiced alongside you.

You smiled with sheer ebullience, happiness escaping in every little laugh.

There was anticipation, and hope. With a spot of color.

And then it was time to go here.

The moment had come.

There was letting go, and advice given. Tears were shed, and you became husband and wife.  For the rest of your days.

That moment after you were married– I don’t know what you said to each other, or how you felt, but you looked radiantly happy.

You laughed together, and said words that only the two of you could hear.  You smiled.  A lot.

85mm    f2.2   1/125 sec.   ISO 100:

*Next 3 are Kara’s– and illustrate why I love having a second shooter.

Your friends and family were thrilled for you in the moments you had with them before your reception began. The light looked pretty happy, too. :)

35mm    f2.2   1/500 sec.   ISO 100

During your reception, the sun streamed through the windows, lighting your faces as you smiled. There were words of wisdom, some banter, and lots of emotion.  Jon, a beautiful prayer was said for you and Ashley by a man who has cared for you and your sister deeply through all the years of your upbringing.  It was a prayer filled with love and heartfelt petition for the constant blessing of God in your life together.

Friends spoke of childhood memories and kinship. And you laughed. Together.

Thanks was given, as Jon expressed appreciation to your guests. Not in his nature to be the center of attention, he looked at you, Ashley, to see what he should do, asking if he should stand and speak.  And you kindly encouraged him to.  I overheard your soft words to him, and thought it was an example of what marriage is about–  supporting each other, encouraging each other toward the greater good.  Even when it’s sometimes the harder thing. Which it often can be. But necessary, and so worth the joy heartfelt words can bring.

There were little details and pretty flowers, and favors made by hand from another someone who has cared for you since childhood.  Personal, and heartfelt, and generous.

There was delicious food and engaging conversation. The day drew long, and the sun began to set.

You went outside for a few moments at the end of the evening to take time to enjoy the quietness of sunset.

35mm    f1.4   1/125 sec.   ISO 200:

And a beautiful sunset it was.

35mm    f2.0   1/1000 sec.   ISO 200:

The day you had planned for had ended, and the preparations had all come to fruition. And now the true heart of the matter, the marriage, commences. The effort and love and support throughout the day was obvious, and a privilege to witness. You are both sincere, kind and unpretentious. You encourage each other, and appreciate each other.  You are hard-working.  Taking all those qualities forward will serve you well in marriage. This past weekend, I heard someone say the following, and it resonated with me:  “Love grows through the history of shared experiences.”  Experiences that  might be hard and long, as well as easy, carefree, and joyful.  And so that is what I wish for you– a myriad of experiences that further the blessing of a beautiful, happy marriage to the end of your days.

~

I hope this review of the wedding day has renewed your memories and filled your heart. Thank you for the honor of documenting the beginning of your marriage.

June 30, 2010 - 7:57 pm

Marcy - Incredibly beautiful! I especially love the sunset picture. Great job as always Betsy!

July 1, 2010 - 4:11 am

Sara Jane Reilly - Just simply beautiful.

July 1, 2010 - 4:44 am

kristin - fabulous work! been anxiously awaiting these photos, and will now be continuously swooning over them. loving the ones of jon+ash surrounded by the greens of the trees- just glowing. am also loving their genuine laughs. smiles. and joy. kudos jon.ash.betsY.and.kara!

July 1, 2010 - 6:33 am

Ashley - I absolutely love love these pictures! You did an amazing job! I love how you told a little story along with it! We can’t be more thankful for such a great job you have done!

July 1, 2010 - 6:39 am

Carrie Richards - Betsy, beautiful photos!!! Well worth the wait. You were a pleasure to have thanks so much for making my sisters day beautiful!!!!

July 1, 2010 - 3:02 pm

Jody - Oh…Betsy, Just Beautiful and the words you wrote by each picture captures the moments just perfect and have such personal meaning behind them. You have such a God given talent with words and photography. Of course, the Bride & Groom are my favorites (all of them are). It was a pleasure having you there to share in Jon & Ashleys special day. Great job as usual.

July 1, 2010 - 3:37 pm

whitney - so beautiful! great work!

July 2, 2010 - 6:54 am

m photo - Lovely.

July 2, 2010 - 7:07 am

Ashley - Betsy, your photos are beautiful! You and Kara both did an amazing job capturing one of Ashley and Jon’s most memorable days. Both you and Kara’s eye for photography is amazing. Kudos to you both…and Ash and Jon of course!!

July 4, 2010 - 5:31 pm

renae luginbuhl - what an amazing job you did.

July 8, 2010 - 8:38 am

Alison - Beautiful bride… handsome groom… talented photographer! :)Amazing pictures, Bets!

July 13, 2010 - 10:11 am

Sandy Schneider - Absolutely BEAUTIFUL photos! Totally captured their whole day. Fantastic memories. Congrats Ashley and Jon!! Awesome job, Betsy and Kara!

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