CT Wedding. Nate & Ashley.

Lately, it’s been difficult trying to narrow down photos for blog posts. And that remains true here. So many of these photos show how Nate and Ashley interact and laugh and appreciate each other. How family and friends were so central to their planning. How their love for each other is obvious, and translates easily to the camera.

Here are some of the moments from their wedding day:

Ashley is a giver. Throughout the day, she was helping others get ready, asking questions, keeping calm, and staying kind throughout.

Family was paramount. They were in and out of the room as Ashley got ready, and each one was spoken to, hugged, and smiled at by the bride. She was serene and patient. She smiled pretty much non-stop.

Ashley and her Mom made the wedding cake. Yes, you read that right. Made the wedding cake. It was fun to see Wendy making last-minute adjustments and getting everything just-so for her daughter.

Nate is likable. Funny. He has the ability to put people at ease, to look in their eyes and really listen to them. He’s easy-going and kind.

Remember how I mentioned that if you know Nate and Ashley, you love them? The same holds true for their family. I’ve known Wally and Judy my whole life, and if you know them, you love them, too. There was a moment as they walked in when I couldn’t swallow a lump in my throat. Judy looked at Nate and gave him a smile with a look in her eyes that said so much. I don’t know how to explain it, except to say that the depth of a mother’s love was in her eyes.

Ceremony and reception held here, in the rolling hills of Connecticut.

Ashley has a big family, and she loves them with a big heart.

When couples plan their photos, I ask them if we can take just 10 minutes right after the ceremony and take pictures of just them without any audience. When they can just soak in the ‘we are husband and wife’ feeling and ignore the photographer. I stand back and don’t say much (imagine that!) – as they smile and laugh and talk. I don’t know what is said, but the photos that result make those 10 minutes the highest-yielding of any given time in the day. My favorites.

All beautiful floral arrangements by Wildflowers of Tolland.

I don’t usually post a bunch of family photos, but for some of these, it couldn’t be helped. A special group-

It was thought-provoking to work with these families. I got home from the wedding, and the next day the kids were asking me how it went. I told Joel and Connor I was so struck by Nate and Ben’s friendship as brothers. It was obvious that there is a mutual respect and deep relationship between them. I lectured my boys on the importance of taking care of each other, of not bickering and antagonizing, of treating each other well, of always having each others’ welfare in mind. How I hope that someday they will have a relationship like Nate & Ben do. And then their eyes glazed over. I thought they didn’t hear a word. But then as I readied this post today, Joel came in the room and saw the following pictures. He said, “That’s what you were talking about with Nate and Ben, ha?” Yup, that’s it.

There were so many details, so much attention given to their guests as the evening wore on. The planning was evident, the care was obvious. There was good food and laughter and conversation and memories shared. There were well-wishes and heartfelt prayers and hopes for a future.

And there lots and lots of small glances, lingering smiles, soft words spoken between a new husband and wife.

Ashley & Nate, may you live a long and happy life together, with wonderful memories lingering through it all.

October 7, 2011 - 6:49 pm

Kris - What a sweet and simple wedding…and beautiful photos! That cake looks amazing!

October 8, 2011 - 8:33 am

Jessica - Absolutely beautiful photos Betsy! You captured there wedding perfectly.

October 9, 2011 - 8:18 am

Shannon - Stunning.

October 10, 2011 - 7:54 am

Ashley - Betsy – These are amazing. We are so grateful that you were there to capture this day for us. Your work is exceptional! We couldn’t have asked for anything better. Thank you so much – for everything.

October 10, 2011 - 9:03 am

Jayme - What beautiful pictures! Looks like a gorgeous wedding :) Congrats to you both!!

October 15, 2011 - 5:10 pm

Nikki Criniti - Awww…..Ashley how beautiful, the pictures are wonderful and it looks like you had a magical day!! Congratulations!

(Wendy, Taylor & Brooke, you girls looked beautiful too!!!)

October 20, 2011 - 2:22 pm

Tecca Virkler - Betsy – You did a wonderful job with Nate & Ashley’s wedding. What a collection of pictures for the future!! Keep up the good work.

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