Ashley was applying one last coating of hairspray when I arrived at the Westin downtown to begin photographing her wedding day.
Her mom and sister were there in the hotel room as well to help Ashley with her preparations.
Gorgeous! After checking to make sure her veil was secure, Ashley was ready to go.
…but not before giving her mom and niece a hug.
And then we were out the door and ‘Going Mobile’ ourselves…
…on our way to meet Patrick, who was getting ready with his groomsmen.
We had planned on doing Ashley and Patrick’s first meeting outdoors, but the day started off rainy, and so they had their first meeting indoors.
Rain or shine, inside or out, made no difference to Ashley and Patrick. They were focused on each other and ready to begin their life together as a married couple.
The rain subsided, and we headed out about town to take some pre-ceremony pictures. Our first stop was one of my favorite graffiti walls.
Such a happy couple!
Ashley showed off her garter and blue shoes just above the anxious blue guy.
Patrick was a perfect groom, helping his bride off of the ledge.
I was happy that the rain was letting up so Ashley and Patrick could exercise their modeling skills.
Look at those smiles…
Uh-oh! Ashley couldn’t help herself while we were posing in front of the luchador!
The rain began to sprinkle down again, but we weren’t deterred. I broke out the handy dandy umbrella and we made our way to the river.
That umbrella had a mind of it’s own!
So we took cover under a nearby overpass.
It gave me a chance to take some photographs of the lovely Ashley’s bridal look.
She looked amazing in her Vera Wang gown.
And I made sure to get a few shots of dapper Patrick as well.
Our shoot with the bride and groom wrapped up just as the rain stopped falling.
And we met up with the bridal party for some group shots.
Ashley’s sister is so supportive.
I love shooting couples on top of the railing, and these two weren’t shy about getting up there.
We had a great pre-wedding photo session, but it was time to get over to Fulton’s on the River to begin the ceremony.
Fulton’s outdoor patio was a little soggy…
…so Ashley and her father made their walk down the aisle inside the restaurant.
Ashley’s dad gave his daughter a big kiss before giving her away.
Ashley and Patrick took each other’s hands and the ceremony began.
Ashley’s mom was in the front row, beaming with happiness.
Patrick gave his marriage vow to Ashley…
…and then he put his ring on her finger.
Ashley’s sister, who was also the Maid of Honor, was right by the bride’s side.
After they both exchanged vows and rings, a ribbon was wrapped around their hands to symbolize their new union.
Congratulations!
That rings looks great on Ashley’s finger, doesn’t it? Like it was always meant to be there.
Immediately after the ceremony, guests were treated to cocktail hour, hosted by Fulton’s.
Ashley’s dad and sister shared a drink and a laugh on the patio.
This young partygoer had the best seat in the house.
Patrick’s mom was having a blast visiting with friends and family.
Bottoms up, everyone!
Ashley’s dad was dying to show me this guest’s place card. I’m just glad to see that I’m not the only one with that middle name.
A shot of Fulton’s from the bridge.
Ashley and Patrick met at Millikin University, which is in the city of Decatur, IL. They had this old bottle crate on hand to collect cards.
I was in love with Ashley’s bouquet, which was designed by the team at Dilly Lily.
Bridal party shoes!
This magnificent pink beauty was baked at Bleeding Heart Bakery.
The newlyweds gave their guests mix CD’s of their favorite songs for party favors.
After cocktail hour was finished, the guests grabbed their seats and the couple made their big entrance.
They cut the cake…
… and then their dads took to the mic for speeches.
Patrick’s Best Man took the mic after the dads to give his toast.
Then Ashley’s sister gave her Maid of Honor speech.
With speeches wrapped up, Ashley shared and her father shared a dance.
Ashley’s sister and mom watched as the two danced.
Then it was party time! These guys were ready to do it to it.
Good thing Amanda from Toast & Jam was there to supply the soundtrack for the evening.
Patrick’s mom and dad, enjoying their time on the dance floor.
And the bride and groom cut a few rugs, too.
She knows how to work for the camera!
The party was in full swing and raging!
There’s a picture of a young Jeremy Lawson doing this exact thing somewhere…
Check out the combo ball jar/wine glass. So cool!
The evening’s dance-off winner…
I wrapped up my part of the day by taking this shot of the rings, which were placed in a heart made of ribbon from a cassette tape.
Your wedding was a blast, Ashley and Patrick. Congratulations on your marriage!