Kelsey & Jonathan
Summer Chapel Wedding

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing Kelsey and Jonathan’s wedding at Ashton Gardens. And I know I say this all the time, but wow oh wow I am obsessed with this couple. I knew I loved them when at their engagement session they were down to buy popsicles from a janky ice cream truck and their tongues turned bright red for the rest of their photos.

This wedding was what dreams are made of. From their incredible wedding party (hats off to y’all and some of the best toasts I’ve ever heard) to their sweet family to the absolutely gorgeous wedding day weather. It was a perfect day.

Getting Ready

The day started off at a hotel down the street with last minute finishing touches. Kelsey gave Jonathan a journal that she had been writing in with all the things she loved about him. No joke, I ordered a journal the next day to write in for my partner to give on our wedding day. It was just such a sweet and intimate gift and such an incredible way to look back on their relationship. So thanks Kelsey, I’m gonna be wifey of the year one day thanks to you!!!

We then headed over to the venue, a gorgeous venue tucked amongst the trees and hidden from the hustle and bustle of downton Denton. I love how isolated it felt despite being right next to the highway. You literally get the best of both worlds with this venue.

Kelsey finished up getting dressed, her mom helped her into her dress and her dad put some special lucky coins in her shoes.

The First Look Outside Ashton Gardens Chapel

Jonathan and Kelsey chose to have a first look. The decision to have a first look is totally a personal one, but if I was getting married tomorrow I would definitely choose to have one. It just takes away so much of your pre-wedding nerves and anxiety. Their first look was held right outside the chapel at Ashton Gardens, quiet, private, perfect. It was such a sweet and emotional first look. Didn’t help that I was playing Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran!!!!!!

Once the tears were dried, we started our first portrait session of the day. (Another huuuuge benefit of a first look! Couples get even more time with me!! ;))

Ceremony Time

Kelsey and Jonathan’s ceremony was short and sweet and officiated by one of their family friends. I loved him immediately when he threw up the hook ’em sign at an all Aggie wedding, bold! Now Dr. and Mrs. Brewer (!!) made their way down the aisle and went where seldom bride and grooms ever go. Doing a dip kiss!! It is bold, it is difficult, and they absolutely smashed it. They were such pros, the dip kiss made an appearance 4(!) times throughout the wedding day.

Sunset Portraits Around Ashton Gardens

After the ceremony, the marriage license signing, and a big wedding party cheers, we had another quick sunset portrait session. I love having two different portrait sessions throughout the day. 1. It’s great for lighting. And 2. It’s a great way to tell the story of the day. From fiance’s to newlyweds, the emotion and energy is always so different! Jonathan gave me the biggest compliment a girl could want- saying I should be their designated hype man. I could’ve cried of happiness.

Party Time!!

Now it was time to party! After a grand entrance on the gorgeous staircase, the couple had their first dance and then ate a much deserved dinner. Once we were fed and re-energized it was time for some of the best toasts I’ve ever had. The maid of honor didn’t even have anything written down!! As a future maid of honor next October, I was taking notes. And then the dance floor was open and this crowd turned up. It was so apparent how celebrated and loved Kelsey and Jonathan are. After dancing, it was time for send off. Kelsey’s mom had surprised the newlyweds with an antique car as their getaway vehicle. Much like their entire wedding day, it was epic.

To Kelsey and Jonathan,

Thank you so much for having me be a part of your special day. I know there was a lot of planning and changes to make it happen. It was truly an honor to be there for y’all. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I can’t wait to see what’s next for y’all (and Winston!)

Big big hugs

-Leah

Ashton Gardens Vendor Team

Venue: Ashton Gardens

Flowers: Market Street

Hair and Makeup: Jenna Thomas Beauty

Videographer: Daniel K Films

Cake: C Marie Sweets

DJ: Mike Munoz