Brittany Dawson Photography...BLOG: January 2009

You rarely hear of a couple who had their first "date" before they even entered the walls of their high school. Or who had their first kiss in the back row of a tiny 1 screen theater. 10 years guys, and they finally made it down the isle. These two are very special to so many people. They say that when you grow up in a small town, those people who touched your lives so long ago and helped you become the person you are, never leave your side. And those were the same people standing by Ashley and Matt's side and looking on from the audience. There's nothing like coming home to a small town wedding. No, not a small wedding, just small town. (And it's even better that it was my small town and my wonderful friends). To be surrounded by the people that you grew up with, the people that know you the best, and the people that have helped shape my life and the bride and groom's, their is nothing like it. I think this is what Ashley and Matt were feeling on their wedding day -- because I know I was.

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure to watch my friends marry each others soul mate. I have been great friends with these two for so many years, and I feel truly blessed to have been able to capture their day. The love that Ashley and Matt share for each other is truly remarkable. Ashley was glowing, Matt was ecstatic, but both were extremely calm. Like the words that were spoken the night before at the rehearsal dinner, all they were doing was finally making it official.

We toasted to two beautiful lives joining as one, we shared in the largest Grand March ever, and we danced the night away. (well they all did...I danced around while flashing as many pictures as I could. By the end of the night I really thought I was going to loose a foot or two, and by the next morning I was pretty sure I had been hit by a bus-- yes-- it was THAT good of a party)!

Thank you to the Speckels' and the Virnau's for a wonderful two days and for letting me be a part!
To Ashley and Matt, I love you both and couldn't be more happy for the two of you. Have fun on the Riviera Maya and come home safely.

And let's not forget the wonderful Bethany of 36th Street Events, and her team for making the day run smoothly and transforming Ellinger Hall into a beautiful fairly tale.
Also thanks to Ilios Lighting Design for the killer lights
Adam Garner of Trigger Studios for his mad video skills
and Sandy Polasek of Precious Petals Florist for her wonderful flowers (979.968.6138)

Enjoy!

The handsome Groom