Sarah and Will had the most perfect spring day filled with so much joy, cultural traditions, and love. These two have hearts of gold and they’re surrounded by people who love their hearts just as much as I do.
I first met Sarah at Burn Boot Camp, but we figured out later how connected we were. We go to the same church, the same gym, and have a few mutual friends. After getting to know her for a few months, I see why her and Will go so well together. They’re both the kind of people who put everything they have into everything they do, love without expecting that love or service reciprocated.
These detail images were so much fun to capture. I’ve never taken detail shots for two different outfits from two different cultures, but I LOVED it. It was the perfect precursor for what was to come later in the day with two beautiful people, families, and cultures coming together.
This beautiful cross you see above is called a “minnu” or “thali”. It is the foremost symbol of the covenant of marriage among Christians in India. It is a leaf shaped pendant with a cross made of seven small beads in the center. This symbolizes the bond of marriage between husband and wife as a reflection of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church. During the ceremony, Will was able to follow tradition by tying the necklace around Sarah’s neck.
These girls were too much fun. We went from popping bottles of champagne to singing “They say my lip gloss is poppin’, My lip gloss is cool, All the boys keep jockin’, They chase me after school” at the top of our lungs.
Their reactions were PRICELESS!
The best “getting ready” outfit!
HOW THEY MET:
This incredible couple met in 2017 when will was baking cookies for open houses to grow his mortgage business and Sarah was finishing Occupational Therapy school. While will was at a coworkers house, he was introduced to Sarah who was working with their daughter. “He was taken aback by her compassion and kindness and decided to ask her out. when Will showed up to their first date in skater shorts Sarah wasn’t sure if he was ready for a relationship. Little did she know, she would soon come to love Will’s genuine authenticity (printed shorts and all)! In the meantime, she dodged his requests to go on a second date for about a month and a half until she finally caved. When they had their second first date, sparks flew and the rest has been history.”
Exactly three years later, Will decided to make Sarah his wife and asked for her hand in marriage at the same location as their first kiss.
Will’s reaction was absolutely priceless as he watched Sarah come down the aisle. The smile you see below is the one he had on his face the whole entire night.
There were so many incredible moments in this day that combined two cultures and a multitude of traditions. The tradition you see above is a Wedding Saree, also known as a Manthrakodi. The Manthrakodi (garment of prayers) is given as a gift to the bride from the groom and his family.
Toasts are never a dull moment and these toasts and speeches were no exception. Instead of having best man and maid of honor toasts, they had their parents do it instead. The highlight was Sarah’s mom singing a mashup of “Bye, Bye, Bye” by NSYNC.
Yet another highlight was this choreographed dance that Will’s mom, Will, Sarah, and Sarah’s Dad all performed together.
Sarah + Will, you did it! I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to capture your beautiful wedding day. I can’t imagine two people more perfect for one another. Your genuine hearts, kind souls, and one of a kind personalities are so inspiring and alluring. I can’t imagine your big day being any better than it was. You put God first, one another second, and everyone you love third and it shows in all you do.
I love y’all and I hope to see you soon!
xo,
Ashley
I wouldn’t have had the honor and privilege of capturing this beautiful day without these incredible vendors listed below!
VENDORS:
Venue | 48 Fields
Photographer | Ashley Paige Photography (me!)
Videographer | SVC Films
Event Planner | Pride in Planning
Catering | Spilled Milk Catering
Hair + Makeup | Bridal Glow
DJ + Entertainment | I76 Entertainment + Saminder
Transportation | Lake Manassas Limousine & Sedan
Rentals | Sammy’s Rentals
Lynsey + Matt are officially MARRIED! Last Friday, Lynsey and Matt made their vows before God, their family, and their friends at The Glen on Glenburn Farms nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was such an honor to photograph their wedding day and be a witness to their love for one another and the love for them from those around them.
I met Lynsey while attending college at Longwood University and I’m so glad our paths crossed. We were both studying to be Health and Physical Education teachers and I’m almost sad I didn’t know Lynsey better back then. Watching both Matt and Lynsey on their wedding day, it was very evident how loved they are and how hard they love the people around them. They are the kind of people who serve out of the kindness of their hearts without being served in return. They’re the couple that puts God first and everything else second.
THEIR STORY:
“Matt and I went to middle and high school together where we officially met. Although we went to school together we were not exactly friends. We both went to different colleges in different parts of the state after high school graduation. However, the summer after college we both had moved back to Franklin County, Virginia where our paths crossed. Ever since that summer day of 2017 we have been inseparable. The saying of “you always find someone when you’re least expecting it” could not be more true for us. We can thank God for that!”
This ceremony location was perfection. It was absolutely POURING before the ceremony, but the clouds parted, groomsmen wiped off the seats, and the beautiful bride walked down the aisle.
I love the “dog drinks” idea! I’d personally take “The June”!
Lynsey’s Dad and Grandfather actually worked together to build and stain this cross for their ceremony!
You know you’re well loved when you have fourteen bridesmaids who love you and wouldn’t second guess standing next to you on your big day.
Lynsey didn’t show her bridesmaids her dress before her big day. Needless to say, they were in shock and amazement of her beauty inside and out!
Matt chose his nephew Ethan to be his best man and it was the sweetest thing to witness. You can see how much Ethan loves, adores and looks up to Matt.
Well, I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million times over…Father and daughter first looks will always tug at my heartstrings. There’s nothing like a father’s love. I will always think of my dad and our first look while capturing these from here on out and will never hesitate to recommend other brides do it with their fathers. Check out my first look with my dad here.
This first touch was also one for the books as Lynsey and Matt stood back to back exchanging and reading letters from one another and praying before making their covenant of marriage.
We were all laughing a little bit when the ring bearer didn’t exactly want to take pictures. Matt, however, had a large smile on his face and simply said “I feel you, Buddy”.
I mean holy beautiful people…AND HOLY BRIDAL PARTY. I’m here for it!
The rain couldn’t keep us from portraits….and dare I say it made them even better!
Lynsey + Matt, you two are simply stunning together. I’m so glad God brought you two back together.
If it weren’t for the camera in my hand I would’ve been balling through all four of thees dances. Yes, I said four. Lynsey even did a dance with her grandfather!
Y’all, I’m in awe. I’ve been reflecting for a few days simply thinking about the honor and privilege it is to capture your love and commitment to one another and I honestly don’t know that I can put my gratitude into words.
I pray that your marriage continues to shine bright as you go into the world as Mr. and Mrs. O’Dell. I hope that you continue to feel the love and presence of all those that were in attendance on your wedding day. More importantly, you guys have more than what it takes to do marriage the right way and I pray you do just that.
Thank you for trusting me to capture your big day.
Love,
Ashley
A SPECIAL THANKS TO VENDORS:
Venue | The Glen on Glenburn Farms
Photographers | Ashley Paige Photography (me!)
Wedding Planner | Sharlene Hughes
Videography | Kristen Bryant
Catering | Adell’s Catering
Florist | Susanna Thornton with Thornfield Farm
DJ + Entertainment | Jerry Wimmer Trio Band
Desserts | Samantha Holden
Wedding Dress | Ashley Grace Bridal
Grooms Attire | Joseph A. Banks
Meet Maddie and Dylan! This Washington D.C. Spring Engagement was one for the books. This couple was the winner of the free engagement session giveaway at the beginning of this year. Many people would say they were the lucky ones, but I’d have to disagree. I was the lucky one for having the opportunity to capture this adorable couple in the Nation’s Capital. This session was absolutely perfect (after navigating Washington D.C. parking at the tail end of Cherry Blossom season) with an incredible spring day, an incredible couple, and an amazing location.
The view from the Lincoln Memorial will never get old. The only thing that makes it better is a couple posed in front of the view! Also, can we check out Maddie’s dress? Rent The Runway for the win!
Maddie + Dylan, I treasured our time together and wish you nothing but the best as you continue to grow in this season of engagement. Only a little over a year and you’ll be husband and wife. It goes by quickly, so soak in every moment you can! As you look back on these pictures and memories for years to come I hope you remember the joy, laughter, and love you share.
Cheers to the future Mr. and Mrs. Chandler!
Ashley
I’m writing this as I sit waiting patiently for photographs filled with love, joy, and laughter download to my computer. I’m trying to take a note out of the Bruno and Aelisha’s book as they’ve practically defined the word this past year. They handled every single obstacle thrown their way with such grace and ended up with a beautiful wedding day at The Woodlands at Algonkian. It didn’t matter whether it was the pandemic, cicadas, postponements, or the heat. These two wore a smile on their faces through it all and those smiles never disappeared as you’ll see below.
Bruno and Aelisha hold such a special place in my heart. As both of them are teachers, they naturally have kind hearts and gentle souls, but they go above and beyond to serve others and love hard on those around them. It is very apparent that I’m not the only one who notices. Their favorite people love Bruno and Aelisha just as much as they love their people.
This moment was absolutely precious to watch and capture. Originally, we hadn’t planned on doing a bridesmaid reveal, however, it seamlessly fell into place and worked out perfectly.
I’ve always loved any kind of first look, but I have to say that nothing beats a father-daughter one. It tugs at my heart strings every single time.
The dreadful heat brought out an abundance of cicadas to greet us every few seconds which made for entertaining portrait sessions. Let’s just say Bruno and Aelisha embraced it and my second shooter (Hannah Lewis) and me were professionals at flicking them off of people by the end of the night.
Bruno’s reaction was one of my favorites to date only because the mere loss of words for her beauty. It was equally sweet and hysterical as he looked at every single detail of her dress in astonishment.
I mean….COME ON! Holy beautiful. Needless to say, you’re both beautiful people and Bruno absolutely ROCKED this suit.
The dancing and singing was nonstop fun and the meshing of two cultures was incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to dance as much or witnessed so much dancing at a wedding! SO much fun! This little man below was CRUSHING it on the dance floor the entire night!
Your big day finally arrived! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Yupanqui! It was an absolute honor to capture your big day and witness all of the love, joy, fun, and pure happiness that transpired. I hope you’re soaking up all of the sun, fun, drinks, and married bliss in Mexico!
None of this day would’ve been possible without this group of incredible vendors:
Venue: The Woodlands at Algonkian
Photographer: Me! Ashley Paige Photography
Florals: Blooming Spaces
DJ/Entertainment: Lujan Entertainment
Bridal Attire: Isabella Grace Bridal
Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal
Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Honeybee Pastries
Catering: Great Blue Heron
Stationary: Minted
This was the PERFECT wedding to kick off wedding season for 2021! I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect vendor crew, second shooter, couple, or beautiful day. Enjoy scrolling through some highlights of Jessie and Lou’s wedding day!
Jessie + Lou,
I cannot express how happy I am for you two. We met a little over a month ago for your engagement session, yet I feel like I’ve known both of you for years. I cannot imagine two people more perfect for one another. Your hearts for Jesus and your love for people is undeniable. Their love for you is just as evident and it’s easy to see why. Your wedding day was an absolute pleasure to capture. I hope and pray that the joy you experienced on May 1st continues the remainder of your marriage and lives.
Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Chiccehitto!
Love,
Ashley
The Incredible Vendors:
Venue | Frieden Farms
Photographer | Ashley Paige Photography (me!!)
Second Shooter | Franzi Lee Photography
Videographer | Blake Anderson
Planner | Joy Orr
Caterer | Harvest Moon
Florist | Jan Yantz
DJ | DJ Repeatable
Dessert | Harvest Moon
Hair + Makeup | Island Glow
Officiant | Josh Griffin
This wedding was so special to me. I had the honor and pleasure of being invited as both a photographer and a guest to the celebration of Kayla and Kai. I must say, it was a difficult job to balance but one I LOVED and will always treasure. It’s so easy to love capturing the people you love most.
I’ve known Kayla and the rest of her family my entire life. She’s apart of our “Beach Gang” which consists of right around 50 family members and friends that I vacation with every single summer in Corolla, North Carolina. This crew makes every get-together a good time and Kayla and Kai’s big day was no exception.
Kayla and Kai decided to have their wedding ceremony and reception a few miles away from where they first met at Christopher Newport University. Historic Greenbrier Farms made for the cutest location. God most certainly blessed us with a beautiful fall day for their marriage and celebration the day before more COVID restrictions were put into place.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful historic farmhouse wedding of this sweet couple in addition to some of my favorite people as well! Here’s to you, Mr. and Mrs. Smith! I’m so happy for the both of you!
The Details
Getting Ready
First Looks + Reveals
How cute are they? Kayla and her Mother-In-Law had such a sweet first look. Claudia couldn’t even make it into the door without becoming teary.
The Ceremony
The Portraits
The Reception
This was such a special moment for these two. Kayla’s mom, Priss, is a Breast Cancer Survivor. When she was going through the thick of chemotherapy and radiation, her daughters would sing her one song to cheer her up. Well, as you can probably guess by now, Kayla surprised Priss by playing that song for her.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Smith! Your day was one that will never be forgotten!
Love, Ashley
Vendors:
Venue | Historic Greenbrier Farms
Photography | Ashley Paige Photography (Me!)
Wedding Coordinator | Brandy Schaeffer (Family Friend)
DJ/Entertainment | Endless Mic Entertainment
Cake/Donuts | Amazing Glazed
Catering | Mission BBQ
Bridesmaid Dresses | Lulus
Groomsmen Attire | Generation Tux
Rentals | Special Events Entertainment
This past May, I had the honor of capturing Kaleigh and Wesley’s intimate wedding ceremony in their neighbor’s backyard. While COVID-19 had disrupted their original plans, they didn’t let it inhibit them from making it official. This past Saturday, on Halloween, I had the pleasure of capturing them for a second time on their 10 YEAR DATING ANNIVERSARY! I can’t wait to share both of their days with you!
How They Met
Wesley and Kaleigh met when Wesley was a freshman and Kaleigh was a junior in high school. They initially connected over their mutual love of attending sporting events. Kaleigh “didn’t really notice Wesley” and it wasn’t until the following year that she realized that #81 was “kinda cute”. Kaleigh finally asked for his cell phone number and made their relationship official on October 31st, 2010.
How He Proposed
In December 2017, Kaleigh and Wesley went on their annual trip to see her dad in Florida. They hunted for crabs, had a bonfire on the beach, and enjoyed s’mores with her family. While sitting by the fire, Wesley pulled Kaleigh out of her chair by the fire, got down on a knee and popped the question! Kaleigh was shocked since Wesley had her convinced it wouldn’t be happening until she was finished with college, but Wesley had other plans and had already discussed it with her dad and sister.
It was so sweet to see a groom (now husband) helping his bride (now wife) getting ready together. It was equally hilarious to see Wesley trying to button up the back of her dress as shown below.
Due to COVID, Kaleigh’s dad was unable to make their wedding day so instead Kaleigh and her dad had a virtual first look. Why not do a second one in person? Kaleigh and her dad, Brett have such a special relationship; so much so that they both got matching “you are my sunshine” tattoos.
It’s evident that Brett values and loves his family with his whole heart. The most memorable part of their day was him coming up to me and asking if I could send him a picture that had both of his girls and grandchildren. He continued to explain to me that it would mean so much to him since “they’re his whole world”. MY HEART MELTED AND I TRIED KEEPING MY COOL.
Here’s a few photos of Wesley getting ready for their ceremony back in May with both of his parents.
The Ceremony
Their ceremony was absolutely perfect. They had their closest loved ones, one another, and a BEAUTIFUL day.
Bride + Groom Portraits
I was lucky enough to photograph the Kaleigh and Wesley not once, but twice! Here are a few portraits of them from this past weekend and this past spring. I honestly can’t decide between the two and which ones are my favorite!
The Reception
This reception included everything from line dancing to pumpkin painting to costume contest prizes! Oh, and I can’t forget the amazing pizza from The Upper Crust!
These two ended up winning the costume contest as they came dressed as Kaleigh and Wesley. They went so far as to bring stuffed animal dogs as well! As you can see, Kaleigh and Wesley dressed up as their high school selves!
Check out these adorable and delicious cookies by Farm Chick Baked Goods!
Kaleigh + Wesley,
You two will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being the first couple to trust me as your wedding photographer. It especially means a lot knowing how successful your marriage will be after seeing you guys grow together the last ten years.
Growing up with and attending all of grade school with Wesley was an experience to say the least! From kindergarten class, to beach trips (where he always managed to get severely sunburnt), to him writing “HAGS big ears” in my sixth grade yearbook (who knows), to watching him become a hardworking and supportive husband. I’ve been watching Wesley grow up for the last 25 years and I don’t think many would argue that Kaleigh is one of the best things to ever happened to him.
Kaleigh, you are beautiful, passionate, hardworking, hilarious, and successful at anything your heart desires to be successful at. I’ve loved getting to know you better the last couple years on and off the softball field! I look forward to potentially working with you and With Love Events in the future!
I love you guys!
Ashley
Vendors
Venue | The Frontier Culture Museum
Photography | (Me!) Ashley Paige Photography + My incredible best friend and second shooter Wildly Violet Photography
Caterer | Upper Crust Pizza Company
Event Planner | Boundless Love Events
Cookies | Farm Chick Baked Goods
Wedding Dress | New York Bride Raleigh
Signs + Decor | With Love,
This past Sunday I had the pleasure of capturing this joyous and intimate wedding day in Downtown Fredericksburg. Needless to say, it was an honor to capture their love. Apparently, these two were adamant they would “never marry another red head”. Well, they proved themselves wrong.
After their engagement session this past summer I knew this would be a wedding day I’d never forget. Chris and Jenny are the kind of people that you meet and instantly want to be friends with. They are kind-hearted, adventurous, loving, self-less, and simply fun to be around. I hope you enjoy looking at this day as much as I enjoyed capturing it!
This picture might look like a regular ring shot, but it’s actually THE SWEETEST note that Chris wrote for Jenny before their ceremony. He wanted it to be so perfect that he bought four different types of paper, three pens, and practiced his handwriting before the final draft above.
I’ve never met a cuter best friend duo than these two! Nina and Jenny met in college at Mary Washington University and have been inseparable ever since. Do you want to know the coolest part? Nina has been friends with Chris since they were in middle school and Nina’s husband (Brian) is Chris’s best friend.
This wasn’t your typical jacket “slip on”. Needless to say, we had a good laugh when Chris slipped on the wrong jacket that was about three sizes too big. Don’t worry, we didn’t let him walk down the aisle like that!
Isn’t she STUNNING? This venue was a dream, especially on an overcast day with the large windows and natural light. Fun fact: I’m going back here to find my wedding dress here in less than a month!
I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you about this amazing red rug in the picture to the left. Chris and Jenny were the THIRTIETH couple to get married on this rug. They follow behind many other family members including Jenny’s brother, parents, and great grandparents.
Moscow Mules were on tap with this incredible bicycle bar cart from The Watering Tin. On the right, you see another Storey family tradition for cutting cake. Stay tuned for that picture below!
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Payne!
I hope Jamaica is treating you well! Enjoy this time together, relax, and soak in every bit of calling one another “husband” and “wife”. When I look through your gallery I see complete and utter joy. It wasn’t just captured, it was felt. From the way Chris walked out of the ceremony stunned by how beautiful his wife was, to not being able to stop kissing one another during portraits, to the constant smile on both of your faces as you danced for the first time as husband and wife (with all of the incredible dips)! Thank you for making my job so enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what God does with you two!
#PaynesLoveStorey
Venue | Rendevouz at Ava Laurenne Bridal
Catering | A Taste of Elegance
Photography | Ashley Paige Photography (Me!)
Hair + Makeup | Sarah
Videographer | Compass Studios (Andrew)
Wedding Dress | Ava Laurenne Bridal
Bridal Shoes | Just Fab
This past Saturday I had the honor of photographing the best surprise proposal on Libby Hill in Richmond, VA. It’s always fun to be apart of capturing this moment for couples, but this one was extra special.
I met Erica when we were sophomores in college at Longwood University. Let’s just say we were inseparable the next four years as we finished our master’s degrees together. I was able to be there to watch her and Ari’s relationship develop and let’s just say it’s an incredible story. I’ll tell that one another time though!
Ari had been planning to pop the question for some time but between an original plan not working out, a pandemic, and wanting it to be extra special he wasn’t finding the right time. This was until Erica made the plan to have a picnic with pizza and ice cream on Libby Hill. It just so happened that she’d already invited my fiancé and I to join them.
Needless to say, she said yes! Despite all other things not going to plan for them that day, the proposal was a success! Ari simply said something to the effect of “Erica, this hasn’t been the easiest of days but I want to spend all of my days of my life with you regardless”.
I absolutely loved her reaction and I expected nothing less. There aren’t enough words to describe how happy I am for these two!
Still in shock Erica asks “Wait, DID YOU KNOW?!”
Ari then told her, “That’s why I wanted to wear a polo!”
Erica + Ari,
You guys deserve all the happiness in the world. You’re both kind, caring, loving, and incredible people and friends. I’m so blessed to have you both in my life and call you my friends.
I love you both!
The Colby Family has had a busy couple of months with a wedding, two birthdays in one day, and a newborn baby boy! I melted when I saw that he’d be in a customized firefighter outfit to match his Dad.
Etsy absolutely knocked it out of the park with this firefighter newborn outfit. Everything from the hat, to the suspenders, to the boots were perfect.
There’s nothing cuter than a baby’s bottom in general, but this took it to a whole new level.
Dressing up and playing in all of Dad’s “toys” was both fun and exhausting.
This little American flag scarf was the perfect addition to the session theme. It also helped that Alyssa is a professional swaddler! Apparently she was better at swaddling Walker in the hospital than some of the nurses!
I just love that Trevor’s jacket shows how tiny little Walker is.
Alyssa + Trevor, you are killing the newlywed and parenting game. Your new baby boy already adores you and I can’t wait to watch him grow into an incredible young man. Also very fitting that the Washington Nationals hat made an appearance on Opening Day!
Trevor, thank you for taking on such a courageous job and providing those of us in Loudoun County area with peace of mind. Thank you both for allowing me to capture such a special time in your lives! Keep spoiling your little one and please be sure to contact me when a year has passed and it’s time for this little one to smash some cake!
Love,
Ashley
