Wedding Reception Celebration in Staunton, Virginia | Kaleigh + Wesley
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,
