Ashlee and Jack’s wedding day has been on my radar for quite sometime! When Ashlee reached out to me initially, we hit it off almost instantly. The majority of our phone calls usually lasted 30-45 minutes and were mostly catching up on life and sarcastically making comments about anything and everything. Our personalities just meshed well. Plus the way in which Ashlee and Jack met is such a fun story. She told me the amazing story of how she and Jack were blindly set up. Ashlee’s co-worker kept telling her she should go out on a date with her son. Ashlee was in NO WAY interested in this since she loved her co-worker and didn’t want anything to mess up that relationship. Plus the idea of a blind date wasn’t really her thing. So the co-worker (spoiler alert: Jack’s mom), slipped Ashlee’s number to Jack and put the ball in his court on if he wanted to reach out to her or not. Well, Jack went for the shot, and texted Ashlee introducing himself (“In Perfect Grammar”, Ashlee added) and they started to get to know one another. And the rest is history! I also have to mention they got married on the single best day according to my FAVORITE wedding song EVER! And if you follow me at all…You know the song! “Do you remember? The 21st Night of September?!” All of these incredible reasons I was already looking forward to capturing Ashlee and Jack’s special day! Now here we are on their wedding day! Which was absolutely stunning might I add! Ashlee and Jack are two of the most genuine and selfless people I’ve met and they blended their two families together beautifully, which was evident on their big day.

The couple planned to both get ready on the lovely Paul’s Paradise property, however separately before they did their first look. The girls, Ashlee and her two daughters, Kaya and Avery, got their hair and makeup done in the upstairs of the reception venue in the morning. Jack and his son, Jakson, relaxed in the groom’s room a few buildings down. Right before portrait time and just before Ashlee was supposed to step into her gown, we were told the rain storms which were in the forecast for the next day, apparently arrived 24 hours in advance and were about to begin in 30 minutes! Well, that wasn’t on my radar! I was trying to figure out all the scenarios in my head. Should we try and get dressed early and get outside and beat the rain? Should we prepare to do the first look AND portraits inside? If the ceremony is inside, where is the best spot to do it? All the things were running in my head! Want to know who calmed MY nerves? Ashlee! She said, “We will let this blow through, then do what portraits we can outside or we will do them all after the ceremony! But we are doing the ceremony outside!” I’m pretty sure the phone call over to Jack helped my bride ease her anxiety, but I’ll take it any day! Even though we were a little behind in our timeline, we still continued on with this gorgeous bride putting on her dress and she was literally a show stopper! Ashlee has a Hollywood glam style, which she even had on display during her and Jack’s engagement session. Then we headed outside, finally when the rain cleared, for Ashlee and Jack’s first look. They were both a little nervous, but ready to be able to see one another. You couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces if you tried once he turned around! The easy and deep love this pair shares is a special one and it was wonderful to witness on their wedding day! They were joined by their kids, who were their bridal party, for photos before guests began arriving. The girls were dressed in sage green dresses and Jakson matched his dad in a navy suit. The flowers throughout the day were spectacular! So many colors and textures that popped right off the backdrop!

Before we knew it the ceremony was upon us and it was time to get this delightful couple married! Jack waited for his bride under the pergola outside of the back of Paul’s Paradise where a magnificent floral archway was centered and where the sun popped out just perfectly timed for the nuptials. Ashlee made her way down the aisle with her father arm in arm. He fought back tears a lot during the day, which was so sweet, and I could tell he and Ashlee have a special bond. Ashlee and Jack took their time sharing their vows with each other, exchanging rings, and kissed to seal the deal! After how quickly the rain had come through, we decided to stay on the concrete for a few more bridal party photos as well as some extra “Just Married” photos! And with the fantastic floral archway right there…I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use it for a little longer! And I’m slightly OBSESSED with these photos! Well done with the florals, Flourish Floral Company! Ashlee and Jack kicked off the party by heading into their reception surrounded by loved ones. Ashlee’s mom and dad gave a lovely speech and a prayer to open up the reception. This was filled with emotions and laughter. They were welcomed as well by meaningful toasts by Kaya and Avery, who expressed their love for their hard working single mom and how happy they were to have Jack officially in their family. A sentiment clearly moving to just about everyone in the room, including Jack. Followed by Jack’s father, with a touching toast to his son and his new wife. Before the band got going and the dancing commenced, however, I stole the newlyweds for sunset photos, since it did peek out after the rain! The quiet time for Ashlee and Jack to take in a few moments as husband and wife looked amazing on them! They were laughing and smiling with some of the biggest and happiest grins I saw from them all day! These memories with these two were really pretty magical! When we headed back to the reception, the couple danced their first dance before they took a spin with their respective parent. Ashlee with her step-dad and Jack with his mom. Then they were off to dancing the night away as the 10-piece band got underway, of course kicking it off with “September” to celebrate!! Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Griffin!

Warm Regards,

Venue: Paul’s Paradise

Wedding Coordinator: Rebecca Fulk / Buttercup Celebrations

Florist: Flourish Flower Company

Band: Louis Pettinelli Entertainment

Makeup Artist: Ashly Heiple

Hair Stylist: Liza Purnell

Catering: Luminary Kitchen & Provisions

Bride’s Dress: Girls in White Satin

Bridesmaids Dresses: Girls in White Satin

Invitations: The Paper Boutique