Saturday, September 3, 2011

My Wedding: Before the Ceremony

No matter how many weeks, months, or years you've spent planning each and every detail of your wedding, there are so many things that remain out of your control- traffic, weather, other people, etc. I had made a decision early on in my wedding planning that no matter what happened on my wedding day, I would remain calm, happy, and peaceful so that I could enjoy every minute of the day. Yes, I could have stressed out that it was raining the entire day of my wedding with no signs of clearing up, but I just chose to smile and believe that everything happens for a reason. I really felt bad because my entire wedding party was in a state of panic about the rain because I was genuinely not concerned about the rain. I just knew that it was going to clear up. I just felt like everything was going to be perfect.

15 minutes before the ceremony began, I saw this through the window. 

The weather had cleared up, and it was PERFECT. Not only had the rain stopped, but it had dropped the sizzling Florida heat to a more manageable level and cleared all of the footprints from the sand.

Gorgeous, right?

My beautiful bouquet

Closeup of my bouquet


In my family, it's traditional for the bride to carry the family Bible down the aisle along with the bouquet. My grandfather brought this Bible from Jerusalem for my mother, and it's now been passed on to me. I think it's so beautiful, and I can't wait to pass it down to my daughter.


My beautiful bridesmaids, me, and my gorgeous mom!


Let me tell you, this girl- my GORGEOUS cousin Michelle- was my rock the entire week of the wedding. She helped me finish so many last-minute tasks and kept me calm and smiling the whole week! I love her so much, and I wish she didn't live so far away in Canada. Be on the lookout for Michelle's new blog! She's a fashion/beauty/shopping genius, so I'll be sure to post a link as soon as it's up and running :)

My mom helping me with the final touches!

Finally ready to get married!

All of the photography featured above is from the lovely Emily at Emily E Martin Photography. If you're planning a Florida wedding, I cannot recommend her services highly enough. Be sure to check out her website (Ryan and I are the first picture!), blog, and Facebook for more information. I can't wait to share the rest of my wedding day with you all! Let me know what you're interested in seeing- ceremony, reception, and details? 








24 comments:

  1. Wow, you looked stunning. I'd be interested in seeing the other pictures for sure.

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  2. you are such a stunning bride! These photos are beautiful and I'm in love with your bouquet! Congratulations!

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  3. Gorgeous! I love looking a wedding pictures!

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  4. Oh my goodness you make such a beautiful bride! So happy for you, all the best! xx

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  5. Omg you look absolutely beautiful!!

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  6. congratulations! You look absolutely stunning! xx Could you follow my blog? www.thekeytoconstantia.blogspot.com

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  7. Congrats!!! Yoiu look beautiful :))) I am a new follower of your blog. Would love if you come by the-wardrobe-stylist.blogspot.com :)

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  8. So lucky the weather cooperated! Good for you for remaining calm! You look GORGEOUS! And I love love love your bouquet!

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  9. Congratulations, you looked beautifulllll !!! xx

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  10. you are such a beautiful bride and your dress is wonderful! :)

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  11. Wow beautiful pictures! I LOVE that bible, it is gorgeous! And such a special story to go with it!

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  12. Aww you look gorgeous! I love the flowers and I hope you'll post more pictures soon!! I'm a Florida girl and Im super curious where in Florida you guys decided to tie the knot?

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  13. Gorgeous, I really love your dress. Congratulations again and bless you both.

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  14. Congrats!!!! You look so, so beautiful!! I love your bouquet and the dress you picked. So stunning!

    I just became your newest follower! I would love for you to check out our blog & follow us back if you'd like.

    Also, enter our giveaway for a Tiffany & Co. necklace!

    Blessings,

    Kat
    www.maryanddyer.blogspot.com

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  15. Stunning photos and what a great location! I hope your big day was all you wished for!

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  16. i love it all.
    the colour of the bridesmaid dresses, the bouquet, the venue!
    amazing!!!
    :)
    xx

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  17. Hi Ashley! I'm new to your blog, and I am already LOVING it!

    You were a GORGEOUS bride, with a BEAUTIFUL dress, in an AMAZING setting! Love seeing this peek into your very special day.

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  18. Simply gorgeous, Ashley! Can't wait to see more pictures finally!!!

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  19. wow wow i have to say you are absolutely stunning!! love the detail on your dress and your bouquet is gorgeous.

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  20. You are absolutely gorgeous! I loved all the details of your wedding!

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  21. Beautiful!!! You look so lovely and everything looks perfect...so happy for you!

    Many Best Wishes!

    Linda
    beachside cottage

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  22. How beautiful you look, Ashley. Congratulations! Marriage is a wonderful thing! Nice having lunch with you yesterday at the Girls Summit.

    Lori
    WellConnectedMom.com

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