CRAIK-PATTON HOUSE WEDDING | SUMMER & CHRISTIE | EAST COAST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Summer and Christie reached out to me about their wedding after Summer attended one of our workshops earlier in the year. Having moved from West Virginia to Maryland, we had our first consult via Skype. The two told me all about their plans, the intimacy of the occasion, what they hoped to accomplish, and what I could expect. It was a fun little meeting, and we would grow even closer through in-person consults closer to their wedding. Summer, being a photographer, had so many great ideas for me. The couple was definitely very detail oriented (as you will see!).

The day of their wedding was not ideal. We woke up to a gloomy, rainy, cool day. The wedding was to take place in a pretty little garden behind the Craik-Patton House in Charleston, WV. There would be string lights, freshly manicured shrubbery, vintage lamps placed about, and lots of Kate Spade inspired decor. Summer and Christie went into Plan B mode. They set up the reception in the downstairs parlor of the hisotric home, including an extravaggant dessert bar that I STILL can’t even believe. I packed the umbrellas, gave everyone a pep talk, and we arrived a little early to try and compensate for a creative day.

As we pulled in, the girls were finishing up. Once dressed, we set out for their first look. The water swished under my tires as we drove to the WV State Capitol, knowing we could use an overhang or the inside as a safe, dry place. Time was of the essence and I think we were all worried about how the weather would effect everything we’d planned. I pulled in, Christie in the back of my car, and we both saw the sun. The whole mood of the day switched to giddy and from there-the laughter ensued. The clouds parted, beautiful rays were shining through the trees, and we had two beauitful brides who could NOT wait to see one another.

The night went on without a hitch. The girls were able to have their garden wedding, guests watching from a covered porch. Surrounded by their guests, they were subject to heart-felt speeches and lots of sugar spells! At the end of the night, the gals stepped outside for their first dance and then exited under sparklers. It. was. magical.

Summer & Christie,

I could not have been more honored to spend this day with you. It was so great getting to know you both and watching you share your vows together. Definitely one of my favorite weddings to date! May the future be bright, sparkly, and full of love for you both. <3

– Ash

Photography | Ashton Kelley Photography

Venue | Craik-Patton House

Flowers | Young Floral Co.

Dresses | David’s Bridal

Bridesmaids | Dress Barn

Baked Goods | Sugar Pie Bakery & Sarah’s Bakery

Bride’s Jewelry & Vintage Cameras | Stray Dog Antiques

Macaron Ring Boxes | Urban Outfitters

Bridal Hair | Denisa Dagostine of Hair Peace

Bridesmaid’s hair | Courtney Elswick-Parra of Envy Salon

MUA | Megan Barker