FELLS POINT WEDDING | SAYING I DO | PERSONAL | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

maryland-wedding-photographer_0342 Looking back at my last blog post, I realize that I haven’t updated since June. It’s hard to admit that as someone who once blogged three times a week, almost religiously. I had high hopes of writing up a wedding planning segment, something Dave had planned to get involved in and was excited about. It’s easy to make excuses, but the truth is.. it was difficult planning a wedding and executing services for other brides.. more difficult than I ever imagined.

So, my blog got put on a secondary list of things to do. You know what?

That’s ok.

As much as I could beat myself up for not giving you guys the inside scoop of all the beautiful weddings I’ve shot over the past few months, I know that I was fully present in my own experience and that is something I won’t regret. On the upside, I have tons of events to share with you over the weeks to come and a few from our own big day to share today! I was lucky to marry my college sweetheart on the 10th of September, and even luckier that Lauren Fair provided us this teaser gallery so that we could instantly relive the affair!

AND because I will no doubt be sharing more in the weeks to come as we receive all of our wedding images and our film from Sugar Peach Productions, I will simply share a small excerpt from my journal about the moments leading to the first look..

“I was so nervous. The anxiety had built up so much all day and as Lauren and Courtney arrived, as the last touches to my make-up were made, the flowers were delivered… It all became real. The whole day was an entire blur, but what I remember about getting dressed was how urgent it felt to do so. Despite not working, my photographer wheels kept turning. There was a ticking timer in my head reminding me to check the clock, to be on time, to be the perfect bride. It was only 2:30 and I think my mind was physically exhausted. I remember taking in deep, deep breaths and thinking in my head “you’ll feel better when you see him..”

We boarded the trolley and sitting down made it harder to breathe. Not in a tight dress way, in a oh-crap-this-is-about-to-go-down kinda way. I don’t remember saying much to anyone on the short commute to Canton Waterfront Park, but I remember searching for Dave as we passed by looking for a place to park our transport. I couldn’t see him but I did see Bob, a groomsmen, approaching us. He was there to help me with my dress on the walk over, and he did. Half way there, as the heat began to take effect, I began to slip around in my Kate Spade wedges. I struggled to keep up with the quick pace I wanted to execute and so I stopped, removed my shoes, and Bob took those from me as well. The pavement was hot but I was able to move as quickly as I wanted and in that moment, I could not get to Dave fast enough.

When we turned the corner in the row of planted trees, I could see a blue speck surrounded by other specks with their faces covered. It wasn’t that long of a walk, but they seemed so far away. Halfway up the path, a lump rose in my throat and I choked back the first few tears. I would not be so lucky to hold back those that followed. I know I hesitated when I raised my hand to touch him out of fear I would completely fall apart. I tapped his shoulder, made an awkward chuckle, and Dave met me with his bright smile and big, blue eyes. I was crying, but we both laughed. I could feel him shaking when I hugged him and I realized he was probably just as nervous as me, but however nervous we were, at least we were together.”
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I can’t wait to share more from our “best day ever” and I’m so grateful to all the folks who made it happen. You can check the FULL list of vendors out, below! I’ll see you back here in a few days for Workflow Wednesday.

-Ash

Photography | Lauren Fair Photography

Videography | Sugar Peach Productions

Florals | Ginger & Blooms

Paper & Signage | EAlexDesigns

DJ | Party Time DJ Services

Ceremony | Henderson’s Wharf Marina

Reception | Admiral Fell Inn

HMUA | Caitlyn Meyer

Bridesmaids Tops | Charm Performance

Bridesmaids Skirts | Reathua

Flower Girl | Monbebe Lagos