102619-334 The overcast skies made for some beautiful lighting for the bridal party portraits at in the Czech Village.  When we arrived, the bridal party shared a champagne toast.  A nice kick off to some fun portraits! 102619-344 102619-346 102619-352 102619-353 I have to say, it was a chilly day.  A huge shoutout to the bridesmaids for being AMAZING and toughing out the cold like champs.  I tried my best to make it quick for them. 102619-355 102619-361 102619-376 102619-389 102619-394 Love the guys' airplanes socks!! 102619-404 When asked about their first date Ashley shared, "I was with friends tubing down the river up by Elkader, but knew I just had to get back to Cedar Rapids for this date he asked me on! I drove an hour back home got ready and he picked me up at my house. It was Saturday July 29th. We sat on the outdoor patio at Black Sheep and it felt like we were the only ones there, we enjoyed moscow mules, a lovely dinner and excellent conversation for nearly 3 hours! Time flies when you enjoy the company." 102619-414 102619-425 When asked when they knew this was the one, they shared, "For Ashley, I knew during that first date at Black Sheep, something completely clicked for me there and it was nothing I had ever felt before but always dreamed of. For Clayton, it was when I surprised him with a trip and tickets to Dallas to see the Dallas Cowboys play in their home stadium, it was also our first trip together." 102619-450 102619-453 102619-457 102619-461 Ashley wore Clayton's mother's pearl bracelet and her bouquet was wrapped with fabric from her mother's wedding dress.  What a beautiful way to tie both mothers into the wedding day! 102619-462 102619-468 102619-510 102619-519 We stopped at Black Sheep in Cedar Rapids on the way to the reception.  It was a perfect stop for these two, as they shared their first date there years before. 102619-523 102619-530 102619-531 102619-533 102619-547 Their guest favors were custom lip balms that were wedding cake flavored.  How fun!  The design was a boarding pass, tying into their theme of world adventure. 102619-565 102619-569 The evening light in the overcast sky was lovely when they arrived to the reception, so we stole away for a few minutes before they were announced for some formal portraits at the beautiful Epic Event Center. 102619-572 102619-575 102619-581 102619-597 102619-602 102619-608 102619-629 102619-644 Just as Clayton and Ashley were about to sit down and eat, I peeked outside and the sunset was GORGEOUS!  The clouds broke and golden light was filling the sky.  Thankfully, they were up for a quick series of photos outside, seriously these amazing images took about 5 minutes, but I am so happy we were able to take advantage of the gorgeous evening!! 102619-650 102619-652 102619-674 102619-678 102619-694 The toasts were filled with love and humor, many fun stories shared of this happy couple. 102619-700 102619-713 Epic Event Center definitely lived up to it's name with these fantastic cold-fireworks during the first dance.  How amazing are they?! 102619-716 102619-726 102619-738 102619-748 102619-758 I love the look on Ashely's mother's face while she watched the father-daughter dance.  What a beautiful moment! 102619-760 102619-764 102619-767 102619-787 102619-818 The dance floor quickly filled and stayed that way! 102619-827 102619-833 102619-836 102619-844 102619-850 I am so honored to have been chosen to capture Ashley and Clayton's gorgeous wedding day!  It was an absolute pleasure working with and getting to know them.  Clayton and Ashley, thank you so much for allowing us to capture your wedding and congratulations to you both as you begin your married lives!!

VENDORS:
Ceremony: All Saints Church
Reception: Epic Event Center
Dress: Diamond Bridal
Bridesmaids: David's Bridal
Mensware: Men's Warehouse
Florist: Roots in Bloom
Invitations: Shutterfly
Cake: Take the Cake
Caterer: Ruzicka's
Videographer: NEPO Productions
Limo: Diamond Limousine
DJ: DJ Go Time