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!
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.
Love the guys' airplanes socks!!
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."
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."
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!
The toasts were filled with love and humor, many fun stories shared of this happy couple.
Epic Event Center definitely lived up to it's name with these fantastic cold-fireworks during the first dance. How amazing are they?!
I love the look on Ashely's mother's face while she watched the father-daughter dance. What a beautiful moment!
The dance floor quickly filled and stayed that way!
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