Prepare to feast your eyes on the most glamorous, yet undeniably fun wedding’s ever! Ashley and Ross, you guys nailed it with every aspect of keeping sophistication without forgetting how much fun a wedding can possibly be, and we LOVE you for it! The entire day was an adventure that was so exciting being a part of! Your radiating joy made it so delightful for us, and it was obvious to see why your guest list was filled with so many smiling faces!
As some of you might have known the Hotel Utica has been recently updated, so now the suites are fully equipped with a personal gym. Why am I mentioning that you might ask…well Ashley and bridesmaids decided that if it’s there they might as well take advantage of it…for a hilarious photo opp! This was only the start of my morning when they decided to hop on the elliptical, curling rack and do some lunges, they were all cracking up, and cracking me up too, I knew I was in for a crazy fun day! Meanwhile, in the lobby, Ross and groomsmen were making sure everything was all set and ready to go, including the final touches to their suits, initial cufflinks and a tie clip inspired by Ross’s very favorite show Star Trek. He was so excited all morning, some might even say he was “beaming”…get it?!
Things got even more exciting when it came time for Ashley and Ross’s first look! It’s so special to us to capture the first time the groom see’s his bride for the first time, and we love first looks because it gives the intimacy for lots of hugs and kisses without a crowd! It was so sweet to see Ashley and Ross share such a special moment! Ross was so swept up in love, that he couldn’t help but kiss Ashley then quickly followed it with an “ uh oh was I supposed to kiss you?!” Sometimes nontraditional can be awesome! After the first look, we had ton’s of time for photos, and even had time to take advantage of the downtown festive happening in the alley next to the hotel! The crowd of Utican’s made for a fun twist to their portrait session, and Ashley even stopped to write a little love note in the alley with chalk!
The ceremony took place in the grand lobby of the hotel, and I would be lying if I said it did not look like something straight out of a dream! The golden sun was lighting up the giant pillars and shining through the hanging drapery as Ashley and Ross said their vows and exchanged rings. Sealing their “I do’s” with a kiss and then it was officially party time! Everyone moved up to the mezzanine for the cocktail hour and then from their filtered into the ballroom one more floor up. Waiting in the ballroom was a huge dessert table (calling my name,) and the band Last Left! Everyone, including me, was eager to get out on the floor, but first, we all enjoyed some of the best speeches to date, one even sung to the newlyweds! Then right after dinner, the heels came off and the dancing shoes went on! It was definitely a crowd who knows how to party!
Congratulations Ashley and Ross! We loved being able to capture such a special day and are sending lots of love for your new chapter together!
