When I arrived at the home where the girls were getting ready it was like walking into a British tea room. Classical music was softly playing, coffee and tea was served in a silver tea set (that I was told was used to serve Michelle Obama herself) and delicate floral china and women were bustling in and out with mascara wands and blush brushes. On this morning, I discovered a new Southern wedding tradition called the Sip and See. Once final touches on Ashley's makeup and hair were made, sisters, friends, grandmothers, and mothers gathered in the sitting room, champagne flute, tea cup, and coffee mug in hand to see the dress and remind the bride how loved and cherished she is. The morning was altogether relaxed and sweet. It was a welcome alternative to how most wedding mornings go, and I would highly suggest any bride working this into her schedule.

The rest of the day played out wonderfully, although not without it's own unique hiccups. We were visited by the Fire Department when an old stove in the Borden Building spewed some smoke forth (nothing was damaged and nothing actually caught fire), but we were able to snag a picture with the great red truck because I am a firm believer of imperfections being documented and celebrated.

I loved the creative ways that Ashley and Will infused themselves into their wedding, and as a fellow fantasy fiction guru, I greatly appreciated the wedding music selection which included themes from Lord of the Rings and the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter as the reception's seating arrangement sign. It was a beautifully celebrated day, and I was so thankful to have been able to capture it! Congratulations Ashley and Will!

Vendors:

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Borden Building

Hair/Makeup Artist: Tiffany Mentrak

Dress Designer: Impression Bridal

Caterer: AV Gourmet

Musician: Matthew Kanon, Classical Guitarist

Florist: Flowers by Design

Cake Artist: Simple Cakes

Bartender: Toast it Up

Rentals: DeeJay's Event Rentals

Audio: Stage Left Audio Productions

Videographer: Thomas Blake Films