When I consulted with Ashley and Ray I didn't have a whole lot of hope that this whole "Jamaica" thing would actually work out. It just seemed too good to be true. I LOVE my job ... Knoxville, Johnson City, Asheville ... where ever my work takes me ... I love it.
But Jamaica?!!! Seriously?!!! I officially have a dream job.
To make it even better my beau, Nick was able to join me on the trip and we made a whole week of it. Of course! We kind of had the time of our lives.
(
here is a link to view some of the personal photos of us from the trip - they were taken with my little point and shoot - so don't be disappointed, they aren't fancy!)
But I know what you are really here to see ... the good stuff from the wedding day.
Alright ... I just want to start out with some gorgeous "getting ready" details.
As her "something old" Ashley wore her mother's ring which also at one time belonged to her grandmother. Her dress was an original Maggie Sottero Design with their names and wedding date embroidered inside the panel (by
Sandra G Alterations). The dress was her "something new". Her "something borrowed" was her mother's garter (which also had a little blue detail). The embroidery was "something blue" and they didn't have six pence ... so instead Ashley put two 5 pence inside her shoe.
I liked this moment where the minister was explaining things to Ray. He had a very thick Jamaica accent which is such an endearing quality about the culture there.
Loving me some beachy details ...
A little ceremony moment ... how beautiful!
This is Sydney ... Ray (and now Ashley's) daughter. She loves having her photo taken so much that its actually tough for me to catch her when she isn't posing or putting on for the camera! She is such a funny little chick! But I love this photo of her laughing ... totally natural.
It was HOT HOT HOT!!! But everyone was so happy!
I LOVE this gorgeous natural laugh from Ashley too ...
The first dance ...
Followed by a lovely small reception on the beach. Amazing.
The funny thing about Beaches, Negril (the resort) is that they don't allow outside photographers and Ashley and Ray were required to hire the resort photographers - who do the standard posed stuff, you know. Nick and I were actually there as "guests" which actually worked perfectly. Ashley's family couldn't have been more gracious and welcoming of us. We really did feel like family members!
I was not allowed to take pictures when Ashley and Ray had their portrait session with the resort photographer. This shot is a funny showcase of how that sort of worked out. This is Nick ... and in the reflection of his glasses you can see Ashley and Ray getting their portraits done on the beach.
I just want to say an extra special Thank You to Phylis and Don Hillis. These are two of the most warm, gracious, and down to earth people I've ever worked with. Nick and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them as well as the whole family. Thank you both so much for welcoming us and making this whole trip happen. It was wonderful!
Back to the reception ... Ashley's brother Ryan was the Best Man and I was so excited to catch him and Sydney dancing together while Ashley and Ray were doing portraits. I love this moment!
Now, I certainly didn't want to step on the official wedding photographer's toes. So Ashley and Ray agreed to meet me for some photos at sun set on the beach later that evening.
These were just some columns on the resort property. The whole place had some beautiful decor and architecture. It was a dream to photograph!
Perfect Bridal Portrait of Ashley ...
A different positioning of the sun turned up the drama. Love this one.
Can you believe this sun set? Will someone please take me back to Jamaica soon?!!
Credit goes to Nick for this little shoe idea. Love it!
Thanks again so much to Ashley and Ray andt he Hillis Family for trusting me! You will actually be seeing more of these folks soon because just this past weekend I photographed the reception that they had here in Knoxville this past weekend so all their local friends and family could celebrate their marriage. Yay!
Be sure to check this slide show ... of course its backed up with a little Bob Marley.
