A Douglas Manor Wedding with Ashley + Dylan and Leigh Ann Goodin Photography

My heart sank. Tears filled my eyes. I had just opened an email from a soon-to-be bride, notifying me that her mother had passed away. I couldn’t imagine the hardship of not having my mom there with me on my wedding day. My heart hurt for sweet Ashley, and I mentally prepared myself to do whatever I could to help her honor her mother at her Douglas Manor wedding. Over the next few weeks, as details fell into place and Ashley and Dylan communicated with me in preparation for their big day, and my sadness grew to joy. I loved watching the small details they planned, from her Keds sneakers laced with blue ribbon, all the way to a balloon send off at the end of the ceremony, to her mother’s picture charms tied around her beautiful bouquet. There was not a dry eye when Ashley + Dylan and their families laid purple flowers on that chair leading into their ceremony.

It was a joyous occasion. The whole day was filled with laughter. Ashley + Dylan were surrounded by their best friends, their closest family, and their biggest supporters. People traveled from near and far to come together and celebrate this beautiful couple and watch them vow to love one another forever in front of a stone fireplace. Then they ate, they drank, they danced the night away, and their friends and family sent them off with sparklers into the brisk November night. And Ashley’s mom was in their hearts celebrating with them all day long, and peering down from heaven.

Ashley and Dylan, I absolutely adore you guys and your love for one another. It was an honor to come alongside you to celebrate your vows to one another before God. I had so much fun hanging out with y’all, your friends and family, and capturing all the beautiful and heartfelt moments of your day. My heart flutters every time I get to edit more of your images. Keep reciting those perfect-for-eachother vows and remembering what you promised on this day, especially when tough times continue to come at you. Keep spoiling and surprising each other, and always having fun together. Dylan, thank you for your service to our country, and stay safe on your upcoming deployment. Here are a few favorites from your big day.