Date | April 6, 2019

Ceremony & Reception | Riverwood Plantation Homeowners Association

Photography | The Cottage

Flowers | Ladybug’s Flowers

Breakfast Catering | Cloverleaf

Cake | A Piece of Cake and Donuts from Golden Donut

Dress | Elegant Bridals

Planning & Director | Southern Gates Weddings & Events

The best thing about weddings is enjoying the personality of each one. Some are fun and a total party, some are formal and reverent, but Ashton and Jason won the “sweet” category with their Morning Brunch wedding. It was the beginning of the Master’s week in Augusta, and they decided to keep things simple and intimate for their day.

Ashton arrived with her bridesmaid and coffee in tow. They were able to have a little girl time before the festivities began. The clubhouse was quiet and still feeling even though her director Katlyn was making sure all the ducks were in order. We were able to take some breathtaking bridal shots in the wash of morning light at the back door of the clubhouse before the groom showed up for the first look.

This first look was one of the sweetest I’ve gotten to be a part of! Ashton & Jason have really had to work for this day, and they were overwhelmed with emotion at it’s realization. Neither could contain themselves at the sight of the other. I loved the set up in front of the front porch of the clubhouse on the sidewalk. I always prepare the groom that this is his chance to make her day, but Jason needed no pep talk. What I love about a first look is the pureness of expression. I’m a stickler for it being very private. If people can watch without being seen at all and the bride and groom don’t mind, then I concede, but it’s a little sliver of time that they get to be alone in the world before everyone in their world is watching them.

Let me get on a soapbox for just a sec. You may see that I’m a big fan of a first look. The biggest argument I run across for not doing one is that the bride or groom, one, wants the first time they see each other to be in the aisle, so there is nothing taken away from the ceremony and that moment. Jason did me a huge favor by showing that that is just not true. A bride coming down the aisle is an emotional moment every time. It’s the official beginning of the wedding. It’s the anticipated moment. And it is always brimming with emotion. I see so many grooms that will hold back in that moment for the sake of ceremony and being in front of people, so doing a first look allows for both – authentic emotion and anticipated emotion. See for yourself!

Party Time!

We stole away from the reception for some bride and groom shots in front of the gorgeous handmade wooden cross that was the centerpiece of the ceremony (made by Gray Cabinetry & Design). The floral arrangement topped it perfectly.

There was one more surprise for Jason. Ashton presented him with her journals in which she had written prayers for and about her future husband all the way through knowing it would be him. Jason was overwhelmed again and I was honored to get to witness and document such a unique moment for them. I don’t know if there is anything more precious that a bride could give her husband on their wedding day.

And they were off! Smothered in bubbles, the happy couple took off for their honeymoon destination and all by lunch!! No waiting until the next morning to start the vacation! Congratulations Ashton and Jason!!

In looking back on the day Ashton told me “We wanted a day that resembled the royalty, light, and love of Christ.  In our first meeting with our officiant, we said that when people leave, we want them to remember Jesus, and we truly believe this happened with the tears that were shed and the joy that was spread.”  Wonderful job you guys.