Well well well….looks like we couldn’t stay away from Connecticut forever. When we moved away, Ryan joyfully posted a status saying something to the effect of “We’re making like the Whalers and moving to the Carolinas.” This status was largely directed at Mike. Thankfully Mike then made it his mission to find a SPECTACULAR lady to wed so we would have to return to our former state in order to photograph their nuptials. OK OK that wasn’t his driving motivation, but he did find an absolute gem of a woman, and he’s happier than ever. We were thrilled when they asked us about doing their photos and are so excited about how they turned out. Ashley has quickly become a great friend and we only wish there was some way we could convince them to move towards warmer weather so we could see them more often.
As June 3rd rapidly approached we were all checking the weather repeatedly. There was that ever present Connecticut rain lingering in the forecast and we did all the rain dancing hoping we could to make sure the bad weather stayed away. It paid off. While the day started a bit cloudy, the grey skies parted to reveal the most perfect powder blue just in time for the ceremony.
Ashley was all smiles as she got her hair and makeup done. Mike had some trouble with his cuff links. There were laughs, tears, and karoake. Start to finish, June 3rd was flawless and we can’t think of a better reason to have traveled back to CT. You guys are so worth it! Your wedding was stunning and yet we know your marriage will be even more beautiful. Thank you again for having us, it was an absolute honor. We love you both and are so happy to have you as friends! (Just to be clear, Mike: we like you even better now that you have Ashley)
We like to make something a bit unique during the getting ready portion of the day. And when you can subtly add in the pink and gold wedding colors, well, that’s high five worthy. (Self Five!) Forgive me, I’m still drooling over these deets. Yes those are pink glitter Louboutins. Ryan and I are always fascinated what the other is doing while we are apart. We usually discover similar patterns in our shooting, like we are both doing solo portraits within a few minutes of each other. There is so much running around and craziness on a wedding day, that even being within minutes of the same thing is an impressive feat. When we looked through the images of Mike and Ashley, we were floored to discover that at exactly 3:02 pm, they were both putting on their shoes. Be sure to follow @Stella_the_adorabull on Instagram for extra adorabullness. This is one of my favorite Bridal images to date. Its so soft and lovely. When I think of Ashley on her wedding day, this is exactly how I see her. Remember ^these faces^, they hit the dance floor shortly. Stella got a little nervous with this big of an audience. And if you follow us on Instagram you already know that this is the photographic representation of marriage should feel like. (If you don’t follow us on Instagram, you totally should: @GandeePhoto P.S. I have no shame) Mike and fellow ESPN coworker, Craig, karaoked to “This Is How We Do It” and they KILLED it. I can honestly say, I never saw that coming. We love catching genuine smiles during the last dance of the night. Our wish for all newlyweds is to grow ever happier with each passing moment. So far, Ashley + Mike appear to be doing just that. Congrats you two! We loved everything about your wedding and cannot put into words how happy we are that you have found each other. <3