Ashton and John dreamed of a wedding with an outdoorsy, campfire vibe and an intimate feel. They chose Ashton’s parents’ land, overlooking the stunning Battle River Valley, as the perfect setting. The natural beauty of the rolling hills provided an ideal backdrop, combining a personal connection to the location with the relaxed atmosphere they wanted for their special day.
The Ceremony
The most anticipated part of Ashton and John’s wedding day was the ceremony. Ashton had been looking forward to standing in front of their friends and family to share heartfelt vows. It was a moment to express their love, commitment, and the promises they would carry into their marriage. Surrounded by loved ones who had supported them through their journey, the ceremony felt deeply meaningful and marked the start of a beautiful new chapter in their lives.
The wedding day went smoothly, thanks to the support of family, friends, and talented vendors. A few unexpected moments added to the memories. As Ashton walked down the aisle with her dad, the music unexpectedly cut out, easing the tension and adding a touch of humor. These unplanned moments became some of the most cherished highlights of the day.
Memorable Moments
One of the most meaningful moments of the day was having Ashton’s 93-year-old grandfather there to celebrate. His enthusiasm and energy were unforgettable, especially when he stayed late into the night, dancing and enjoying every moment. Having him there made the day feel even more special and created a memory Ashton and John will treasure forever. He was quite the dancer, too!
Wedding Planning Advice
When asked for advice for future couples, Ashton and John emphasized focusing on what truly matters. They prioritized bringing friends and family together, serving an amazing meal, and spending time outdoors. By cutting out unnecessary details and traditions that didn’t resonate with them, they found it easier to make decisions and create a day that felt personal and meaningful. Their advice is to plan a wedding that reflects your values rather than following every tradition.
The Inspiration
The inspiration for their wedding was all about creating an outdoorsy, campfire vibe. Ashton and John wanted a venue where guests could gather around a campfire, enjoy the night under the stars, and feel completely relaxed. The natural wood aesthetic of the venue and repurposed decor from their siblings’ weddings tied everything together. The result was a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly captured their vision.
The Music
Ashton walked down the aisle to "My Little Yoho Lady" by Wilf Carter, a song her late grandfather often played and sang. His passing the fall before the wedding, around the same time Ashton and John got engaged, made the song even more meaningful. Playing it on their wedding day was a way to honor his memory and bring his spirit close to them as they celebrated this special moment.
Their first dance was to "Atlantic City" by The Band, a song they had played on repeat when they first started dating. Although Ashton initially hesitated due to the song’s theme of gambling, John reminded her that it was really about taking a chance on someone. This made it feel like the perfect choice for their first dance, symbolizing their journey together and the risks they’d taken to build their relationship.
Wedding Tips
Ashton’s tips for couples planning their wedding is to plan as much as possible ahead of time. While it may seem tedious, it makes a huge difference on the big day. Having everything organized in advance allowed them to enjoy the day without stress. She also recommends involving others in the planning process to take some of the pressure off. With trusted people handling the details, the couple could focus on being present and enjoying their wedding.
At the end of their wedding day, Ashton and John felt grounded, centered, and fulfilled. There was a deep sense of joy and gratitude for the love, celebration, and the incredible people they had around them. It was one of those moments when everything came together perfectly, and they couldn’t have imagined a better way to start this new chapter of their lives.
Being Married
What Ashton and John are most looking forward to as a married couple are the small, everyday moments—slow mornings with coffee, long walks with their dog, and cooking meals together. These simple moments are what make life feel rich and connected, and they’re excited to continue building those shared experiences as a married couple.
Having a Documentary Wedding Photographer
Ashton shared that working with me as their documentary wedding photographer was an absolute dream. “The experience felt effortless, allowing them to truly connect as a couple while taking photos. Sam struck the perfect balance, offering just enough guidance while letting us be ourselves. When we received the photos, it felt like reliving the day through the joy on their guests’ faces.”
If you’re planning your own outdoorsy, campfire vibe wedding and want photos that capture the authenticity of your day, let’s connect! Get in touch to learn more about my photography services, style, and how I can help document your unique wedding.
Choosing a Favorite Moment
Ashton found it hard to choose a single favorite moment from the day. For her, the most meaningful parts were the quiet, intimate moments she shared with John. Whether it was during photos, dancing together, or cuddling by the campfire, those small pockets of connection stood out. They allowed the couple to pause, take in the joy of the day, and truly enjoy each other’s company amidst the celebration.
Vendors
Photographer - Sam Wild | Hair - Gracie's | Makeup - Bailey Allen | Florals - Craigavon Farms | Catering - Vera's | Venue - Giltedge Hall
