Keep your shit together. That was the sentiment stitched on a hanky that was gifted to Ashley by one of her bridesmaids. Neither Ashley, nor anyone else, kept their shit together for this day. Ashley consistently set up situations throughout the day that inspired ugly cries. She was aiming for ugly crying and scolded her dad for not completely losing it when she gifted him a sentimental hanky of his own. I should have known what was coming because she even cried the first time we got together to talk about their wedding day and if we would be a fit for each other! I mean, I’m not complaining over here, because if you follow our blog at all, you know that I LOVE to capture meaningful moments when people are vulnerable and let their guard down. There was plenty of that on this day.
Patrick and Ashley’s wedding was at the DoubleTree in downtown Cedar Rapids. It was a great day for a wedding at the DoubleTree, because it rained almost the entire day and the photos that we had planned outside were not happening. With getting ready, the ceremony and the reception all happening at the DoubleTree, we were fortunate to have photogenic indoor options all around. There were also large awnings covering the sidewalks, so we could still take big groups like the wedding party outside. The weather conditions weren’t ideal, but we had the ideal setup to combat them. The weather should never ruin a wedding day, and I think Patrick and Ashley handled the weather curveball pretty well.
After getting her hair and makeup done and getting into her dress, Ashley immediately put her hanky to use during emotional first looks with her dad and with Patrick. The ceremony brought on more tears, and it looked beautiful on the third floor loft space. The DJ, Brian of Livewire Entertainment, was playing sappy music and audio for the ceremony, and I kept encouraging him to play a little Old Town Road to lighten the mood. Well, come reception time, Brian played that damn song not once, but twice! Haha! And the second time, he called me out and said, “We’ve got a repeat special request and I know the photographer really likes this song too.” Roasted. When it finally stopped raining, we finished up the day with a couple epic night photos on a wet 1st Avenue. Wet pavement at night looks so cool with the reflections of light that start to appear.
Patrick and Ashley, thank you guys for having us be a part of your wedding day! Thank you for rolling with the weather and focusing on the true meaning and essence of the day—celebrating your love for one another. It was our pleasure to be a part of that celebration, and we wish you guys all the best for many, many years to come!
Hair & Makeup – Flip Salon (Aubrey)
Flowers & Cake – Hy-Vee Oakland Rd
Dress – XOXO Bridal
Photographers – Carter Photography
