Ashley & Dakota’s wedding day was truly a dream come true for me to get to capture! Dakota & I became besties during our freshman year of college, & Ashley & I worked together on campus the year after I graduated, & I just love them both so much!! You can read some of the story of how they started dating & their proposal in their engagement session blogpost, but I have to share just how much it meant to me when they asked me to be their wedding photographer. They picked their wedding date based on my availability, & for a photographer who’s also a dear friend of there’s, nothing could have made me feel more honored. We have been counting down the days until their wedding, & when Sunday arrived, their day was FINALLY here!!

Dakota & Ashley wanted to get married in their church in Jackson, MS where they have poured out so much of their hearts & time. From the moment I walked into the room where Ashley was getting ready, I could just see the joy on her face & sense the peace she was feeling that her day was finally here. My sweet husband took photos of Dakota & his awesome groomsmen getting ready which was so fun! All of their friends & family were just so excited to get to celebrate this day with them!! AND it was so special to get to be reunited with some of my closest college friends!!

I was SO glad that Ashley & Dakota chose to do a “first look”, because it was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever had the honor of capturing! Dakota was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw his bride, & they were able to spend several moments together, just the two of them, & really take in the realization that they were finally going to be husband & wife! We had so much fun taking portraits of the two of them as they just laughed & cried tears of joy together!!

There were many special details that Ashley & Dakota incorporated throughout day. Ashley had a piece of lace from her mom’s wedding dress wrapped around her bouquet, & she surprised Dakota by also attaching the ring he had given her on their dating anniversary — the ring that had belonged to Dakota’s mom who had given it to him before she passed away. After Ashley shared a special dance with her dad at their reception, Dakota shared a dance with his aunt, & then honored her as well as several other women who have been his “tribe” over the years by giving them a bouquet & a letter he had written to them. All day long, Dakota & Ashley took the time to thank, hug, & take pictures with all of the people that have been a part of their lives. They’re truly two of the most selfless people I know, & I can’t wait to see how they continue serving & loving each other & everyone around them — all for the Lord’s glory!

Dakota & Ashley — it was such a privilege to get to be a part of y’all’s day not only as your photographer but also as your friend. The Lord has been SO faithful to bring you two together, & I can’t wait to see what He has in store for your life as Mr. & Mrs. Bibbs!! We love y’all so much!!

Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: Calvary Baptist Church

Reception Venue: The Rickhouse

Bride’s Dress: Bridal Path

Coordinating: Cheryl Yelverton

Florals: Hannah Hudson

Catering: The Manship

Cakes: Crooked Letter Cakes & Kathie Ladner

Hair & Makeup: Static A Salon

Bridesmaid Dresses: JJ’s House

Groom & Groomsman Attire: Kinkade’s Fine Clothing

Invitations: Vistaprint