I know I’ve said it before but I’ll just keep saying it – simple weddings are the best.  Ashley and Jeff’s wedding day is proof of just how beautiful a simple wedding for two people in love can really be.  Surrounded by the family and friends that mean the most in their lives, Ashley and Jeff celebrated the beginning of their marriage adventure with so much joy and laughter and love!  From beginning to end, these two were fully present in every second of their day, fully focused on each other and the commitment they were making.

Ashley’s family loves spending time at Guilford Lake, so of course their lake house was the perfect spot to spend the morning getting ready!  With her groom just a few houses down, Ashley and her sister Kyde and best friend Dina relaxed and sipped some wine as they finished getting ready.  I was able to spend time with both the bride AND the groom getting ready because they were just a short walk away from each other!  The perfect arrangement!  It was so great to see how excited both Ashley and Jeff were to get dressed and see each other for their First Look – my favorite part of the day!  The beautiful lakefront made for the most ideal spot for us to take their first portraits together.  And I just have to mention how LUCKY we were for the weather on this day!  Rain was in the forecast, but not a single drop fell the entire day!  We had amazing temperatures for July, and perfectly overcast skies that gave the most wonderful lighting.

After portraits, we headed over to the Salem Saxon Club where the rest of the day’s festivities took place.  I absolutely LOVE rustic venues, and the Salem Saxon Club is just that!  The barn-like structure with open air windows on every side was the perfect venue for a laid-back summertime wedding.  Venues like this place don’t even need decorated, the rustic charm is perfect all by itself.  The couple chose the most amazing dinner and dessert to serve their guests – barbecue and pies!  Yesss!!!  Bad Axe BBQ served up some delicious smoked entrees, and homemade pies from Steel Trolley Diner made for the perfect sweets!  Talk about a delicious summer dinner!  Guests danced the night away as the summer sun sank low over the surrounding corn fields.  The newlyweds snuck outside at sunset for a few more portraits, and these are always my most favorite images from wedding days.  Maybe hairdos are coming undone and the tie has been long gone, and things are no longer picture perfect – but that’s what I love.  The realness of a wedding celebration, when you can laugh and dance with your new spouse as the last light fades.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Eberle!!  I am so, so thankful to have been invited to document your love story and share in the excitement of your special day.  Sending you hugs and wishes for a lifetime of adventure together!!

Ceremony + Reception Venue:  Salem Saxon Club

Getting Ready Location:  Guilford Lake

Wedding Dress:  David’s Bridal

Flowers:  Riverview Florists

Invitations:  Invitations By Dawn

Hair and Makeup: Alicia at Panache

Groom’s attire:  Men’s Wearhouse

Pies:  Steel Trolley Diner

Catering:  Bad Axe BBQ

Entertainment:  DJ Ran

 

Beautiful girls, and best friends!

Handsome groom!!

The First Look….

Married!!!

Sweet family!

“The sisters!” :)

High school friendships that have lasted through the years!

Jeff and his beautiful daughters!  Hailie and Nyah!

Congratulations Jeff and Ashley!!!  I love you guys!