The third wedding this summer was on August 23rd, an unseasonably hot Saturday afternoon. My fellow photographer and friend, Lena, texted me and asked if I was free to cover a wedding for her. I agreed, and set up a meeting with the bride. I wasn't really sure what to expect. This would only be the second time I'd covered a wedding for another photographer, so I was a little nervous. 

We met for coffee at McQuixote Books and Coffee to talk about the big day and get to know each other. Much to my relief, Ashia turned out to be the kind of bride every photographer dreams of working with. Immediately I knew she would be a laid back bride. Her attitude when talking about her wedding was very "go with the flow", calm but still excited. Ashia told me about life with Ryan and his two sons, about their work in the church and their current goals. She talked about moving to Kentucky and attending seminary here in Louisville. Soon the conversation shifted to our current coffee spot. I'm pretty sure I asked something along the lines of "why Portland?" and she explained their love for the area and the people in it. It was important to both her and Ryan that the wedding be in the Portland area, at the Church of Promise, where Ryan's father ministers. He would be the one to marry them.

The passion in Ashia's voice as she told me all of this was invigorating. I was already becoming excited to be her photographer when she asked if I'd like to see the church. A short car ride took us to a building literally labeled "The Table". She explained that The Table is a pay what you can style restaurant run by members of the church. She lead me through the restaurant to a sanctuary in the back of the building. She then took me upstairs to a beautiful open room lined with brick walls and windows. All of this had me even more excited. I honestly couldn't wait to shoot this wedding.

I asked my boyfriend Jimmy to be my assistant this time. We arrived at the sanctuary a little before Ashia. Ryan was already there, along with some friends and family. I introduced myself before getting to work setting up the gear and getting the settings perfect on the camera. 

Every aspect of the ceremony was beautiful, from the look on Ryan's face when Ashia walked down the aisle, to the moment Ashia said vows to Ryan's sons. After saying I do, the couple took communion before searing it to their guests. The whole wedding was a dream to shoot, both personally and technically. 

After the ceremony, we took the normal formal photos before going upstairs to the brick room to take some bridal party shots. The room was too hot to do much, but those few shots turned out to be some of my favorites from the day. 

The reception was at the Tim Faulkner Gallery, also in Portland. Despite the lack of air conditioning, the afternoon and early evening were filled with dancing and fun. 

This wedding was an joy to document.