When we think of Ashley and Jonathan, we are immediately put at ease. Their chemistry is one of a kind, and their positivity is infectious. We are so, so happy they displayed it on their big day when things could’ve very easily been looked at in a different light.

Ashley and Jonathan had plans to get married at the beautiful Rip Van Winkle Gardens in the warm sunset light, but mother nature had other plans. It poured from the early morning hours and throughout the day. When we arrived to meet Ashley at the carriage House Hotel, we were greeted with a warm smile and a carefree attitude. We immediately knew right then and there, that everything would be totally fine. Why? Because the couple believed it. When talking with Ashley about her thoughts on the rain, she shrugged, smiled and replied, “I’ll get married in the rain if I have to.” You wouldn’t know this by looking at our goofy grins, but we were doing cartwheels in our heads. Wow. This girl knows what’s up. It’s only and always about who you are with. Ashley knew that. And we would soon find out the Jonathan felt the same.

As we arrived at Rip Van Winkle Gardens, there wasn’t a break in the sky. It was still raining, pouring in fact. What was to come, we had no clue, but that’s the beauty of it. The unplanned and spontaneous is what we look for, crave. And it was a freight train headed our way, and we were ready. Ashley arrived shortly after us, and we prepared for their first look which was to take place right on the road, and then it happened. The rain stopped. The ominous clouds behind these two made for an even more dramatic and emotional first look. On seeing her for the first time when he turned around from a distance, he grinned ear to ear, whispered under his breath, “Holy Cow. I get to marry her…” and walked to his future wife. After taking photos around the gardens, it was time to get ready for the ceremony, rain or shine.

And then it happened. Again.

Minutes before the ceremony began, the sun began to peak through the clouds and it wasn’t long before it shone on the entire ceremony. It was stunning. Ashley and Jonathan were prepared to have their dream ceremony, come what may, and the sun came out for them just in time.  We watched these two lovely people exchange vows, and put a new twist on that as well: writing each others. Before the wedding day, they set aside to time to write each other’s vows and it was the absolute cutest thing we’ve ever seen. They promised to love each other. Everyone laughed as they both promised to share their french fries with each other. They vowed to stand by the other, always. So stinking sweet. After vowing to be the best spouse they could be for the other, it was off to the reception, where dancing and good times awaited. The night went on filled with laughter, great food, and of course, ice cream. I mean, you can’t not have ice cream at your wedding. And for the grand finale, they ended their day with a spectacular fireworks show on the water. Absolutely gorgeous. We want to meet more awesome couples like these guys. Congratulations you two!

To see our full write up on Rip Van Winkle Gardens check out our exclusive webpage here.

The day it wouldn’t stop raining…