From Ashley:

“Jerome was an intern at Journey Church, and my family recently started attending one summer. I was sitting in church one day when my mom and I were having a discussion about dating. She told me that if I married a man who worships as freely as “that man on stage” she would be extremely happy. Of course she was pointing to the bassist, who happened to be Jerome. A couple months later I was sitting in the seating area in the hall, and an intern came to tape up new posters on the walls. He said “Hi, I’m Jerome, crazy guy on stage.” And promptly left. Not even an hour later I had a friend request on Facebook and a message saying, “Hi, I’m Jerome, so funny how you came up as a friend suggestion.” …. Little did I know, I wasn’t a friend suggestion after all — he had asked someone for my name! Two months of super long emails back and forth we went on our first date to glow in the dark mini golf, Five Guys, and The Princess Bride. And we both lived happily ever after.”

From Jerome:

My favorite thing about her is that she is my best friend. She is my favorite person to be around. Whether we’re just watching TV, swapping jokes we’ve heard over the day, or just relaxing because of a really difficult day, she’s the only one I want to always see every single day.

———-

Guys. How sweet is Jerome and Ashley’s story?! I’ll be honest, it gave me goosebumps when I first heard it told to me during our initial fro-yo meeting last summer :) One of my favorite things about being a photographer is being given the chance to tell a story — and their’s is a beautiful one. And this is only the beginning!! Jerome and Ashley have such a bright future ahead of them, and they could not have asked for a more beautiful day to become husband and wife! Thank you both for giving me a chance to be a part of your day; it is always an honor, and I am incredibly thankful. Enjoy!!

I shared this image below earlier this week — it was such a sweet moment. Ashley gave her mom a beautifully written card and anchor necklace to thank her for being her “anchor”…definitely a highlight of the morning. Meanwhile, the boys were being boys…Ha!Right before the guests started arriving, Ashley and Jerome met in the front of the church to hold hands and say a quick prayer together thanking God for bringing them to this moment together.

And then the ceremony began! We headed to North Olmstead for photos by a favorite covered bridge of Ashley’s and ventured around from there. Haha! Nothin’ like a #selfie with the Pastor!!Love the one on the right with Grandma watching on…

Ashley and Jerome, Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day!! I had so much fun and loved celebrating you two all day long :) Congratulations, and best wishes to you both!

love love love,

Sami