Taylor & Drew | A Wedding That Weathered The Storm

Weddings

October 26, 2019

One of my favorite things about my job is being able to meet new people and getting to know their love story. Taylor and Drew’s love story is no different. You might even call it a fairytale. Taylor and Drew met in a singles group for people who LOVE Disney. After talking for a short while they realized that they were from the same small town in Georgia and even went to the same high school. It’s a small world after all. At the time Taylor lived in Georgia and Drew lived in Florida which made them meeting in person a bit more challenging. They originally wanted to have their first date at Disneyland but they couldn’t wait that long and met up in Alabama. It’s cute how smitten they were with each other.

Taylor and Drew were together six months when Drew took her on a trip of a lifetime, Disneyland. It was her first time ever visiting the park and she was so excited. On the first day of the trip, they visited Griffith Park and he took Taylor on a private tour of Walt’s Barn, where Walt Disney worked on his trains. After the tour they were taking pictures when Drew got down on one knee and asked Taylor to marry him. Of course she said yes and they spent the rest of the week exploring Disneyland and celebrating their engagement.

I arrived at Ashven Estate in Villa Rica, Ga. with excitement and determination to turn this stormy wedding day into something bright and joyful. The drive up to Ashven Estate was beautiful and peaceful. The rolling hills and green pastures were a nice scenic break away from the congestion of the city. The country air was fresh and the vibes were so chill. That’s exactly what I love about rural weddings. As I drove down the long gravel road I remember thinking to myself that I had hoped those dark clouds didn’t stick around too long. It’s always a bummer when it thunderstorms on a wedding day. Despite the dark clouds I began the day with an optimistic feeling. That’s when I met Taylor in the bridal suite and her beaming smile made the day brighter than the sun could. She was so sweet and had the most positive outlook on the day.

I met her family and her closest friends as they surrounded her with love and joy. They laughed as they recalled funny moments within their many years of friendship. Taylor told me all about the different groups of guests and how her and Drew knew each one. I even met the cutest flower girl ever! Her name is Lily and she is the most adorable poodle that you’ll ever meet. She was my favorite wedding guest to photograph. If you know anything about me it’s that I love fur babies, having 6 of my own.

After documenting all of the fun little moments in the bridal suite it was time for their First Look. I absolutely LOVE First Looks. It’s the first time the couple sees each other before the ceremony. To see the reasons why I love it check out my blog post 3 Reasons Why. Taylor and Drew’s First Look was just what they needed to get the day started. They had the biggest smiles on their face as they saw each other in their wedding best. The private time together got them so pumped to see each other at the Ceremony.

The Ceremony went off without a hitch as the skies threatened to open. Luckily it held off long enough for Taylor and Drew to say I DO! The stormy sky made for an interesting and beautiful back drop during their newlywed portraits. As the sun began to dip behind the horizon the music and festivities heated up as the night went on. I had so much fun capturing the joy in the room as everyone celebrated Taylor and Drew. Even Lily had a great time!

Taylor and Drew, I am so honored that I was able to document your wedding day. I wish you both the best as you move across the country and start your new life together. May you always dance and laugh together, go on adventures together, and grow more and more in love with each other.

xoxo,

Michelle

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite images from Taylor and Drew’s amazing wedding day.