These two are a class act! They are Aurburn grads & fans {but we’ll forgive them for that}, super silly and love their family like crazy! We just had a blast getting to know these two and were blown away by their ability to laugh in such hard times. See, we first met with Peter and Ashley just after a TERRIBLE car accident involving her father. Someone hit her father’s car…and he was in a coma when we first met. THANKFULLY, her father has since come a LONG way and walked Ashley down the aisle. A miracle! I have such respect for Peter, Ashely & Ashley’s mother who have had a hard year…but have done it with such grace. We tell you all of this so when you look at these photos, you’ll see the love and appreciation that Peter and Ashley have for EVERY person that was a part of their day.

Ashley’s mom watching on. Love it.


Her dad looking as well. Precious.




Ashley and Peter decided to have a first look! I’m so thankful we had SO many couples take advantage of that this year! Not only does a first look free up time for you after the ceremony to get to your reception, it also gives you opportunities for the BEST light {especially if you get married in late November…with sunset at 5:15}.
One more thing. I DIE over Ashley’s eyes! For real.






The sun set SUPER fast, but not before we took advantage of it. Love.


Love.


Check out Peter’s socks!

I love these bridesmaids dresses!


Dashing groomsmen, if I do say so myself!



A few comedians in the bunch!



This image moves me so. Ashley and her mother walking with her dad towards the ceremony. Perfect.

Ashley and Peter’s church did not allow photography during the cermemony, but they were gracious to allow us to get her going in and coming out. I think this picture below is so special!

Mr. & Mrs. Haley!



Just after the ceremony so many intimate and special moments happen between the couple AND with their friends/family.





They had their reception at the Schiele Museum of Natural History.




Father/daughter dance. Magic.



Mother/son dance. So sweet.

Toasts!



The museum had some cool places…and we had to get a picture there!

Group hug!

Congrats Peter and Ashley!!! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!



Here’s a shout out to their vendors:
Ceremony Venue: First Associate Reformed Church of Gastonia
Reception Venue: Schiele Museum of Natural History
Hair & Make-up: Spa South Salon of Gastonia (Jack)
Gown/Designer: Lee-Ann Belter “Lucy”
Bridesmaids’ Dresses/Designer: Watters & Watters
Invitations/Stationary: Torrence Stationary
Flowers: Carey Roberts Design Co.
Cake: Sugar Elegance
Caterer: The String Bean
DJ/Band: Johnny B. of Johnny B’s Beach & Boogie
Rental providers: Creative Solutions

Last year we spent Christmas in the hospital with Stevie. I think back on how I wanted her to spend her first Christmas…and being hooked up with IVs and needles is DEFINITELY not how I wanted it spent. It makes me almost want to weep with joy thinking of how God has healed her little body..and how wonderful her first year of life has been. This year we’ve been starting some family traditions….a few we didn’t get to do. You can call it making up for lost time….

Decorating the tree should be done in pajamas and only the top half of it. Stevie would eat the ornaments otherwise.

We cuddled and listened to a whole lot of Christmas music…

Can’t forget Stevie’s best friend, Oli.

Napping was on the agenda as well.

Then we visited Santa…at Northlake. She was unsure at first….then she was ready to go. I think Santa pinched her *wink wink*.

“MOM….”

…then came the tears…{the tears really break my heart..}

“Okay mom, I’m ready to go…please…I’ll be good all year!”

Santa’s set-up included a cool snow globe set up with snow falling in it. Stevie LOVED it.



One of my FAVORITE traditions we want to start with Stevie is goodwill to others. Especially to those who serve and protect us. We made cookies and had chocolate covered pretzels that we took to our local firemen and policemen. We had a BLAST at the firehouse. I think we’ll do this for a lot more holidays.


We celebrated with a spiced apple cider. Stevie had a little whipped cream. We rarely get specialty drinks….but we had to. p.s. they spelled my name wrong…but I had to include it all the same.

I have a pretty incredible little family and sometimes I have to take a step back and realize how blessed I am to have them. Here’s to a really Merry Christmas to everyone from our family to yours!