Brady & Ashley | Summer Wedding at The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake

Back at the beginning of last year – a few of Ashley’s friends suggested that they take a day & spend it in downtown Pittsburgh. They pitched the idea of spending the day walking around, getting something to eat, taking photos, and simply spending the day together hanging out. Ashley agreed that that sounded fun – but said that she didn’t want to take a day off of work to simply “hang out” downtown. After all, they could do that anytime.

Her friends were persistent though & eventually they sold her on a “girls day” in downtown Pittsburgh. Ashley took the Monday off of work & off they went.

True to their pitch: the girls had a ton of fun. They walked around, ate delicious food, and eventually ended up down at the Point. Much to their disappointment (but probably because it was March & freezing) the fountain was not on. That didn’t stop their fun though, they gathered together to take some photos, eventually gathering around the phone that was taking most of the photos to laugh & scroll through their images.

At that point, someone tapped Ashley on the shoulder & asked her to turn around. Still caught up in her friends & their fun-Pittsburgh-day, she half-heartedly turned around. And – that’s when literally the whole world stopped. For there, down on one knee, was Brady.

Ashley was absolutely-positively shocked. The thought of a proposal happening couldn’t have been further from her mind than the moon from the earth. A million questions ran her thru mind: where had he come from? how had he snuck up on them? wait – had he planned all of this? But one question trumped all others – and it was one Brady asked: “Ashley, will you marry me?” Of course, she said yes.

After celebrating for a few moments & letting the shock of the new diamond ring on her finger sink in, Ashley’s first response was that she wanted to call her parents. She made quick calls to her Mom & Dad, then her Grandparents, and her brother & his wife to tell them the exciting news. Brady then suggested that they go out to dinner. He explained that he had made them reservations & he whisked her away to a romantic dinner for two – at least, that’s what Ashley thought. That is: until the hostess walked them around the corner of the restaurant & Ashley was greeted by everyone she had just talked to on the phone.

Brady had not only pulled off the surprise of a lifetime by proposing at the Point, but he had gathered Ashley’s favorite people together for dinner afterward. He knew that she would want to celebrate with them & he was 100% correct. His proposal was spot-on perfection.

This past Saturday – all of Brady & Ashley’s favorite people gathered together once again to celebrate! It was the most perfect, beautiful day – straight out of a story-book. Sure, there had been some bumps in the road over the last year of planning their wedding (I’m looking at you, global pandemic) but you literally would have never known that anything was wrong out in the world. The level of joy & love was so high surrounding Ashley & Brady that it was easy to forget absolutely everything except them & their new marriage.

Brady & Ashley – getting to know you both over the last year has been my honor & privilege. You both are quite obviously made for one another – the level of care & attention & love that you have for each other is simply stunning. Not only do you love each other, but your friends & family obviously adore the two of you as well! You are two very special people & I wish you every happiness in the world as you begin this new chapter of life as husband & wife!

Ashley & Brady exchanged letters with one another to read while they were getting ready – I love when a couple does this! It’s such a beautiful, tangible keepsake of their wedding day.

It’s okay guys – a lot of dudes don’t know how to tie ties these days. Thankfully, there’s almost always someone around to give a few lessons!

Ashley’s bouquet was one of the most stunning I have ever seen! Posies by Patti in Ellwood City, PA knocked these bouquets out of this world!

Ashley did a “dress reveal” with her bridesmaids –

.. and then did a “First Look” with her Dad. These were the sweetest moments ever!

Did I mention how perfect Saturday was?

This photo was snagged by my amazing second shooter for the day, my sister Ellen!! (And I’m obsessed with it!)

I won’t lie: I love a good cake smash! And Ashley & Brady did not disappoint!

Okay, I know I said I was obsessed with that photo that my sister, Ellen, took above? But THIS photo she snagged of Ashley’s grandparents? It is officially my new favorite. I can’t stop looking at it! What a beautiful legacy of love Ashley’s family has!!

We snuck out for just a few sunset photos – it wasn’t as epic as I’ve seen before at The Gathering Place – but it was just right for Ashley & Brady’s fairy-tale day.

One of my favorite parts of a wedding day is creating night portraits with my brides & grooms! And, like the girl after my own heart that Ashley is, Ashley caught the night-portrait-bug too! I must say: I’m obsessed with what we created! (Special shout-out to Brady for being so patient & willing to go along with all of our ideas!)

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Ashley & Brady’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake in Darlington, PA
Catering: Medure’s Catering in New Castle, PA
Cake: N2 by DaVill in Boardman, OH
Makeup Artist: Gianna Cherry from Icon Studio in Poland, Ohio
Hair Stylist: JoJo Gracia
Bridal Gown Retailer: Cable Creations in Beaver Falls, PA
Bridesmaids Gowns Retailer: Azazie (Color: Dusk)
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Rondinelli Tuxedo Company in Boardman, OH
Florals: Posies by Patti in Ellwood City, PA
Invitations: Boardman Printing in Boardman, Ohio
DJ: Bruce Matteo Professional DJ Service in Darlington, PA
Second Photographer: Lasting Memories by Ellen in Irwin, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA