ashlei and jesse

All weddings are a big deal. To me, to the couple getting married, I’m sure we’re all in consensus that a wedding  is an all-around big deal.

This particular wedding was a particularly big deal to me and James as it was our very first destination wedding to shoot. Leading up to the trip, it felt like this opportunity was too good to be true. Looking back on it, it still feels that way.

Ashlei and Jesse, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fully express how much it meant to us for y’all to want so badly for JZP to document your day that you flew us out to Georgia to make it happen. But know it meant a lot. A lot, a lot.

Needless to say, I had the song “Georgia on my mind,” stuck in my head for weeks and weeks as I looked forward to Ashlei and Jesse’s wedding so you should probably click on the link and listen to it as you’re looking through this post.

Perry’s Landing was the stunning backdrop for the day, and I could not have asked for a better one.

After finishing up all wedding party photos something happened. The sky went dark with dense clouds over the entire venue. This was especially nerve-wracking as the ceremony was set to be in the garden.

And it wasn’t moving.

Honestly, I don’t think anyone thought the clouds would have enough gumption to rain down on Ashlei and Jesse’s ceremony.

It turns out, the clouds had plenty of gumption.

It started with a sprinkle.

Which soon turned into a steady stream of raindrops.

I could feel everyone wondering what the reaction from the bride and groom would be. I too was watching closely to see what it would be. Dismayed tears? A pause in the ceremony until the rain stopped?  Angry huffs and puffs?

Nope. Not Ashlei and Jesse. They embraced the rain. This ceremony had started and it wasn’t going to end before they were man and wife.

That’s what I loved about these two — rain wasn’t about to ruin their day, it was going to make it all the more memorable.

And before we knew it, we were all sitting/standing in a full-on DOWNPOUR. And everyone take a moment to acknowledge the sweet family friend who gave his umbrella to the bride and groom — this man’s DEAR wife also came and held an umbrella over this photographer’s head so that my gear wouldn’t be completely soaked. I cannot thank her enough.

Immediately after the kiss everyone ran for cover under the porch and huddled together in a huge mass of energy and emotion.

 I mean it when I say this wedding day could not have been more beautiful. Everyone embraced the unexpected and reveled in the rain.

A photographer could not ask for me.

To see photos from Ashlei and Jesse’s sunny day after session click HERE!

Comments
8 Responses to “ashlei and jesse”
  1. Stephanie says:

    I have no words. Just amazing.

  2. Jessica Cox says:

    wow! I was tearing up! I wanted to be at this wedding! Such an awesome job! and great moments! Loved the rain!! showers of blessings as they said I do!! 🙂

  3. Ashlei Burgess says:

    Jillian,
    Once again my dear, you have brought tears to my eyes with your sweet words and breathtaking images :):):) We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with you and James and couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with 🙂 Thanks for braving the rain and having fun with us since that was our goal for the entire wedding.. A good time :):) That was the best day of my life and I can’t thank you enough for documenting it ever so perfectly :):):) love you guys!!!

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