Ashley & Marcus | St. Augustine Wedding | The White Room

posted in: Weddings

July 28, 2021

I may be biased but I love a good high school sweetheart love story. I really think we should have a special group as it’s really something to admire when someone finds love at such a young age, grows through some of the toughest years of life and pursues it into marriage. There is no better example of high school sweetheart love than Ashley & Marcus. Even though Marcus is “as sentimental as a cardboard box,” and Ashley is “as sentimental as a cardboard box with a heart drawn on it,” as their officiant so hilariously said, it’s hard not to be sentimental when you’re celebrating an 11 year old relationship on your wedding day. Their day should have been this past November, but they had to wait even longer to celebrate their day when it was safe from COVID for their friends and family from all over the country to celebrate with them. I remember Ashley saying when they postponed, “I waited 10 years for this, what’s another 8 months?” I think we could all benefit from a positive attitude like that!

The day began with the letters they wrote for one another, where they both referenced those early high school days. Soon after, Ashley and her girls popped some confetti as they celebrated their bride becoming a wife in just a few hours. While only 10 minutes down the road, Marcus and his dudes were (literally) throwing him in the air celebrating the same.

Ashley incorporated one of my favorite wedding day events, a first look with her bridesmaids and both Moms. This is such a cute way to include the girls who means so much to you, plus it doesn’t hurt to see them gushing over you! 😉

Ashley & Marcus did a first look before their ceremony so they would be able to spend more time together, get their photos done early and spend more time with their guests. This is by far my best advice for couples who want to spend more time partying and enjoying the company of their friends and family that came out to see you!

Their day was beyond perfect. I was worried it would rain as it does every other Florida summer afternoon, but the rain held out until just after their sparkler exit! It was a true Florida miracle lol! Now that I think back to it, their original wedding date in November had awful weather, so while they had to wait a few more months, they actually got the perfect weather this time around! It just goes to show you, patience is a virtue and good things are worth the wait.

Ashley and I actually met while working another wedding. She did the girls’ makeup and I was the photographer. A few weeks after, I got a message from her asking for more information, and honestly, there is no bigger compliment from a fellow wedding professional. I was so excited for the relationship and friendship that was in store for us from that point on! I’ve had the pleasure to work a few events with Ashley since and I’m grateful for the friend she has become! So this wedding was extra special for me because I went from seeing Ashley get women ready and beautiful for their own wedding day to seeing the roles reversed as she finally got to enjoy her own.

Ashley & Marcus, thank you so much for allowing us to celebrate with you! It’s been such a pleasure to watch your love grow and I know you’ll be friends for life! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you guys. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Taylor!!! #taylorstakeoff