Ashley & Brad - Lexington, Kentucky

Recently we had the opportunity to head down to Lexington, Kentucky and photograph Ashley & Brad’s day…we knew from the plans it was going to be a full day of shooting with a whole variety of great opportunities for shots! First up was stopping by the Griffin Gate Marriott resort where everyone was getting ready…I do think the girls may have set a possible record of number of people in the room – I think at one point there had to easily be over a dozen people in there – but great moments for photos kept showing themselves without much trouble at all. Here’s a variety that both Deanna and myself shot at the hotel…..(**Brides that are booking their photographers for 2009 please see the note at the bottom!**) ...there’s a huge amount I’m going to share - so here we go!

Of course sometimes things can get a little stressful as everyone's trying to get ready for the wedding - but that wasn't the case at all this day - even with a complete roomful of people! The atmosphere was quite relaxed and everyone was just enjoying the day. Perfect for capturing those little moments...

There were also some wonderful detail opportunities....

Ashley's grandmother's handkerchief...I guess that qualifies as something blue and borrowed...

A little fun with the elevator....!

Of course in Lexington there's horses everywhere...bronze or not! We did a quick stop at Thoroughbred Park in downtown where Ashley & Brad got to see each other for the first time...

I told Deanna we had to get a good shot of her using her ShootSac to send in to Jessica Claire...for our fellow photogs - if you're not familiar with the ShootSac - check it out...they are great for our style of fast paced, on the go photography. If you like to change lenses a lot like us - it can really come in handy. I also just thought it was fun how Deanna could shoot with her shades on, hold another pair for a bridesmaid, and still be able to look stylish with her ShootSac......

While it was a little warm out - we had a good amount of time with all of the bridal party wandering around downtown before the ceremony.....

Ceremony was at the beautiful Saint Peter Church...and the opportunity for some great backlighting really doesn't get any better...!

Just before Ashley & Brad's exit.....

The reception was at Spindletop Hall...a private club for University of Kentucky alumni and staff. The place is absolutely gorgeous and the staff provided excellent service from everything we saw. It was originally built in the 1930's - with over 45,000 square feet of space. The place has a wonderful warmth to it....I would certainly love to photograph there again sometime.

You gotta love the horseshoes...!

I have more couples tell me that one of there favorite times of the day is when I take them out for some quiet time during the reception. It gives them a little break - time to catch their breath - and is a great chance to get some more intimate shots. With Ashley & Brad, everything was very fast paced and it looked like we were losing some really nice sunset light - but we actually caught the last few minutes when it took on this really nice, soft glow. Some clouds were building in the west and actually helped us to get some incredible light....at Spindletop they have a huge, long tree-lined driveway and fences...perfect for a wonderful Kentucky wedding!

Back inside the reception continued on with the focus being in the old library, where the wood floors made it into one large dance room!

In the midst of all the partying I manged to find this "quiet" moment with Ashley
that I really loved....

One thing I always love to see is a DJ with a lot of lights...it makes experimenting fun!
..and have fun I did....

Just in case you might wonder...there was actually 2-3 times as many people in the following shot - but because of the long exposure not everyone shows!

Well there you go! Thanks to Ashley & Brad for a really great day! We wish you two all the best!

** 2009 Brides: Currently as part of me offering you two professional photographer coverage for your wedding day, most of those will be Deanna Keeton and myself...please ask for details, packages and check wedding date availability for both of us!..and watch this blog for additional details and announcements!**