Nicholas and Ashton Childs' Wedding at the Springfield House Banquet Center

I met Ashton when she was just a freshmen at Urbana University. I was the leader of Knights for Christ, and we bonded immediately. I have always felt like she was not only a dear friend, but more like a little sister. We prayed for years that she would meet a good Christian guy who not only loved her dearly, but also would be a great Christian leader in their household.

Who would have guessed that she would fall in love with her childhood family friend Nick? The first time I met him, I knew that he was absolutely perfect for her. He made her laugh, and there was such a love in his eyes. He played with my kids immediately, and I could tell that he was just what she needed.

Ashton always said that she wanted a November wedding, and I was a little nervous about how the weather would be for an outdoor wedding in November, but we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. When we got to the Springfield house, Tony and I split up. He went up to the bed and breakfast to get pictures of the men getting ready while I started taking pictures of the dress/detail shots and girls getting ready.

Before the wedding, Tony had fun with the guys getting their groomsmen pictures as well as some family pictures of Nick's side. Tony shared that he felt like he had been friends with the guys his entire life. Seriously tho...that ring bearer <3

Even though it was chilly, the girls were troopers!! We had a few emotional moments, but a ton of laughter between the bride and her bridesmaids. The fall colors were so stunning with the red dresses, and Ashton stole everyone's breath as the most beautiful bride.

Right before the ceremony, my husband was able to pray over them and their marriage. It was *one* of my favorite moments of the day.

The ceremony was absolutely perfect. Nick was teary eyed as he saw his beautiful bride, and man did she look absolutely stunning walking down the aisle to meet the man of her dreams. The personal vows made everyone laugh and cry, and it showed the deep love that they have for each other. Alex Dye did a wonderful job of sharing a little of their story as they had grown up together, but saw each other in a different light after they were grown. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house--and I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever experienced. One of my other favorite sweet moments of the day was that Ashton's dad hugged Nick too when he gave his daughter to him. I can only hope that our daughters find husbands that Tony loves so much that he wants to hug him too on their wedding day.

Tony and I were able to capture a few pictures of the newlyweds while we waited for the family and wedding party to come over to take pictures--and then we had so much fun with everyone else before the reception capturing the people who love them the most <3

It was finally time to let Nick and Ashton have a few seconds alone to celebrate the vows that they had just made to each other. After a few minutes on the other side of the lake, Tony and I did some sweet sunset pictures with them before going to the reception. My favorite part was when I said, "You guys are so cute and natural together."

Nick: "Thanks, we've been practicing."

Me: "Practicing what? Getting your pictures taken?"

Nick: "Cudding and kissing each other."

Hilarious.

I just love everything about the way he loves my dear friend.

We went back to the reception for eating, dancing, toasts, cake, and celebrating. It was such a perfect night as they were encompassed by all of the people who care about them and want to celebrate the beginning of their life together. I couldn't have been more blessed to get to take their wedding pictures.