ASHLEY + TRAVIS
Big Bear California Wedding
Ashley and Travis are two of the most beautiful and emotional people I’ve ever had the opportunity to photograph. Ashley’s heart was so full, that she gave us quite a few gorgeous tears to work with. And what magic and emotion those added to the images! The gratitude and the happiness that Ashley felt her entire wedding day was so contagious. Even I was holding back tears most of the day! The joy, excitement, and love can be seen in every image.
Ashley described meeting Travis for the first time to me: “He then did the cheesy add and message on Facebook. We got to talking and I immediately fell head over heels. I pushed off hanging out with him for weeks as I was so nervous. We finally went on our first date. Walked by the beach to sushi. It was all smiles and laughter.”
After about a year of on-again, off-again, they just “couldn’t stay out of each other’s lives. She continued by saying, “I knew in my heart that here was something special about him and I together.” Every bit of their journey led them to their wedding day, and that can be felt in each image . Their trials made them stronger, and that’s why their wedding day was so victorious! It was a true celebration of life and love, and everything in-between.
With every wedding, details are so important. But it was very obvious that each detail was thought about multiple times and carefully planned. Everything had the freshness of autumn, and the bright, intense colors added so much to the energy of the day. Travis and his father even made all of the poles and market lights! They also hand-crafted the arch where they said their vows, and it was also placed behind them during their reception. It was obvious they worked hard, because it was so stunning! Ashley and Travis worked alongside their coordinator to perfectly personalized modern trends with their own, fun twists that best described them and their relationship, but also had some ancient traditions throughout the day. One of these is the Nuernberg Bridal Cup. Originating from Germany, the story goes as follows:
Hundreds of years ago, a noble mistress fell in love with a goldsmith, and like every story of old, her father was not happy. He had the goldsmith thrown in jail, until he began to realize his daughter was getting very sick due to her deep sorrow from the separation of her lover. He finally thought up a challenge that he figured impossible: if the goldsmith could create a cup that two people could drink out of without spilling a single drop, he would release him and allow them to get married. Love is a powerful tool, and the goldsmith put everything he had into creating the masterpiece we now know as the Nuernberg Bridal cup. It is fashioned after his lover; her skirt serves as the main cup, and the small bucket she holds above her head swivels so that it can contain more liquid without spilling. They got happily married, and the cup is still seen today as a beautiful symbol of faith and love.
It’s amazing how much this story relates to Travis’ and Ashley’s. Through trial and tribulation, they made it through, stronger and better than ever. I was so overjoyed to have the opportunity to experience such an incredible marriage and wedding, and it’s always such an honor to work with such incredible individuals. Thanks for everything Travis and Ashley!!
