Will + Morgan Married

Weddings

September 15, 2021

The Caputo’s | Married at Lakeside at Welch Estate

My favorite kind of people are the ones who don’t take life too seriously. Afterall, life is short and there’s so much to smile about, right?! I believe this couple came into my life to remind me the importance of those who bring out our inner-joy. After this day full of laughter, love, and happily-ever-after, I’m confident their smiles (and mine!) aren’t going anywhere fast.

Grey-Sol Designs absolutely slayed with these flowers. The gorgeous combination of pinks, purples, whites, and greenery gave all the fairytale vibes, and acted as the perfect backdrop for all of my favorite detail shots. We love a good oversized bouquet with short stems – they really POP in pictures and add an important splash of color. I’ll also point out how much I stan for the contrast you get when flowers and tattoos are put side-by-side. Edgy, pretty, classic, and unique… music to my ears, people!! I’m here to highlight the beautiful differences that make you, YOU.

I MUST give a huge shout-out to Morgan’s incredible wedding coordinator, Jami, owner of Our Curated Design. Her love for each tiny detail of the wedding-day process truly shines through with every task. From pinning bouquet ideas, to creating centerpieces, and hand-lettering anything she can get her hands on, Jami and her team are sure to get the job done with ease. With over 30 weddings under her belt, she can help you identify impediments, draw on a wealth of vendor experiences and connections, and help you navigate all the hurdles and decisions throughout your wedding planning journey. I will definitely be adding to Jami to my Preferred Vendor list, as I’m confident any bride who books her would be in excellent hands.

Here’s the down-low on Morgan’s gorgeous choice of venue: Located in picturesque Powhatan County Virginia,  Lakeside at Welch Estate is within easy reach of Richmond, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, & Charlottesville. Positioned on Lewis Lake, this stunning private venue offers incredible lakeside views, 4500sqft modern home with an open floor plan to utilize for getting ready, a spacious tent for outdoor receptions, stone firepits for cozy gatherings, and a grand porch for enjoying a weekend with friends. This team’s friendliness and professionalism was unmatched; totally top-notch from start to finish. 110% looking forward to working future weddings at this show-stopper of a venue.

Details are my secret love-affair. It feels so intimate when I’m handed a bag full of special treasures and I’m given the opportunity to freeze them in time. Guests don’t often see these little touches on the day-of; heck, even grooms don’t see them until they’ve received their final galleries. But ohhh, how my brides cherish those details. Many items are chosen because they represent sentimental meanings, cultural traditions, and family heirlooms. I believe it is my honor and duty to tell their story. Morgan shares an impactful story in her exit interview, which perfectly encapsulates why I’m always so careful to give each detail special attention and care. Reading the responses from my brides always makes me a little teary-eyed, but Morgan’s story touched me to my core. Read below!

A quick Exit Interview with the Bride:
Question: What was it like to work with Ashley Dorton Photography leading up to your wedding day?
Morgan’s Answer: Leading up to our wedding day, our experience with Ashley was none other than beyond exceptional. She worked in depth with us to narrow down exactly what moments we were looking to capture on our big day. Based on these requests, she was then able to create a timeline to make the day run seamlessly. The wedding package we chose came with the option to do a boudoir shoot, and I can honestly say that during this shoot, Ashley made me feel more comfortable in my skin than I ever have before. Her ability to connect with others and her calm, yet fun demeanor will make it feel like you have had a friend in her for years. I honestly cannot thank Ashley enough for all of her help prior to our wedding day.
Question: What was it like to work with Ashley Dorton Photography on your wedding day?
Morgan’s Answer: Our experience with Ashley on the day of our wedding was incredible. She was there to capture every single important detail that we wanted to remember. The details, time spent getting ready, first looks, bridal party, ceremony, family, entrance to the reception, and reception were all captured on top of pictures of us two. It is easy to see that Ashley has worked with many couples getting married, as she was able to keep everything on track so smoothly. On top of managing our photo timeline so well, she was able to instruct us with posing during portraits. This was very helpful for a couple that struggles to stay serious sometimes! More importantly, she has an eye for capturing the details that have personal meaning behind them. Her talent truly is unmatched, and I cannot thank her enough for also capturing so many candid moments that represented everyone’s personality so well. I will wholeheartedly say that what Ashley was able to provide us with something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

Question: What was it like to work with Ashley Dorton Photography after your wedding day?
Morgan’s Answer: After the wedding, Ashley was so kind as to check in to make sure our day was impeccable. She wanted to make sure that everything on her end turned out as expected, and to us, that meant so much. Of course, it was everything we could have dreamed of, and Ashley most definitely contributed to this. It is extraordinary how much work, time, equipment, and talent are needed to be able to do the incredible job that Ashley does. Having her special touch on each of these pictures is something we will be able to enjoy forever.
Question: What was your favorite highlight/memory from working with Ashley Dorton Photography?
Morgan’s Answer: The highlight of our experience with Ashley was being able to have personal details and moments of the day that we get to hold on to forever. For instance, Ashley captured an image of me where the necklace I was wearing that day was unintentionally placed over my heart. While this may seem like a regular bridal portrait; this picture means the world to me. I originally was planning to wear a different necklace that day, but had the strong urge to wear a butterfly necklace that I wear every day. Butterflies remind me of my late grandfather, and I hoped wearing it would make me feel like a piece of him was with me. Seeing this picture will always remind me that he was watching over me on the most important day of my life.
Question: Advice to brides thinking about booking Ashley Dorton Photography for their wedding day?
Morgan’s Answer: For anyone considering booking with Ashley for their wedding, my advice would be.. Do it. The experience and memories are well worth it. Ashley is beyond talented, and her work proves it. Do yourself a favor by hiring her to capture every moment of your special day!

To Morgan & Will,

Thank you for sharing the essence of your light with me. Laughing with you both and meeting the rest of your incredible friends and family made my job so easy and enjoyable. Your wedding day was an absolute dream to capture, and I truly hope to document many more milestones in your story to come. I send you both my warmest wishes, knowing full well you’ll enjoy so many more vibrantly happy times.

And finally, a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the amazing vendors below, who played a special part in making this event such a success! You are all true artists at your crafts.

Cheers to Love, Laughter, & Happily Ever After!

Xo,
Ashley

Wedding Venue: Lakeside At Welch Estate https://www.instagram.com/lakesideatwelchestate
Coordinator: Our Curated Design Weddings https://www.instagram.com/ourcurateddesign
Florist: Grey-Sol Designs https://www.instagram.com/greysoldesigns
Glam: Team Knot, LLC. https://www.instagram.com/team_knot_bridal
Catering: Deep Run Roudhouse https://www.instagram.com/deeprunroadhouse
Bakery: Sweet Fix https://www.instagram.com/sweetfix
Photography: Ashley Dorton Photography https://ashleydortonphotography.com/
Assistant to the Photographer: Chloe Elaine Photography https://www.instagram.com/chloe.elaine.photography/
Entertainment/DJ: Black Tie Entertainment https://www.instagram.com/blacktiedmv
Videography: Aviate Video https://www.instagram.com/aviatevideo
Wedding/Bridesmaids Dresses: Caryns Bridals https://www.instagram.com/carynsbridals
Tuxedos: Jos. A. Bank https://www.instagram.com/josabank
Transportation: Richmond Limo https://www.instagram.com/richmondlimo
Calligraphy: Noted Calligraphy https://www.instagram.com/notedcalligraphy
Officient: Brian Fitch

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