Aaron + Sheri | Married

Meeting Sheri and Aaron was an event I feel the cosmos truly had their hand in. From day one, they have embraced me and every moment we’ve spent together to the very fullest. Sheri is bright, sunny, cheerful, and warm; the very definition of her favorite color, yellow. Aaron is patient, cool, calm, and a bit more reserved, but the minute Sheri enters the room, he glows like the sun, itself. For me, that’s one of my favorite combinations of couples to work with: a cheerful girl who’s up for anything and a doting guy who’s only goal is to make that girl’s smile even bigger.

Let’s take a look at some of my top picks from this gorgeous wedding, and read along as we grill the bride, Sheri for all the fun details surrounding her and Aaron’s story!

Working at The Historic Jasmine Plantation was such a lovely treat. Between their incredibly kind and helpful staff, their breathtaking grounds, and their charming antique-chic decor, I can see why this venue was such an easy choice for my couple. As a country girl, myself, I have a deep love and respect for venues that showcase the simple beauty of trees and wide-open spaces. Exploring this property with Sheri and Aaron felt a little too much like playing hooky and a lot less like what most would consider “hard work”, but that’s exactly why I’m in this business. Because, for me, creating beautiful memories with beautiful people in beautiful places is fun, while working in an office cubical… isn’t 🙂

Family is, by far, the most important to Sheri and Aaron. They love their people (and fur babies) HARD, ya’ll. In fact, aside from their love for each-other and their faith, I can tell that family is the very glue to their foundation as Husband and Wife. Tradition, heritage, love, and the people they hold closest to their hearts are easily this couple’s biggest motivators, and these themes shined through in every crevice of the day- making it all the more perfect for them, and all the more beautiful to photograph for me.

In the following interview, Sheri jokes a lot about her low-key style and her lack of Pinterest board planning, but don’t let that slice of humble pie fool you. Each detail of her wedding was executed even more beautifully than the last, and her day was EASILY Pinterest-worthy. These gorgeous models… err, I mean normal, everyday people walking around with model faces… made my job so incredibly easy from start to finish, and we ended up with some incredible captures to show for it! Let’s dive in!

Question: So Sheri, how did you and Aaron meet?
Answer: I met Aaron at Southside Regional Medical Center. We both had been working there for about 5 years and knew of each other and worked together a few times. We started talking in 2019 and made things official in 2020. We actually worked together officially for one year, I have since left and work at a doctors office. When we did work together, all of our shifts that were scheduled on the same day, we rode together. When Aaron was trying to catch my attention before we started talking, he used to come up to my floor and bring me a white monsters and continued to do that after. He always wrote sweet notes in my lunch, and all of my coworkers used to love to read Aaron’s sweet messages… he still does that to this day! 

Question: How would you describe you and Aaron as a couple?
Answer: Our relationship is best described as the phrase “things come when you least expect it.” Neither of us were looking for a relationship at the time we found each other. I remember one day at work Aaron came up to me and suggested I read this book and it was a motivational book because we were both going through a hard time. We kept chatting, and I honestly thought he just wanted to be friends, until the day he asked me on a date. I remember how nervous I was, and I won’t lie, I almost said no because I was so scared of being hurt again. My mama talked me off of my ledge and convinced me to go, and it was the best decision I ever made. We went to the brick-house run in old town Petersburg. I remember coming home after and chatting with my parents about how amazing Aaron was, and now we go to brick-house at least twice a month! I guess you could say this love surely didn’t come easy, but God led us to each other and we are so so thankful. 

Question: What’s your favorite thing about Aaron and why?
Answer: My favorite thing about Aaron…well there are so many things I cherish about this sweet man, but I will do my best to pick my favorite. I would have to say how loving he is. There is not a day that goes by that he doesn’t tell me how much he loves me, kiss me goodbye when i’m leaving for work, kiss me good night, slow dance with me when our song comes on, tell me I have a cute butt (you would have to really know us but he says this every single day LOL), hold my hands when we pray and cook me anything I could possibly want. I never ever have to question how much Aaron loves me and that is definitely one of my favorite things about him. 

Question: Ask Aaron to tell us his favorite thing about you and why?
Answer: What I love most about Sheri…… Love is a strange word. A word that can be the most special thing you say to someone, but also the most hurtful word at the same time. The way Sheri loves is truly my favorite thing about her. Watching her love our family, friends and fur babies. She loves so hard with 100% of her heart. When she tells me she loves me, it can truly bring me out of the darkest places. I never have to wonder or second guess her when she says she loves me, because her love is truly genuine. She is a special girl that loves hard, and I love her for that. 

*Sheri’s Note: It doesn’t surprise me that we answered kinda similar hahah! My mama always says Aaron and I are little bookends! Funny little fact we answered identical during our shoe game during the wedding and had no idea what questions would be asked! 

*Ashley’s Note: Two little bookends is right, girl! As a couple, you are extremely connected and in-sync. I must point out- that doesn’t just happen by luck. Yes, we’re often told how everyone has a match out there somewhere, but to truly find the person who thinks OF you, LIKE you, and WITH you is a gift you both were fated to find in one-another. Find comfort in knowing that, even during the hard times, you’ll have your person right there with you, probably thinking the exact same thing.

Question: How did you get engaged? We want details!
Answer: We got engaged in Kilmarnock Virginia. This place is very special to Aaron, because his great-grandmother lived there and raised his grandma. As his nanny would say, it’s Gods Country! The morning of the proposal, all I knew was that we were going on a road trip with my parents, I didn’t know where exactly we were going, though. As I’m getting ready Aaron playfully said, “do you know how to get there, honey?” and laughed, because I had no idea where we were going. This was my second time going to Kilmarnock, so once we were close, I knew exactly where we were going, but I just assumed he was showing my parents this place because of how special it is to him. We get to this little beach and I asked what we were doing, and Aaron said, “well, we’re gonna walk around honey.” So, I took my shoes off and rolled my jeans up. I walked around for a good bit, until Aaron said to look out at the water because he wanted to take a picture of me. When I turned around, he was standing in the front of me shaking, and I asked him if he was cold because it was April, so it was a little chilly. He said he wasn’t and then handed me a blue raspberry ring pop. Back story on the ring pop: so, when Aaron would talk about marrying me and what kind of ring I may want, well, I wasn’t the kinda girl with a Pinterest board of rings or anything. So, I told him a blue raspberry ring pop or else I say no. So, when he handed me this, I should have known, but I’m very clueless when it comes to surprises, so I was just excited to get a ring pop because I love them! Next thing I know, Aaron’s on one knee and I started bawling and said “you better not be kidding”! My parents videoed the entire thing! It was absolutely special because my parents were there and in a place that Aaron holds so close to his heart. 

*Ashley’s Note: Never in my life did I think a ring pop could make me cry, but here we are 😭. This story is SO sweet and SOOO you. Aaron’s idea to combine your family with his in this very special way was such an “Aaron move”… knowing just what you would want in that moment and making it happen exactly the way you deserve. It’s easy to see how deeply he strives to make you happy at the end of the day, and I can tell it’s because of how happy you have already made him. It’s the give and taken in relationships that matters, and I feel you and Aaron have found a wonderful balance between the two. Hold onto that.

Question: Tell us a short story about a core memory you took away from your wedding day. 
Answer: This question is one of the most difficult, there are so many things I will cherish from our wedding day. But a core memory I would pick out of all of them is right before walking down the aisle, it was just me, my mama, my maid of honor Taylor and mine and my mamas best friend Rachel standing in the room where all of us girls got ready. I’m standing in front of this big mirror looking at myself and I was so nervous and Taylor asked me if I wanted to pray, I told her yes but I couldn’t lead the prayer I was too nervous so Rachel lead us in the most beautiful prayer; just us standing in a circle hand in hand.

Right after this, I walked down the stairs to my Daddy standing outside waiting for me, and I remember telling him how nervous I was, and he said “all you need to do is focus on Aaron and me. Don’t look at anyone else.” Walking down that aisle, I clung to my daddy’s arm so tight, I don’t know how he isn’t bruised. And as soon as I saw Aaron, I was okay and all of my nerves about everyone staring at me and if I tripped or whatever just melted away. 

*Ashley’s Note: Again, the tears are flowingggg. Such special snapshots in time to hold onto from your big day. For me, I would have to go on record to add that you created some incredibly beautiful memories for your parents, as well. As a mother, myself, I’m a true sucker for any couple who chooses to honor their parents in the ways you did. Between documenting your first look with your dad, and then capturing the special reception dance you planned for your mom, my heart could just feel the level of love and honor they felt for having you as a daughter. They clearly did so much right.

Question: Do you have a favorite memory from working with Ashley Dorton?
Answer: I thought the above question was hard, so is this one! My best friend, Stephanie referred Ashley to me and gosh, I’m so thankful! I would have to say my favorite memory is on the day of my bridal portraits, it was pouring down raining and Ashley messaged me and said what do you want to do? I freaked, I thought she was going to cancel at first and I said rain or shine we’re doing these pictures and she said “okay, see you there!” We got there and she said, “I was telling my aunt on the way here that you still wanted to do pictures and she said that’s your kinda bride!”. But after the pictures were up in the room of the venue and we all had this long heart-to-heart conversation. Ashley was so raw with us and in that moment, and I knew she was more than my photographer, she was my friend. She is so talented, puts a ton of attention to detail, but to see her just be raw and comfortable with me was just amazing. I honestly love her so much, and I can never thank her enough for how amazing she has been to us. I’m so excited for all of the future photoshoots, but she is family now, so i’m ready for our next party 💛

*Ashley’s Note: Thank you so much for sharing these special moments. It has certainly been a goal of mine to share more of my soul with others over the past few years, and what I’ve found to be true is exactly what you stated in your answer above: when I give people the chance to truly know my heart, I am often rewarded with lifelong friendships. I’m thankful that life brought us together in this special way, and I look forward to documenting many more memories for you and Aaron in the future. We have only just begun, girlfriend! Rain or shine! 😉

Question: When planning the wedding, how did you pick each vendor? What stood out about each one?
Answer: So, as I said above, I’m not the girl with a Pinterest board for my wedding. I honestly had zero vision of what I wanted for our wedding day. I’m just laid back and wanted everyone to have a great time! Aaron and I love antiques, so decor and our venue very much reflected that! Aaron’s aunt, Wendy Bailey planned our entire wedding, and she’s absolutely amazing. She suggested a lot of our vendors, but down below, I’m going to state each person and how we chose them! 

Videography: David Moody- Aaron actually went to high school with David, worked at American family together and bartended his wedding! He is extremely talented! He does this on the side, and is a full-time teacher. 

Hair color: Brandi Gwinn at Mirrors on the Wall- She has been doing my hair for over a year now! 

Hair updo: The Apothic Company in old town Petersburg- They actually do my mama’s hair and did my updo for my senior prom! Owner- Susan Seward 

DJ: Hunter Omohundro- Aaron’s Aunt Wendy referred him to us, and our wedding was unfortunately his last wedding he will be doing, outside of weddings that are not at Oakdale- a wedding venue in Henrico- so if you want Hunter, you will have to get married there! 

Catering: Ralph Summerson- My dad knows Ralph personally, they were in the fire department together. He unfortunately will not be catering anymore weddings, so ours was his last. 

Flowers: Wegmans in Midlothian- Now, I know this sounds crazy, but they were absolutely AMAZING! I was skeptical about using a large company and did not want to loose any attention to detail or quality, but they were above expectations! 

Cake: Christina May- Wendy also recommended her to us, they are very good friends. She makes cakes as a side-business and is beyond talented! My favorite color is yellow and she completely blew me away with our cake! 

Donuts: Country Style Donuts- We honestly went around to a lot of different places to try donuts, and they were our favorites! I’m not a huge cake person, so having donuts at the wedding was a must, and they are amazing here! 

Jewelry: I’m sure Ashley captured quite a few pictures of the pearl bracelet I wore on wedding day, and that was handmade by Aaron’s aunt, Wendy Bailey. She makes all kinds of pieces with antique beads. Her business name is Rescued Grace. 

Venue: The Historic Jasmine Plantation- We toured quite a few venues and they were all so bland and empty, nothing really made me envision wedding day until The Jasmine. We love antiques and this place definitely was perfect for that. Not only is it beautiful, but the husband and wife who own it are absolutely amazing- so attentive and did everything possible to make our day perfect. 

Wedding Dress: Ava Laurenne Bride- One of my mamas friends went here and raves about how amazing they were, so we decided I would schedule an appointment with them. It was my first place and I went in thinking I wasn’t going to find my dress and that you go to multiple places before you find the one, but no! I wish I could remember the name of the sweet lady that assisted me that day, but she was amazing. I had no idea what kind of dress I wanted and she brought our every style and then asked all about Aaron and I and what we like. She went out on a limb with my dress and I fell in love. Highly recommend!!!

Makeup& Nails: CintruStudio- Cindy Trujillo, Cindy has been doing my nails for years and has become one of my best friends! She is so talented, just love her. 

To Sheri and Aaron,

Thank you so much for sharing your sunshine with me, and for reminding me of how much I truly enjoy what I do. Your ability to lift each other up to new heights is something I will always admire and look forward to capturing on camera.

And finally, a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the amazing vendors mentioned in this blog, who played a special part in making this wedding such a success! You’re all true professionals, and I hope to work with you many more times in the future!

Here’s to marrying the person who thinks OF you, WITH you, and LIKE you (and kissing them whenever you want)!

Xo,
Ashley




(Blog designed & Written by Sarah of Aligned Artists)