Chris + Elizabeth | Wedding

One thing about me: I’m a country girl through and through. Give me a wide-open field, a cow barn, and a romantic sunset, and your girl is IN for a good time. When Elizabeth hired me to photograph her dream-wedding on a family farm, I knew we would get along just fine, as us country girls tend to stick together. Little did I know the amount of laughter and joy we were all in for. Somewhere in the middle of getting hitched, hopping fences, kissing in the cow barns, and dancing the night away, these two love-birds said “I do” to a lifetime of happiness, and I was lucky enough to capture it all.

Reminisce with me on my favorite photos and moments from their wedding, as well as details on how the couple met, and what they loved about their awesome team of vendors. Let’s get into it!

Venturing to a new wedding location is one of my all-time favorite ways to start a day. Sure, I love frequenting familiar venues as well, but there’s just something special about capturing the newness of a place I’ve never been. Exploring this beautiful farm was a true delight, and the wide-open spaces felt especially breathtaking due to all the gorgeous pops of fall colors we were blessed with that day. I couldn’t have asked for a better background to work with, nor could I have asked for better subjects.

Elizabeth and Chris are like the perfect combination of salty and sweet. They’ll be the first to poke fun at each other, but they’ll also brag about the other as soon as they leave the room. They’ll speak fluent sarcasm all day long, but then they’ll turn around and write a love letter that brings you to tears. These two are the perfect case for “opposites attract”, but they also fit together like peanut butter and jelly, and there’s something about that’s just so romantic to me. To be lovers AND best friends, to be opposites AND the perfect fit… it’s a rare and beautiful love I’m excited to highlight in this blog.

In the following interview, Elizabeth gives us more insight into her and Chris’s love story. The way she expresses gratitude for others throughout this entire blog is the perfect example of E’s loving heart, and the way Chris so fiercely protects her is an example of his unwavering loyalty. Together, these two love each other and their people hard, and they’re sure to bring laughter wherever they go.

Let’s dive into all those juicy details we’ve been dying to know! It’s time to check out Elizabeth’s interview answers!!

Question: So Elizabeth, how did you and Chris meet?
Answer: My parents and I have always gone out to eat on Friday nights, ever since I can remember. About 10 years ago, we invited Rick, Lynn and Hunter to join us one Friday night and then it just became a regular Friday night thing. We now refer to dinner on Friday night as “Friday night dinner”. Well, this one particular Friday night in August 2020, my dad couldn’t do dinner and my mom decided to stay home. Rick and Lynn decided to meet some other friends of theirs for dinner and invited me to come along. We went to a place I had never been to, but it was a popular place in Chesterfield. While sitting at dinner, we got to talking about our church and the car show they do every year. Chris’s mom and step dad got brought up, because they help with the church’s car show. Well, about an hour later, Chris and his friend come in and sit down at the table next to us, and the friend of Lynn’s looks over at their table and says “there’s one of them Leavy boys, now.” And Chris overheard and said, “I’m not a Leavy, I’m a Bennett” and started walking over to our table. I soon realized that he was Lisa’s son and knew his mom and step dad and had gone to church with them and his daughter for years! I then said to Chris “I think I know your daughter.” He said her name and I told him “Yes! I know her!” We exchanged numbers that night and the rest is history! 

Question: Tell us a story that describes you and Chris as a couple?
Answer: One night, my friend Lynn and I were mingling outside of the restaurant we were at, when she said she had to go back inside for something. I stayed behind, knowing she’d be back shortly. As I was standing there alone, a guy I knew approached me. Unfortunately, this was not a welcomed approach, which he knew as he slowly backed me into a corner and began to harass me. I was trying not to answer or give him a reaction, when Chris walked by. I must have given Chris a look, because he quickly circled back around and asked me if the guy was bothering me. I said yes, and before I knew it, Chris had physically picked this guy up and moved him away from me- warning him to leave me alone and never bother me again. It was in this moment that I knew Chris was my Knight in Shining Armor, and that I wanted to pursue more with him. Chris is such a kind and gentle person, but he does have a huge heart, and he will protect his loved ones fiercely. The way he recognized and responded to the look he saw in my eyes is what keeps me certain I am always safe, loved, and protected with Chris by my side.

Question: What’s your favorite thing about Chris and why?
Answer: Chris is my absolute best friend, and I love him with all of my heart. When we found each other, I was able to see a side of Chris that not many others had taken the time to see. I knew that with a little time, love and attention from the right woman by his side, Chris would grow into his full potential as the man he was always meant to be. I believe that we have accomplished so much together, and I’m deeply proud of how much progress we have made in the time we’ve known each other. The way he is always thinking of me and showing me he cares is unmatched. He is my hero, my best friend, and my biggest fan. Plus, he always keeps me on my toes 😉

*Ashley’s Note: I absolutely LOVED getting to know a little more about your backstory. Chris’s love and protection for you seems to shine through the most in your stories of him. To feel safe is to truly feel loved, and I believe every woman deserves to feel such a solid foundation. It all boils down to trust, and the level of trust you two have achieved is something that can carry you through any storm.

Question: How did you get engaged? We want details!
Answer: After we had been dating for about a year, we started talking about marriage. I had always told Chris that if he proposed, not to do it on a holiday (like Valentine’s Day or Christmas), not on our dating anniversary, and not on my birthday. (I know, I had a lot of requirements lol But I wanted it to be a day all of it’s own.) So, my birthday rolls around and he tells me he’s taking me out to dinner somewhere fancy, so I needed to dress up. When I was done getting ready at home to go to dinner, I sent Shannon a snap of my outfit. She responded and asked “do you think he’s going to pop the question tonight”? I responded “no way, we have had this conversation over and over and he knows not to do it on my birthday”. Chris had reservations at the Tobacco Company for dinner, and while there, we decided to go to go check out Kabana Rooftop too. While there, Chris got a message from a friend he hadn’t seen in years that he was in town and downtown, near us, so we told him to come meet us at Kabana. He met us there and we all hung out for a bit. We decided it was time to leave and head for the elevator, and I noticed that Chris’s friend is holding his phone up but kinda discreetly. While on the elevator, Chris gets down on one knee and pops the question! I was completely caught off guard! His friend had been recording it the whole time! Later that night, I asked Chris something and he said he was going to pop the question on the rooftop but he knew I wouldn’t have wanted everyone watching so that’s why he popped the question in the elevator! He took my thoughts into consideration when popping the question, and for that reason, I will always cherish our engagement moment even more! 

*Ashley’s Note: I’m a firm believer that sometimes, there’s a better plan for us than even the one we have for ourselves. Your engagement story is perfect for you two, and it really shows how well Chris knows you. What strikes me about this story is that, had you not been so sure it wouldn’t happen on your birthday, the surprise could have been compromised from the beginning. It was his determination and reverse psychology that tricked you into truly being surprised by the moment, and I feel like he did that because he knew you truly deserved to be blown away. To top it all off, he knew you’d want it to be private, so he asked in the elevator. How symbolic- promising you forever, through all the highs and lows, in an elevator. I love it.

Question: Tell us a short story about a core memory you took away from your wedding day. 
Answer: There’s truly no way to pick just one core memory, because so much of our day will forever stand out to me. However, I do have a few moments that’ll always hold a special place in my heart. One core memory I’ll never forget was when Chris’s dad first saw me in my wedding dress. With a tear rolling down his cheek, he said “E (the nickname his family calls me) I’ve never seen you look more beautiful. You look absolutely beautiful.” Chris’s dad is what I would describe as “hard”, so for him to show me his softer side like that really made us feel bonded in that moment. Other moments that stood out to me were when I received the special necklace Chris had gifted me before we said “I do”, jumping over the cattle fence together, and the sand vessel we all poured into to symbolize our blended family. Finally, I’ll never forget seeing our sweet basset hound, Beaumater, galloping towards us after our ceremony with nothing but happiness and excitement in his eyes. Best day ever, hands down.

*Ashley’s Note: I’m thrilled that you walked away with so many beautiful core memories from your big day. It’s true, what they say about wedding days- you blink and they’re over. I encourage you to write about these special memories while they are fresh in your mind. Place these photos of those moments right next to your writings, and hold tightly to them whenever things get tough. Bumpy roads are inevitable for us all, but the memories with loved ones that make our hearts swell are what makes it all worth while. You and Chris have weathered so much together already as a couple- let these special moments you shared act as a lighthouse as you walk through future storms. Together, you can get through anything.

Question: Do you have a favorite memory from working with Ashley Dorton?
Answer: Before the day of our engagement photos, Chris and I had both never had never worked with a professional photographer, neither separately nor together, so you can only imagine how excited and nervous we both were prior to the shoot. Ashley made this such a truly fun and memorable experience for us – we all acted goofy, shared many laughs, and walked away with images that truly captured our special connection. It was such an awesome experience, that I felt it truly couldn’t be matched, until the day of our wedding, when I found us all laughing together and having fun in the exact same way again. Our moments spent together in the cow barn and hopping fences will always stand out to me as times when Ashley just felt like she was one of us and only added to the memory. It’s safe to say that we highly recommend Ashley as a photographer, and we look forward to having her document many more milestones for us together in the future. She even photographed our dogs with Santa around the holidays! We love Ashley.

*Ashley’s Note: It’s music to my ears when I hear that I was able to earn lifelong clients (and friends) through doing what I love most. The laughs we all shared together meant so much to me, and your review reinforces why I continue to strive so hard for those moments. People never forget how you treated them, and I always make it my personal mission to leave my clients feeling more like friends. I’m so happy for you and Chris, and for the beautiful day you were able to share with friends and family. Photographing you two was an absolute joy, and I look forward to celebrating many more wins for you in life! Bring on those babies!!!!

Question: Let’s shine a spotlight on all of your incredible vendors! What stood out about each one?!
Answer:
Venue: Dressler Farms– A huge ‘thank you’ goes out to Lynn and Rick, my second parents, for letting us get married on their farm. Dressler Farms holds such a special place in my heart, so it meant the world to me to use it as our wedding venue. I can’t thank Ricky enough for sacrificing his hay field for me, and Lynn for everything she did to make our day special as well.
Videographer: Alex Wheeler Media– We highly recommend Alex. He did the most incredible job, was SO professional, and even managed to move my own father to tears with his our video. My father has probably cried twice in my entire life, but our wedding video
Photographer: Ashley Dorton Photography– As we mentioned earlier in this blog, we were SO happy with Ashley’s photography services. She truly just fit in as one of us and made us feel so comfortable. We’ll be having Ashley capture all of our future milestones, for sure!
Entertainment: Jamie Timberlake of Dynamic DJ Services– Jamie did a phenomenal job at sticking to the do’s and don’ts list we provided him with, and ensured that everyone had an amazing time. He did a fabulous job and we’d certainly recommend him to other brides looking for an awesome DJ.
Coordinating: AT Your Service Weddings– SO thankful to Amber for her amazing help with day-of coordinating. Thank you for making sure everything ran so smoothly and for always going the extra mile. 10/10 recommend. 
Cake: Robin’s Bakery – Robin did an AMAZING job with our wedding cake. She allowed us to make so many different changes leading up to the wedding, and she even helped me add on the most adorable Groom’s cake at the last minute. Her work wowed our guests, and my groom was SO happy with his special surprise cake as well.
Hair Prep: Stephannie Brickley with Sweetwater Studios– Stephannie did an amazing job with prepping our hair for the big day. She did such an amazing job with helping me achieve the perfect blonde color for my big day, and she helped my mom and a few other members of my party make sure they were in top shape for the big day as well. Huge thank you to her for always taking such good care of my locks.
Officiant: Ray Kunze– thank you so much for the beautiful ceremony you performed and for all the extra help you and your sweet family gave our fur baby. Rachel, Sissy, Boo, and Blake were all so incredibly amazing for volunteering to help. I couldn’t have done it without you all.

There are two well-deserved non-vendor shoutouts we’d like to make as well:

My best friend, Lindsay Hysell– Lindsay was absolutely amazing. She did hair and makeup styling for myself and my whole bridal party, and she helped Chris with a last-minute tattoo coverup before the ceremony. Lindsay came through for us both in so many ways that day, and still managed to pull it all together with only 10 minutes left to get herself ready. Her husband also jumped through several hoops in order to make sure Lindsay was there early to help, which meant the absolute world to us. I can’t thank them both enough for prioritizing our special day and helping to ensure it was perfect.

Anita, Steve, Reagan, and Rachel Graver– We owe a huge ‘thank you’ to the Graver Family for providing all of our delicious appetizers and food, the sangria, providing excellent food service, and monitoring/packaging up after the fact. We are so thankful for everything you all did before, during, and after our reception to make it a true success. The careful attention and extra advice that was given meant so much to us, and so did the fact that they were even willing to help with watching our sweet fur baby as well. We can’t thank Anita and her family enough.

To Elizabeth and Chris,

Thank you so much for trusting me with these special images, and for making me feel so welcome through the entire process. The way you two truly are each other’s best friend is inspiring, and it shines through in your wedding photos so effortlessly. You both deserve the most incredible lives together. Here’s to being a safe-haven for your soulmate, and for making them laugh every single day.

Xo,
Ashley




(Blog designed & Written by Sarah of Aligned Artists)