Lauren Termini Photography: Ashley + Matt | Willowdale Estate Wedding

Ashley and Matt were married on Friday, August 12th at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA. It is an absolutely gorgeous venue -- during the warmer months, couples are able to say their vows in a beautiful stone courtyard surrounded by flowers with Edison bulbs strung overhead. It is nothing short of magical.

This summer in New England has been a scorcher -- one of the hottest on record. The day of Ashley and Matt's wedding, it was 90 degrees, with what felt like 200% humidity. Rain was threatening to fall at any moment. And about 30 minutes before the ceremony, it began to drizzle. Nichole, Ashley and Matt's coordinator, stayed perfectly calm and watched the weather radar, determined to keep the ceremony outdoors. Thankfully it was just a passing storm and the amazing staff at Willowdale immediately kicked into action wiping down the chairs as guests began to arrive. Moments before Ashley walked down the aisle, the sun popped out from behind the clouds. It could not have been more perfect.

The couple held hands, recited their vows, and sealed the deal with a shot of Maker's Mark, kicking off the evening's celebration. After the father of the bride and the groom welcomed everyone to the event, Matt's brother took a moment to let Ashley and Matt know just how ecstatic he was for the day to have finally arrived. Ashley's MOH, Briana, who's wedding I shot this past July, wrote and sang a song about their friendship and their futures together, now as wives, and it brought Ashley to tears.

Despite the crippling heat, once the dance floor was open, guests could not hide their excitement and didn't stop dancing until the music came to an end. Everyone enjoyed cocktails and homemade Italian cookies, celebrating late into the evening. Ashley and Matt, I've had a wonderful time getting to know the two of you over this last year, and am so grateful that I was able to document such a monumental occasion in your life. Thank you for inviting me along on this journey with you. I wish you two years and years of happiness.