Matt & Megan

I don't even know where to begin when talking about Matt & Megan! First off, I love both of them! I received my first email from Megan back in June for her September wedding. Month later, she emailed me telling me they had experienced some unfortunate circumstances and they were having to change the date. They were tossing the idea of a December wedding, but either way Matt and Megan were ready to say "I do!" and didn't want to wait until 2009. Its hard to get to know a couple over email, so for a long time I couldn't wait to meet the infamous Megan Gulvas. From her emails and phone calls, I could tell she had a zeal for life and she was madly in love with her fiance! So the first time I met her, I instantly made a best friend! I fell in love with their story, their compassion for others and their love for God. I'll never forget how excited she was to marry Matt, she kept saying things like, "I've slept alone for the last 26 years, and after today I'll never be alone again" it was so cute! Coty and I did not live together before we were married, so to share that belief with Matt and Megan was somewhat of a blessing. I knew what she was feeling like before she got married, before the honeymoon, and to come home to OUR home! Coty and I were so blessed to be a part of their day. When I made the slideshow I picked this song just for you guys! I love Dave Barnes, and this song has always been a wedding favorite of mine. I love the words and the encouragement it still gives me. The way Matt would look at Megan, just made my heart melt. Hearing about the moving of the wedding date and their circumstances, they still saught out to help others instead of themselves. Instead of wedding gifts, the asked guests to purchase a toy that they would later donate to Toys for Tots. It was a constant reminder of how big their hearts were, and it was such an example to others of their compassion.

Anyways, Coty and I just loved working with you and your families! I know Rachel had an amazing time coordinating the wedding, and when she was here this weekend we couldn't stop saying how much fun it was and how beautiful a couple you guys were inside and out. I pray that God blesses your marriage, and you have many years of happiness! Love you guys!

Ashley & Coty

Megan & Justin

The day before Megan and Justin's wedding I remember thinking to myself, it'll be so wonderful if there is a light snow flurry, because it can't be a December wedding without a little snow! Little did I know God would send u s a BLIZZARD! For some stupid reason Coty and I drove seperate, but we both made it to our destinations safe and sound. The girls were all "ohhing and awwing" at the Megan getting her hair done. Megan had this beautiful jeweled comb to put in her hair so we all were debating where she should put it. She ended up putting it on the right side of her up-do and I'll never forget one of her bridesmaid coming over and saying "oh thats perfect its like a little surprise" you might of needed to be there but being with all the girls when they're getting ready is like going to a slumber party. All the reminiscing of the good times they had all had together, funny stories that are told about the bride... I love it all. Anyways, the day might have been delayed a little because of snow, but it was beautiful! The Makoy center was great, and they had wonderful service there. One thing Megan prepped me for were the traditions they had at weddings, and I was so excited because I love family traditions. The accordian player, the apron and the kisses from the guests were so fun to witness! Especially the money dance/shots! Very fun! We are offered a drink at almost ALL our weddings. So Coty and I are looking forward to being guests at his Cousin's wedding for this reason alone!

Anyways... Megan and Justin, we wish you both so much happiness in your marriage! God bless you both!

Ashley & Coty

Bad News...

So this week Coty and I got some very bad news, his cousin on his mom's side passed away. It came at a shock to the whole family, and I know all of us are still shocked at the sudden loss of Timmy. I only want to mention it because I know how saddened Coty's whole family is with the loss and any prayers for them are so greatly appreciated. Its not mystery that Coty and I are Christians, and we serve an amazing God, and I'm thankful to live in a world where I can ask for prayer without judgment or slander. The viewing is tomorrow and the funeral is on Tuesday so we'll be in Indiana Monday, Tuesday and come home Wednesday. I know a lot of you are expecting your wedding photos, and we appreciate all the love and support that you guys have shown us during this time of loss. We've promised to work round the clock when we get back, but in the meantime we appreciate your patience and understanding.

If you need to get a hold of us you can reach us by cell or email, I'll try and find some service and check my email while I'm there for any urgent emails.

Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers, I know Coty's family would greatly appreciate it!

*Coty & Ashley*

Worthington Calendar

Months ago a friend from Penzone's that I used to work with pitched me the idea of being the photographer for the Worthington Calendar. Of course I accepted and I was so excited to be a part of the project. When I got the email that the calendar was ready to be picked up I had my sister rush over there Saturday to pick up a couple copies and it turned out great. I emailed Jane to tell her they looked awesome and she invited me to be a part of 2010's calendar. I went to high school and elementary school in Worthington so I must say it was fun to go back and educate myself on the little town. My mind is already racing with ideas for the new calendar, and I'm already up to speed on the events happening around town. I'm hoping Delaware will do a calendar soon because, I already have some fun photos for that one! Anyways here are a couple shots from my little achievement!

"Why do you blog?"

My mother in law asked me this question tonight..."why do you blog" so of course I asked myself the same question. I want to start using our blog not just for slideshows, but as a planning tool. Anyone who meets me in a client meeting knows right away I love every part of a wedding. My passion is photography but I love everything about weddings. When a bride comes in exhausted from planning I wish I could plan for her because it was so fun for me. My poor husband knows we'd get married every year if it were up to me! I have so many plans and dreams for this business and wedding planning is one of them. Anyways, so back to the purpose of me blogging. I'm on theknot.com as much as engaged girls are. Not only do I ask the basic questions in a meeting but I get to know what girls are planning, their colors, their ideas, their themes. It was a no brainer that browns and greens were the big colors this fall! We did a lot of weddings with brown bridesmaid dresses and a lot with black bridesmaid dresses. I'm anxious to see what colors come out of 2009! So with us having one more wedding this weekend and then having a little break before our next wedding, we'll be catching up on editing, album design, and I'll be keep the blog up to date on more of the actual planning aspect of the wedding. My good friend is now a wedding planner in Columbus so I'll be getting updates from her and having her appear on the blog for planning tips. The nice thing is that she's engaged and getting married in August herself so everything she's doing for her own wedding is so fresh in her mind, it helps in planning other girls weddings!

Anyways, we'll try and keep the blog up to date more, now that we have the time... sorta. I think after I get caught up it'll be March, and I promised myself I'd finish my scrap book that has been waiting on me since June of 2007!! We have a couple trips to make to Bremen Indiana to visit Coty's family! It was on top of our new years resolutions to visit them as much as we could before the wedding rush! We were already talking about next Christmas, just so we can make it to the big family get together! Its so hard for anyone to understand how far in advance we have to plan things. We already have a couple weddings booked for 2010! I'm one of those girls who gets a little excited and I tend to over extend myself, I'm learning when to back off and let someone else figure it out. You'll quickly realize that in a marriage when you be quiet and let the spouse figure it out... even if you knew what to do all along! I love when the new year begins because it always feels like a fresh start. New goals, new ideas... speaking of new... we're getting a new website! Websites are like a pair of flip flops... when the summer is over they may still feel comfortable but you know you'll need a new pair next year! (I love fashion metaphors)

We'll be launching our new wedding website with lots of galleries and featured weddings. I'm never one to keep the same wedding up there for too long, so you'll always see new pictures every so often! We'll also be launching our portrait site in the spring, which I am SO excited about! We have lots of specials we're going to be running, and tons of portrait sessions booked so keep a look out for our portrait site! Anyways, sorry for the seriously long entry! Leave it to your mother in law to ask you one question and base the entire entry of that thought. Gotta love her!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous New years! We're so thankful for all who have contributed to our amazing year we had! We're looking forward to our 2009 couples. So far its been great... Adam and Paige you were both so great to photograph yesterday! We love you all!

Ashley

Stacy & Diego