Ashleigh and Manny met in 2010.  At the time, they were in middle school.  Just before high school started, Manny asked Ashleigh to be his girlfriend and they’ve been together ever since!  They traveled from Louisiana to their hometown of Kingsville, Texas to celebrate the next step of their relationship: marriage.  It was such a joy to be their Rancho Cielito Lindo Wedding Photographer!  Here’s a peek at some of my favorites from their December wedding.

Ashleigh started to read Manny’s wedding vows to her as her hair was being finished.  She didn’t get past the first sentence without crying.  Just before she put her dress on, she took a quick moment to read them to herself in private.

I’m so very thankful Ashleigh didn’t bat an eye when I asked her to get dressed outside!  This is my THIRD wedding to photograph for the sweet Smith family, so she completely trusted me when I asked something that seems “out there” – like getting dressed outside.  I’ve had the joy and honor to serve this family since 2013!  It has been such a blessing to watch their family grow!

After her mom helped her into her dress and her sister helped her into her shoes, it was time to share a first look with her dad.  They practiced their first dance and then invited her mom out to say a prayer over Ashleigh and Manny’s future as husband and wife.

Ashleigh and Manny opted for a first look and I’m so thankful they did!  The sun sets so early in the Winter months, so it really helps to get those natural light images most couples hope for!  It also helps get some of those wedding day jitters out and you can react to seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day without all of your guests watching!  That means, you get more genuine reactions and can stay in the moment.

Couples who opt for a first look get twice as many photos of the two of them together on their wedding day!

Sisters are the best!

This is a moment that I missed, being at the front of the aisle photographing the processional, and I’m so thankful my second shooter was waiting with Ashleigh and her dad just moments before the ceremony started.  Ashleigh asked her dad to go get her bouquet that was on the table.  When he saw it, he realized that a picture of his beautiful mama, who couldn’t make the wedding since Heaven is just a bit too far away, was attached to it so she could be with them in spirit.

Snippets from I Corinthians 13:4-8 were shared down the aisle.  Guests could read about the commitment that Ashleigh and Manny were about to make to each other. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.”

Manny wanted to show off his new wedding ring, which will serve as a reminder to his commitment to Ashleigh.

I may still be trying to convince Ashleigh to set up bridal portraits, even though she’s already married!  Just look at how radiant she is and… Bridal Cape.

Ashleigh’s parents dedicated Bible verses to Ashleigh and Manny as they start their marriage.  There were tears.

Ashleigh and Manny – thank you so much for inviting me to be your Rancho Cielito Lindo wedding photographer!  It was such a joy!

– Mylah Renae

Rancho Cielito Lindo Wedding Photographer

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