Someone had to point out to Ashley that Matt was in love with her. She just genuinely didn’t know. Their friend groups visited  each other often and the long drives back and forth from JMU to Salisbury proved worth it. Because even though Ashley didn’t…Matt noticed her that very first visit. They built a solid friendship over that first school year knowing each other, and eventually, with some help from a friend, Ashley realized what everyone around them already knew…Matt was in love with her. And then it was obvious.

And the rest was history. They managed the drives to and from their college towns, years of long distance, and now they’re finally living in the same location! It’s been years of country concerts, star watching in the back of Matt’s truck, and I’m sure more laughs than can be imagined. So of course, when Matt surprised her with a ring on a starry night a few months ago, she said “yes.” Yes to a lifetime of laughter with her love at her side. I can’t imagine that long distance has been easy for the two of them. But they made it work with persistence and intentionality, and now they’re only one year away from their new beginning.

Spending the evening with Ashley and Matt in downtown Staunton was SO fun. Matt had her cracking up constantly and smiling from ear to ear. Ashley was just over the moon GIDDY that it was finally her turn to be a bride. And Matt smiled slowly and surely each time she was in his arms. It was a joy. Not only because of the adorable nooks and crannies of Staunton, but because Matt and Ashley fit better together than they ever would apart.

See what I mean? Constant laughter :]

Ashley, you’re SO pretty!

We found some still-in-bloom trees for Ashley’s Fall loving heart.

Loved this spot.

I end all of my sessions with a giant bear hug. And this one was perfect.