Kris and Ashley have been together for twelve years. It started at a soccer game. Ashely’s friend wanted her to go to a game at another school (this friend had her eye on someone on the soccer team at that school). What ended up happening though is Ashely unexpectedly noticed Kris, who was playing for the other schools’ soccer team. Isn’t that the way it always happens best? When you’re not looking for love, it comes looking for you.
Ashley admits Kris is more of the romantic out of the two, and last summer he proposed to Ashley in Holland, Michigan during a mini-vacation trip. She suspected he might propose at some point because they had been talking about marriage and looking at rings. They went to South Haven, no proposal. Then stopped in Saugatuck, still no proposal. Finally they arrived in Holland, checked into a hotel, and ate dinner. It was night at this point and Ashely had given up hope of a proposal on that day. But at 10 p.m. Kris asked her to walk around a little. They explored the area, got ice cream and as they headed back to the hotel Kris finally popped the question, and after 12 years of being together found a way to surprise Ashley.

Ashley and Kris decided that photography was an important part of their day and made time to do a little extra shooting. L.O.V.E. this!
They decided a small, intimate wedding would suite them best. They wanted the day to be about their love while being surrounded by those nearest and dearest to them. On the balcony of the Lighthouse restaurant overlooking Cedar Lake, Kris and Ashely exchanged vows of lifetime love. And while it rained cats and dogs the day before, the sun decided to peek through the clouds just in time for their intimate ceremony.
Ashley says, “Kris and I both don’t express our emotions in front of people often. My favorite part of the day was the ceremony. Right before I walked down the aisle, I could see Kris lined up and holding back tears. I still remember the ceremony and the raw emotion you could feel/see exchanged between the two of us.”
Everything about their wedding held a memory for them; from the cake topper that Kris’ parents used at their wedding to the family wedding pictures displayed at the reception to Ashely’s something borrowed (her garter and handkerchief that was worn by my grandma on her wedding day).
Ashely and Kris, I was honored to be a part of your day. Your wedding was a day full of such intimate emotion, of gentlemanly adoration, and of family support. The wedding was beautiful, I know your lifetime together will be too.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lighthouse Restaurant
Florist: In Bloom
Dress: Eva’s Bridal Designer: Justin Alexander
Groom’s Tux: JCrew
Photographer: Susanna Tanner Photography
Make-up: Nevene and the Mac Counter (Orland Park, IL)
DJ: White Label DJ’s (Kyle Mann)
Cake Artist: Molly’s Cupcakes in Chicago and Macaroons from Sweet Annie’s
Rings: James and Sons Fine Jewelers
7 Comments
Beautiful!
Sonni these are some of my favorites out of all your pics. They are breathtaking.
Gretchen Bane Thank you! It was awesome to photograph and be a part of. Heather Dew Stegner thank you!!
Beautiful bride. Beautiful pictures.
they were very lucky to have you!!!! Memories of a lifetime in perfection!
Beautiful !
Carla Spotts I was lucky to work with such a great couple!