Ashley and Tim

In 2008 I had the privilege of being a part of Ashley and Tim’s wedding. I have asked Ashley and Tim to share a little about that day.

PH. Share some of the different elements of your wedding day.

A: We agreed throughout the planning process that the different elements of our wedding day must be intentional, not based on tradition or expectation.

Here are a few aspects we were intentional about:
- We recited the traditional wedding vows instead of repeating after the pastor. We decided to honor the vows that have been spoken for centuries, but we wanted to have those memorized and spoken fluently.
- We involved our friends and their talents. Barry Simpson and Aaron Phillips are close friends and our photographers. Sara Rogers Michel, an artist friend, designed a woodcut print for us to be used on the invitations and programs. Will Thompson, Tim's childhood friend, played with his jazz trio during the coffee hour, and four more artist friends hung artwork in the house like a gallery.
- We wanted the ceremony to look and feel like a worship services at the Journey (our church). We took communion--just like we do at church--and involved the church musicians. Those who served communion had mentor-like relationships with us.
- We decided to surround ourselves with our bridal party; they were placed in a semi- circle around the stage area.

PH. How were your families involved on your wedding day?

A: The entire wedding was a family affair. My (Ashley's) family worked really hard for days before and after the wedding. My grandmother and all of my aunts prepared all of the food for the reception. My uncle (Dale Frazier) was even found hours before the rehearsal digging up a stump in the yard! It was truly my dream day. It was a service from my family that made us feel humble and loved.

PH: What little things did you do to honor your family and loved ones on that day?

A: The bride's cake was an exact replica of my maternal grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary cake. I asked our mothers and the women who have made a strong impact in my life what their favorite flowers were; a blend of those suggestions were used for the bride’s bouquet and other floral décor. We used hymns that were favorites of our deceased grandparents.

PH: Who made up your bridal party and why did you choose them?

A: The bridesmaids were my two sisters-in-law and five of my younger cousins. It was important to give them such a special place because family lasts forever and I have always tried to share special moments with them. We hope our relationship is an encouragement to each of the girls. I also had five honorary bridesmaids representing close friendships through different phases of my life. Tim chose close friends from childhood and college. It was not important for us to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen (Ashley had 7, Tim had 9). We choose them with intentionality and purpose.