Matt and Amanda’s wedding has been one that Randy and I have looked forward to for so long. From the very first Skype date oh-so-many months ago, I knew that Matt and Amanda were just the perfect match for us. Both so committed to each other and to God, they spent the last few months preparing for their wedding all the way from Ohio. They decided to get married in Big Bear, Amanda’s hometown, and they pretty much did everything from afar with the help of their family. Amanda’s mom, Donna, and their family friend Dena just did the most marvelous job planning every little detail; Dena homemade the cake and cupcakes (which were lemon flavored – my absolute FAVORITE flavor for wedding cake!) and it all just looked so yummy (I was SO bummed that I forgot to try some out!). And the catering buffet? Absolutely delicious!!

There were so many little things that we just loved about Matt and Amanda’s special day. I think my personal favorite little detail actually happened right before the ceremony; while Matt was still getting ready, Amanda’s best friend/maid of honor Hayley delivered handwritten letters written to her “future husband,” which Amanda had started writing when she was only 11 years old. She’d told Matt about them when they first started dating, but waited until their wedding day to show them to him. I think that’s so cool!

d

Their day started out pretty early, with an early afternoon ceremony. When Amanda’s dad, Steve, came out the bridal suite with Amanda on his arm – I could actually just feel the love in the air. Matt had tears in his eyes, and as Amanda walked toward her husband-to-be, she couldn’t stop smiling at her dad. As Steve said later on during his speech at the reception, he didn’t lose a daughter – he gained a son … and you could just see the joy and happiness in his eyes as he gave his daughter to Matt.

Pastor Fred Snider of Grace Harbor Ministries was the perfect choice to officiate Matt and Amanda’s wedding day – he has been part of many of the Fisch family’s most important moments and was actually Amanda’s childhood pastor. He spoke of God’s love and the value of marriage, and concluded the ceremony with communion. It was one of those ceremonies where I actually stood and truly let the words the Pastor was speaking wash over me; you know it’s a great wedding when you feel like the Pastor is not only speaking to the bride and groom – but to all of the married folks in attendance. I only wish we lived closer, I would LOVE to attend a sermon from Pastor Fred!

They’re married!!!

This might be my most favorite “We JUST GOT MARRIED!!!!” photo that I’ve ever taken it. LOVE it!!!!

My other favorite DIY detail was their homemade photo booth. They simply set up a table with all kinds of fun props, in front of a pretty lush backdrop of evergreens, and their guests just loved it! Everyone was taking selfies and posting pictures on social media, and it was so easy to do! All of their guests just had the best time with it, and had showed their skills on the dance floor until sunset!

This was by far the most difficult wedding I’ve ever shot (it was only 2 days after my whirlwind week that culminated in emergency surgery), and I’m so proud of Randy for taking lead for the first time. I was very limited in what I could do, and Randy just blew me away with his creative vision and his ability to take over for me so I could take it a bit easy at the wedding. I also have to say thank you to both the Fisch and Harris families, as well as the staff at the Inn at Fawnskin for their care and concern throughout the day; they all did everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible while shooting, making sure we got to eat and stay hydrated (such an AMAZING venue team!!). It makes my heart so happy to know that they truly cared about me and Randy so much!

Randy and I feel so blessed to have Matt, Amanda and their family in our #ADSWeddings family!! We hope you guys are enjoying Costa Rica – keep those pictures coming guys! xoxo

Vendor Love

Venue + Catering | Inn at Fawnskin

Coordination, Cake + Floral | Dena Krohn

DJ | Leo Mongelli

Officiant | Pastor Fred Snider, Grace Harbor Ministries

Bridal Hair | Kelly, Village Hairsmith

Invitations | Designed by Matt Harris (the groom!)

Bridal Gown | Oleg Cassini, David’s Bridal

Groom + Groomsmen’s Suits | Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaid’s Dresses | Donna Morgan, Nordstrom’s

Bridal Jewelry | Jared

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Big Bear?

Hey there, I am Ashley Durham, a western Arizona wedding photographer specializing in unposed, authentic and romantic intimate weddings that capture the love, fun and realness of couples and wedding days.

I am happy to serve couples from Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Prescott, Kingman, Skull Valley all the way to Palm Springs, Southern California and anywhere I can drive or fly. Are you ready to have an incredible time together for your wedding?? DM me!!