November 20, 2021, was a sunny, cheerful day as Ashely Beach prepared to marry her best friend of 5 years, Damian Michalewicz.
Eleven bridesmaids gathered in gorgeous velvet, emerald dresses, while curling irons, bobby pins, and jewelry were spread throughout the nun’s house they were getting ready in at St. Boniface German Catholic Church in Rowena, TX.
Last-minute, Damian got summoned by Ashley who had "pre-wedding jitters" and decided she wanted a first look with him. He stood outside the nun’s house with his eyes closed, waiting on his future wife to reveal herself in her beautiful white gown. Instead of Ashley coming around to greet Damian, his little brother and best man, Seth walked out of the house wearing a white dress and carrying a bouquet of flowers.
He gently tapped Damian on the shoulder and Damian turned in dismay to see his brother instead. He immediately started pushing Seth around and we could tell he was surprised (and a bit disappointed that it wasn't his bride-to-be.)
Back inside the bride's dressing room, friends, cousins, and sisters gathered close to Ashley as they prayed for her, Damian, her family, and over her marriage. The wedding was starting in moments, and they were soaking in the last seconds of the day before all the festivities began.
At approximately 3 PM, the doors to the catholic church opened and Ashley walked down the aisle, accompanied by her dad. She beamed as she walked towards her groom, she made a mental note that he was standing in the exact spot she laid eyes on him for the first time—the alter (seems like a sign, right?).
After the ceremony I the photographer had the task of taking family photos for the BIGGEST families ever! We had to use a microphone to gather all of the Beaches and Michalewicz’s extended family at the front of the church.
After shots were taken and they shot-gunned some beers, the wedding party made their way to the reception hall.
Lights twinkled and glasses flowed as guests gathered to celebrate Ashley and Damian’s special day. As guests walked in, they signed wooden ornaments with a sweet message to the bride and groom, hanging them among the countless others on the firm tree branches. The tables were decorated with small trees and ornaments, banners hung around the hall that read “meet me under the mistletoe” and “best day ever.” Children danced and twirled around the dance floor, full of sugar, and friends and family grabbed a drink and a custom koozie. The traditional wedding cake was replaced with gorgeous Christmas cookies, decorated beautifully in the spirit of the holiday. Sugar cookies, chocolate, sprinkles, cookies in the shape of Christmas trees, and candy canes, you name it, it was there.
If you’ve ever been to a Wall wedding you know what comes after dinner- that’s right, the wedding march. Guests gathered in pairs and after lots of laps around the dancefloor ended in large groups, everyone laughing having the time of their lives. The couple then goes into their first dance as the wedding party and guests gather around in a circle and swoon in on them every time the couple kisses!
The night was full of so much fun and laughter, I wish Damian and Ashely the best!
See some of my favorite shots below:
MORE ABOUT THE COUPLE:
The couple came from rival high schools, Ballinger, and Wall. They met 6 years ago at a Teens ACTS retreat. They love movie nights, fishing, kayaking, and road-tripping to see the Texas Rangers play. Ashley describes Damian as goofy and loving, while also patient. Damian describes Ashley as dependable and loving. The two are great accountability partners and watching them firsthand you can tell they love to have fun together. The two spent the week after their wedding honeymooning in Jamaica, soaking in their first days as husband and wife.
Cheers to forever, Mr. & Mrs. Damian Michalewicz!
Comentários