Kody + Ashlie
An Enchanted Wedding Day at Anderson Lodge
Ready for an absolutely fairytale-perfect wedding day?
When Kody and Ashlie were putting together their wedding day vision, they went through a few different ideas (one even included a polar-bear!) but ultimately landed on an Enchanted Forrest Theme. Finding The Anderson Lodge, an adorable little event space tucked up on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, they knew they’d made the right decision and began all the DIY projects to make it all come to life.
From the literally thousands of ivy vines they had draping all over, to the romantic lamps they brought in, to the storybook background they had custom-made for their ceremony, and even down to the hundreds of individual crystals they hand-tied to the low-hanging tree branches surrounding their cocktail area, this wedding truly was magical in every aspect.
Ashlie and Kody are also two of the absolute sweetest human beings you could ever find, so arriving up at Anderson Lodge for their wedding day I was so excited I could barely contain myself.
Everyone was already hard at work, putting together all the final touches to both the ceremony and reception space. Their cake was delivered to “oohs and aaahs” (scroll down to take a look at the masterful modeling chocolate work on it!) and twinkle lights were being strung everywhere you looked.
I stole into Ashlie’s room and snuck out her wedding details which included the most stunning pair of emerald green heels and an opal necklace which was her grandmothers that sparkled with a dazzling rainbow display of color when the sun touched it.
After documenting these gorgeous details, Kody and his groomsmen got into their vests and ties amid friendly banter and laughs. I then got to hang out with Ashlie and all her girls as they out together their wedding looks all themselves. Ashlie had help from Kody’s sister who had practiced a bridal up-do she’d seen online and embellished the look by adding braids for texture, a cascade of curls to frame the bottom of her bun and then finishing the look off with delicate pearls and a few sparkles.
Ashlie’s maid of honor helped her slip into her Princess-cut dress while all her bridal crew pitched in to lace up the corset backing.
I went out to place Kody for the first look in a private and secluded field behind the lodge and then brought Ashlie toward him. as she tapped him on the shoulder, he turned and saw her, beaming a smile as she giggled back at him through tear soaked eyes that sparkled with her joy and happiness.
We snapped a few bridal portraits and then gathered Kody and Ashley’s crew around them for wedding party photos that were an absolute blast.
I tucked Ashlie into my mini cooper and we drove her back around to remain in hiding while all her family and guests gathered in anticipation of the ceremony.
Ashley’s uncle officiated and as Kody, escorting his and Ashlie’s mom, kicked off the start of the ceremony you could tell this was going to be an emotional one! Ashley’s mom was already in tears and as Kody’s mom turned to give him a lingering hug, my own eyes started watering!
The wedding party made their way down the aisle, looking stunning in all the deep emerald green and then Ashley and her father entered.
Kody’s face lit up the entire amphitheater as his bride made his way toward him and again, Ashley’s mom was all tears of joy! Even Ashley’s uncle had to pause while he started off his speech, choked up by the emotion he felt for his dearly beloved niece.
Kody and Ashley’s ceremony was just perfect and included a unique binding ceremony with a stunning gold, white and emerald cord tied to their arms by their mothers.
Kody and Ashley shared vows led by Ashlie’s uncle and sealed them with a kiss amid cheers and clapping from their guests.
After the ceremony we spent some time doing family and bridal portraits and then Ashlie snuck away to swap her wedding dress for a more relaxed cocktail dress for the reception.
Appetizers of shrimp and stuffed mushrooms kept the guests entertained while the team from Emerald City Cocktails opened up the bar.
Ashlie and Kody spent some time enjoying chatting with their guests until everyone moved into the reception space for an incredible dinner by Five Star Catering which included some of the biggest cuts of Prime Rib I’ve ever seen at a wedding!
Touching toasts were made by the maid of honor and best man and Kody and Ashley went over to their amazing cake to open the dessert bar by cutting and sharing the first piece.
As the last rays of the evening light faded from the sky, Ashlie and Kody moved outside to share a sweet first dance and then Ashlie and her dad swayed to a lovely father-daughter dance. Kody and his mom finished up the formal dances together, his mom snuggled in tight fighting off tears while they dances beneath the first starts that were starting to shine.
The DJ opened up the dance floor after a bouquet toss and an anniversary dance and shortly thereafter it was time for me to bid farewell to this magical night.
I'll never forget how much effort Ashlie, Kody and all their family and friends put into creating this amazing wedding celebration and I just feel so honored to have been asked. to document it.
Take a look at this small selection of images from Ashlie and Kody’s wedding day below and be sure to add in a comment of congrats for these adorable newlyweds at the bottom!
