Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Peterson: A Wedding at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Rensselaer, Indiana
After nine years of dating and a 16-month engagement, Chris and Ashley are finally husband and wife! On Saturday, November 3, 2018, Chris and Ashley tied the knot at Grace Lutheran Church in Lafayette, Indiana and then celebrated their wedding at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Rensselaer, Indiana.
This wedding was particularly special to shoot because Chris and Ashley are some of our very best friends. Chris has been an incredible friend to Zach (my husband) since they were kids, and he was even the best man in our wedding. With this in mind, it was such an honor for Zach to stand by Chris’s side on his big day and play a song during the ceremony, as well as a privilege for me to capture Chris and Ashley’s first day as husband and wife.
Because Chris and Ashley have been together so long and know how to make every situation fun, there was SO much anticipation leading up to this big day. And, I’m happy to say that the celebration didn’t disappoint!
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson’s wedding was just like they are: fun, sincere, laidback, comical, and a big party!
Chris & Ashley are high school sweethearts.
I’ve never known Chris without Ashley or Ashley without Chris. Zach and I started dating in 2012, and when Zach introduced me to his friends, Chris and Ashley had already been together for three years.
These high school sweethearts started dating during their sophomore year, stayed together through college at IUPUI, and then made Lafayette their home (which we were super excited about because we live in Lafayette, Indiana).
Young love can absolutely be real love, and Chris and Ashley are proof of that. Over the last nine years, they’ve made college choices, picked careers, changed careers, and moved countless times all while growing together. As their friend, I can’t imagine one being who they are without the other, and I know they feel the same.
Chris & Ashley wanted a colorful, fall wedding.
I usually hear a lot about my brides and grooms’ wedding plans, but because we’re so close to Chris and Ashley, we knew a lot about this wedding before it arrived.
While Chris and Ashley’s biggest goal was to make sure that everyone had a good time, they also really wanted a fall wedding (partially because Ashley loves fall and partially because their dating anniversary is November 4, so their wedding anniversary is now just one day before).
In Indiana, you’re never quite sure what early November will look like. I mean, it could be 80 degrees, snowing, sleeting, or even all of the above. But, Chris and Ashley lucked out! At 55 degrees and with colorful leaves all around, they had a perfect fall wedding.
Side Note: Most couples who want fall weddings schedule their weddings for early or mid October. However, in Indiana, leaves don’t really start to change until the last week of October. If you want a beautiful, fall wedding, I recommend scheduling your big day for either the last weekend of October or the first weekend of November.
Their reception was the party they hoped it would be!
Like I said, Chris and Ashley’s biggest wedding wish was that all of their guests would have a good time. And, I think it’s safe to say that they did!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding where so few people are sitting because just about ALL of Chris and Ashley’s guests were on the dance floor and clearly loving it (props to DJ Chad Wynn)! Their wedding at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Rensselaer, Indiana is certainly one that will be remembered!
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Peterson!
Chris and Ashley, I hope you loved every second of your wedding day, but more importantly, I hope you’re loving FINALLY being husband and wife.
Thank you for trusting me to be your wedding photographer, but more importantly, thank you for letting Zach and me be part of your lives. We love you both so much and will always be here to support you and your marriage.
Enjoy the beach and let us know when you get home!
I claim this handsome guy on the right. Love this talented husband of mine!
Ashley chose a dream team of hair and makeup artists. I highly recommend Kelli Lah and Halle Carpenter of Changes Salon and Paige Crenshaw of Shear Madness by Paige!
Want to see more photos of Chris and Ashley? Check out their engagement session!
Wedding Vendors
Ceremony Venue: Grace Lutheran Church of Lafayette, Indiana
Reception Venue: Jasper County Fairgrounds
Officiant: Pastor Dan Eggold
Wedding Stylist: Gatherings Wedding & Party Rentals
Florist: Lafayette Flower Shoppe & Gifts
Cake: Mammaw’s Sweet Shoppe
Wedding Dress: Something Blue Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair Stylist: Kelli Lah and Halle Carpenter of Changes Salon
Makeup Artist: Shear Madness by Paige
DJ: DJ Chad Wynn
Party Bus: Lafayette Limo
Photographer: Victoria Rayburn Photography
Second Shooter: Candace Anderson