(Nicole and myself 20+ years ago)
(Nicole and myself on her wedding day 20+ years later)
It all started on a small street in Fallbrook Ca, 24 years ago. I never in a million years would have thought the two girls i met back then would still be two of my closet friends today.
(Jillienne, Myself, and Nicole in 2009)
So as Friday May 13th (2011) rolled around, I loaded up my truck and packed up all my bags for a long seven hour road trip up to Clovis CA. Not only was it for the wedding of my one LONGEST childhood friends, it was also my birthday. At first i was a little bummed that i was going to have to spend most of my birthday in a car with my Dad and Fiance, but as we got on the road i really enjoyed the quality time with them. It wasn’t the ride with them i wasn’t looking forward to, it was the ride in general. Seven hours is a long time. We arrived in Fresno around 3:30, we should have been there by 1:30 but LA traffic was terrible. We first checked into our hotel, then headed over to the house in Clovis for the rehearsal. By that time i had completely forgot it was my birthday and was just super happy to finally be there. I have known Nicole since i was two. We grew up on the same street together. When Nicole would want to hang out, she would open her bedroom window and yell down to my house asking “can you come over and play?” Nicole, Jillienne, and myself all grew up on the street of Big Oak Ranch Rd, in Fallbrook Ca. Back in 1995 Nicole’s father was offered a job up in Clovis, so the family packed up and moved north. Surprisingly, we have all remained friends over the last 16 years. You don’t find friendships like ours very often. We are a family. Two years ago i got to be a part of my Best Friends wedding in Hawaii. Jillienne married her husband Brandon on July 25th 2009, where i got to be her maid of honor. It was a very special day for her and I am so thankful she wanted me to hold such a huge part in it. As for Nicole’s wedding, Jillienne and myself were both bridesmaids in her wedding. I know it meant a lot to Nicole to have us all together again. After arriving at the home around 4:30 on that Friday, i realized my birthday couldn’t get any better. I was spending it with my “family” (most of it at least).
After the rehearsal we all hung out and just had a good time. We made ice cream sundae’s and they sang me happy birthday. Eventually we went back to our hotel rooms and rested up for the next day. I arrived at Nicole’s house around 8 am. I unpacked my bags and started to get the bride ready for her big day. She wanted for me to do her hair and makeup for her special day. She said it would mean a lot to her to have me do that for her, so of course i happily did 
Nicole looked amazing! She made such a gorgeous bride.
Nicole had her own photographer that day for the wedding. However, she said it would be more special if i could take the photos of her and her husband Amish, instead of the photographer she hired. She felt more comfortable around me and said it would mean a lot to her. Again, i happily agreed to do that for her, and I am so glad i did. I got some amazing photos of the couple. Nicole and Amish, i am so happy for the two of you. I wish you both all the happiness in the world! Whenever you need a photographer, you know i’ll always be willing
Anyway, here are a few pictures i took from their special day.
Oh and for everyone that knows me, you will all agree that i am kind of clumsy. Well, i managed to trip as i was walking down the isle. Thank goodness i was saved by her brother, one of the groomsmen, cause i never hit the ground! Thank you Victor!
I wish this couple all the happiness in the world. Nicole is a wonderful person and anyone would be so lucky to have her in their life; i know i sure am. God Bless you both, Nicole and Amish.
Well i hope you enjoy the pictures as much as i enjoyed taking them!
-Ashleigh
This is where their love story begins…
(Photo by Michael Gjelfe: Here Amish is with Pastor Loren right before the ceremony began)
(Photo by Michael Gjefle: The Kiss)
(Nicole giving away her bouquet to her Grandma after explaining their very romantic love story)
(Lilly, one of the flower girls, digging into the wishing well to find the wish she left for Nicole)
And they live happily ever after…
i had such a great time back in February working with a close friend taking her family photos. It was so nice outside, we got lucky. The weather was JUST right! The sun was perfect and due to all the rain, all the plants and grass were a lush green! Of course shooting on the Old Bonsall Bridge is one of my favorite places to shoot, anytime of the year! But it looks even better when all the land around it is in bloom or full of color
Connor was so excited about the Hot Dog Dance it was just way too cute!
I was very excited about this family photoshoot! It was requested by the family to take their photos on the old historic Bonsall bridge in Bonsall Ca. One of the neatest places for local people to take photos, Especially if you grew up in Fallbrook or Bonsall.
here is their gallery to show a few examples of their shoot!
Class of 2010
Cassi Kahakui’s Senior Portraits
(Megan’s brother Ryan getting ready Photo taken by: Michael Gjefle)
(on the way to the ceremony site)
