A New Year’s Eve wedding to kick off 2022! What’s better than celebrating your love surrounded by friends and family? And then dancing the night away?! I can’t think of a more fun NYE party! Ashley and Andy rang in 2022 in style with a New Year’s Eve wedding at The West Events, an industrial-style space in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Bride and Groom wanted their wedding to be a vacation during the freezing and windy Chicago winter, where they are based. So, Florida’s December sunshine proved to be just the ticket.

I loved being part of Ashley and Andy’s special day. There were so many details that made the night feel like the most fun New Year’s Eve party you can think of. I’m talking Champagne wall, sparklers, doughnuts, a live band… and I can’t forget those crazy “Happy New Year!” hats and sunglasses.

There were so many timeless and beautiful touches that made the evening so personal to this fun-loving, gorgeous couple. Just thinking back to their first dance (a choreographed routine that had been rehearsed for months!) has me swooning. Also, can we talk about how adorable their dog Frank was with his tuxedo-print bandana?

Overall, my favorite little detail was an intimate, private one. 

Ashley wrote “AИDY” on the bottom of her shoe, in a nod to Pixar’s Toy Story. Seeing that whimsical, and yet deeply thoughtful, detail made my day. I am so happy I got to capture that memory for them, among so many other beautiful ones from the night! Andy had me laughing hysterically from the first time we met – we share a sense of dry, sarcastic humor. Plus, Ashley quickly became a friend through her planning process and now someone I love to chat about This is Us, travel, and life with.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet so many wonderful couples and become friends throughout our time together. Soon, Mike and I can’t wait to visit Ashley, Andy, and Frank at their new house in Chicago!

But first, enjoy some snapshots from that very special day.