Star-spangled beauty at Noble Chapel and Rotunda

We love the story that about the night Ashley met her husband, John:”At one point – early in the night, Ashley looked over her shoulder and noticed a VERY strong, VERY muscular, VERY handsome man sitting at the bar ALONE. She kept chatting with friends and KEPT glancing over her shoulder to peek at this new eye candy.”Can’t you just hear the emotion in the words? That’s Ashley: exuberant, funny, bold and charming. She’s the perfect foil to her mountain of a man hubby, John, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and instructor at Norwich University. John’s far more quiet than his bride, but equally as eloquent and ever the gentleman. When Ashley is on his arm, you can tell they are a perfect match.We’ve had the honor of filming the weddings of service members before, but none had embraced the traditions and pomp, which at times literally took our breath away.  Just a few of the details that still linger: The morning of the wedding, Ashley and her wedding party were finishing the seating chart signs, arranged by radio call letters used by the military. Then, how about the saber arch the newly married couple exited under as they left the Noble Chapel at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy? Next, it was portraits at the impressive Veterans Memorial Park in Oconomowoc, with flapping flags, bold eagle statue guarding it all, and beautiful arches and enormous stanchions.The reception carried the theme with a large American flag draped over the balcony that let guests know the priority for their eyes, even above The Rotunda‘s eye-catching coffered dome. Can anyone resist cutting a cake with a sword? We think not! And the military call-and-answer toasts that started the reception were a wonderful military tradition that brought everyone to attention and set the tone for the evening: blessings, thankfulness and hope for the future.We loved, too, that Ashley and John celebrate equality in all things, including their wedding party, which not only included military members from around the globe, but attendants of both genders on each side. Love is love, is what we like to say at Sweet Pea, and we’re so thrilled when we get to see that reflected in our work.Gosh, and I haven’t even talked about the personal elements of this wedding that will last a lifetime. First, tremendous kudos to Ashley’s mom, Judy, for not only making Ashley’s bridal gown, which was a stunning strapless mermaid, but all the attendants, her own and several other gowns for the event. You’ll get a glimpse of Judy in action in the Sneak Peek. And what about John’s family with its Greek heritage? The dancing (spectacular!), the plate throwing (watch out!), and the no-handed-from-the-floor shot (time to party!).Let’s just say, their full film is going to be brimming with moment after moment!Congratulations to the couple!Cheers,CindyWant more information on the pros who helped Ashley and John achieve their dream wedding? Check them out below:Bride and Groom prep location: The Clarke Hotel, WaukeshaCeremony venue: St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy Noble ChapelOfficiant: Chief Steve SchweissReception venue: The Rotunda, WaukeshaDJ: C&S Mobile Music EntertainmentPhotographer: Lexi XD PhotographyFlorist: Jane Kelly FloralCake: Allyssa GnacinskiBride’s gown: Custom made by the bride’s mother, Judy Prest of Muellenbach Fashions, or 262-224-6529Bridesmaids attire: Custom made by the bride’s mother, Judy Prest of Muellenbach FashionsGroom’s attire: Army service uniformBride’s hairstylist and makeup: Lexa’s Luxurious LooksBride’s rings: Von Bargen’s JewelryTrolley: Spring City Trolley