For those of you who visit my website, you’ve probably noticed that beneath many of my wedding posts, you’ll see the words, “Assisted by Megan Ashley Photography.” I usually don’t write much about the couples themselves. Honestly, I’ve always believed the photos should tell their story better than I ever could. Instead, I simply recognize the talented people who helped make the day possible.
Most photographers write about how the couple met, their journey together, and all the little details leading up to the wedding. That’s never really been my style. But this time is different.This is Megan Ashley Photography, and she just married her best friend, Ryan, at the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens.
Back in 2013, I was searching for a second photographer for a New Year’s Eve wedding. If you’ve ever tried to find a photographer for New Year’s Eve, you know it’s nearly impossible. I posted my request in a Facebook group for photographers, and Megan responded that she was available.We met over FaceTime, spent about an hour talking through her work and getting to know each other, and the rest is history.
After that first wedding, I knew I wanted Megan by my side whenever possible. We worked together effortlessly, and she quickly became my go-to second photographer. Before long, she became much more than a colleague—she became family. Today she’s like a second sister to me, a close friend to my wife, and someone who has been there for so many memories from our family events.
A few years ago, Megan told me she had met a guy named Ryan. Naturally, I wanted to make sure he was a good guy. I’m happy to report… he absolutely is. My wife and I had dinner with them, and it didn’t take long to see how happy they made each other. Ryan even worked with me as a Photo Booth assistant at one of my weddings—and he did a fantastic job. If you ever need a trusted driver in Simpsonville, South Carolina for a wedding, Ryan is your guy.
Last year, Ryan and Megan traveled to Denver for vacation, and I had a feeling I knew what was about to happen. I was giving my wife a running play-by-play based on the text messages I was getting from them. Then came the news we’d been expecting—they were engaged.From that moment, my wife and I knew we’d be there on their wedding day, no matter where it was.Fast forward a year and a half, and there we were in Denver, surrounded by the incredible beauty of the Botanic Gardens, watching two people we care deeply about promise forever to each other.
It was an incredible honor not only to witness their wedding but also to document it. The love, joy, and emotion they shared throughout the day was something truly special, even after all the weddings I’ve had the privilege of photographing.I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings, but this one will always hold a place in my heart that no other wedding can. Not because of the venue, the details, or even the incredible images we created—but because I wasn’t just photographing two clients. I was watching family begin the next chapter of their lives together.
Megan and Ryan, thank you for trusting us with memories you’ll look back on for the rest of your lives. Watching your story unfold over the last few years has been one of the greatest blessings our family could have asked for. We couldn’t be happier for you both, and we can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you.
We love you both.
