Before she even walked into the college room at church her sophomore, she had heard of him.  So when she saw him for the first time, she boldly introduced herself and asked if he was “that Clay people kept talking about.”  As they started talking, she found out that he lived about an hour from her hometown and immediately offered to drive him home for breaks.  Again, she was being bold, and while it shocked him, he found that she was so easy to talk to and quickly realized he was already looking forward to their first break from school.

They began hanging out at ministry events, getting lunch on campus, and slowly getting to know each other.  In mid-August 2012, Clay decided it was time to make his intentions known.  So with the help of Mr. Darcy, he gave Ashley a copy of Pride & Prejudice with a page bookmarked and underlined was Mr. Dacry’s quote, “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”  Just a few days later, Clay took Ashley on their first date to the top of Chewacla State Park where he brought a blanket, a lantern, some cheese, fruit and sparkling cider.  They watched the stars and talked into the night and agreed to make their relationship official.

This past Valentine’s Day, Clay decided to make their relationship one that would last a lifetime.  He reserved the same spot at the park where they’d had their first date and recreated the moment with the blanket and lantern and even added flowers that they will use at their wedding.  As he worked and the day began to fall into place, Ashley got out of class early and he intentionally didn’t answer her text for a while since he was so far from campus.  But as he picked her up, drove her back to the top of the park, he played her songs on a CD that were a part of them, their relationship and who they are.  When they arrived at their spot, she saw the blanket and thought they were going to walk into someone’s proposal!  But she soon found out it was all for her.  Clay took her hand, walked her to the blanket and told her in the most personal and touching way possible that he loved her and asked her to marry him.

Ashley and Clay, you two are amazing.  Spending two hours with you last week allowed me to see that love you have for each other, how much fun you have together, and how intertwined each and both of you are with the Lord.  As I captured your love, I couldn’t help but smile because being just two and a half years into marriage myself, I know what you’re in for.  And while today and this moment with each other is so wonderful, it’s only going to get better, deeper and more intentional.  And I can’t wait to see how God grows you both as you start your adventure together this summer.  Love you both, Sabrina

Coffee, Pride & Prejudice, and crossword puzzles are a big part of their relationship.  So we found ways to intertwine them all into their photos.

Since they met at Auburn and wouldn’t be coming home for a while, I knew I had to drive down to capture their relationship where it all began.
We started at their church, just outside the college room, wandered around campus and ended up at the top of Chewacla State Park as the sun set.

Their laughter is contagious.

After so much rain and cold weather, this day could not have been more perfect or more beautiful!

Clay + Ashley + their spot + a gorgeous sunset = a very happy photographer!

You guys… your love is so beautiful.