Destination Engagement – Jekyll Island, Georgia ; Ashley & Leonard

It was the Spring of 2010, in Daytona Beach, Fl, at a Bethune Cookman University graduation ceremony that Ashley and Leonard met. On May 10, 2010, Ashley attended her cousin Syrenthia’s graduation party, unaware that she would meet her Prince Charming. Leonard was on program to play light groovy music as the ceremony took place. Ashley later learned that while playing and throughout the program, Leonard had been watching her all night! Ashley performed a liturgical dance for her cousin and later took on the dance floor as the band kept the party jamming. No words were shared between the two until later on that night when Syrenthia asked her friends and family to join her in enjoying what would be the last of her nights in Daytona. It was then that the two of them were introduced, however Ashley still had no idea that Leonard was crushing on her. As Ashley left Daytona Beach her cousin, made her aware that her friend Leonard desired to talk to her. Being that he was a nice guy and appeared respectful Ashley gave Syrenthia the permission to pass along her number.

Leonard and Ashley began to talk, spend time together and learn more about each other. Love was in the air! Leonard spent countless hours and miles to visit Ashley in her hometown of Miami Gardens, Fl. On December 24, 2010, the connection was sealed as Leonard asked to be boyfriend and girlfriend and a promise ring was delivered!

Time goes on and years go by as their bond continues to grow stronger. By this time Ashley was used to Leonard and all his surprises, however on December 25, 2013, Ashley would get the surprise of her life! Ashley woke up Christmas morning, got dressed and started her morning ritual with her family. It was to eat, open gifts and prepare to visit her families’ homes. While dressing, Ashley‘s parents snuck Leonard into the home to hide out until it was time for his appearance. Ashley was called for breakfast and the doorbell rings. Leonard‘s parents were at the door. Ashleysensed that something was going on but would never guess. Minutes later, Leonard appears and Ashley is elated to see him! As she calms,Leonard expressed the reason he couldn’t spend another Christmas without her. Special words were conversed and to bring home his pointLeonard proposed! Ashley, full of joy and happiness, accepted his proposal and the two started their journey to become one!

Where can I start!? Everyone knows that I love myself and I love taking pictures so this was to be my favorite part of being Engaged!!! And having my brother, as talented as he is, to capture it was even more amazing. Aside from knowing AJ all my life, his hard work and dedication to his clients and his art is beyond words! As he took thousands of pictures of my fiancé and I, We could not wait to see each and every one of them! We could never figure out if he was zooming in or out while instructed to hold a single pose for 2 minutes as he would make sure he caught the best one! I’ve seen and even assisted AJ on many sessions, but now being a client of his, he made my fiancé and I feel like superstars! At the end of the session we were more than pleased!   Our engagement session location was foreign to my family and I, however for the groom’s parents it was home. Leonard‘s parents live in Brunswick, GA which happens to house two beautiful islands by the name of St Simon Island and Jekyll Island. Amongst the different spots available to capture, we chose areas that reminded us of the love we shared: A beautiful resort called King and Prince where examples of class and talent were displayed; The peacefulness of the outdoors and in an historic home which showed how we desire our love to grow old and live in harmony; Lastly, on the calm waters of Driftwood beach which brought a Miami/Daytona Beach connection as the oceans represent our serenity with one another. Props like the piano and signs of love tie in two of our favorite things. Our initials stated we belonged to each other and during our walk through life he’ll always have the key to my heart!   Without a doubt, I wouldn’t have wanted any one else to capture this special moment in my life. I am blessed to have such an amazing brother who granted me the opportunity to be in front of his camera! If anyone desired an exceptional photographer with talent, persistence, dedication and passion for his craft AJ Shorter Photography is who they need! A+++ Superior Service!