Newlywed Portraits of Ashley & Jo

“Was he worth the wait?” I asked Jo.

She’d been dating Ashley for over eight years and had been feeling frustrated that things weren’t progressing. Shortly before they were due to go away on holiday in November 2016, Jo had enough.

“Years were going by,” she said, “and we’d still not even moved in together. I didn’t want to split up, but I was fed up of waiting.”

She told Ashley how she was feeling and was greeted by a calm response.

“It’s all in hand,” Ashley told her, “What will be will be.”

Back in March 2016, Ashley had decided their upcoming trip to Rome would be the perfect opportunity to propose. There were just a couple of challenges to overcome. They would arrive on the Saturday and return home a few days later on Tuesday.

The Sunday was Remembrance Sunday, and as their trip drew near, a relative in the wider family passed away. The funeral would be held on the Monday. That meant that neither Sunday nor Monday would be appropriate days to pop to question.

Saturday, their arrival day, was the only option left.

“Time was against me, though,” Ashley said, “As it was November, dusk was soon after 4pm. We arrived in the country around midday and ended up hitchhiking from the airport with some people we met en route. They told us that the station was nearby and so we all set off together, only to find ourselves trying to cross a dual carriageway.

“Jo had a bad foot from a running injury earlier in the week, so she was hobbling along. Eventually we got picked up by a kind driver and dropped at the station.

“From there we got closer to town, then needed to get to the hotel. We finally arrived with just a couple of hours before sunset.”

As they checked in, Ashley started to grill the receptionist.

“I asked her what nice places there were nearby that we could walk to. I emphasised that I was looking for somewhere beautiful, and tried to convey my intentions without Jo noticing.

“She picked up on my hints, and started telling me about a spot that overlooked Rome. It sounded perfect.”

They rushed up to the room, where Jo collapsed gratefully on the bed.

“Normally Ashley naps after we’ve traveled anywhere,” she said, “So it was really odd that he wanted to go straight back out again.”

The beauty spot was up a hill, so Jo hobbled along beside Ashley, until they reached a picturesque fountain. Jo sat down at the fountain edge to rest her foot, and was taken by surprise to see Ashley sink down onto one knee beside her.

“I asked her to marry me,” Ashley said, “And told her how amazing she was. I told her how much I loved her personality, her friendliness, her sensitivity. That she’s adorable, cute and cuddly, too.”

“I said ‘yes’,” Jo adds, “then ‘Really?!’ I couldn’t believe it was finally happening. I was so happy and excited. We walked back down and went out for some amazing food, sharing a bottle of wine to celebrate. It was perfect.”

On their return, Jo’s delighted mum asked when they were thinking of having the wedding.

“Ashley said Summer 2018,” Jo said, “And we latched on to that. The wedding was booked for August 2018.”

“When Jo came down the aisle,” Ashley said, “She looked really lovely. I’m a very lucky guy.”

“The best bit,” Jo adds, “Was walking back down the aisle together. We saw all our friends and family cheering for us, and spent the perfect day laughing and celebrating with them all.”

So how has married life been so far?

“It’s the little things that I love the most,” Ashley said, “Those simple, little everyday actions that people do when they love each other. Like putting on the kettle to make the other person a drink.

“I really believe that actions speak louder than words, so that’s why I buy flowers for Jo, make her sandwiches for lunch and mend her bike for her.

“We are part of a team now, and although there are difficult moments, seeing each other every day makes it worth it.”

“What about you, Jo,” I ask, “Was he worth the wait?” She pauses and smiles.

“Yes,” she said, but to prove that actions do speak louder, she beamed and rushed over towards the man who is now – finally – her husband.

If you are interested in newlywed, engagement or couples portrait photography, please get in contact by emailing [email protected] or submitting the form below:

Sarah Plater LMPA is a qualified, professional newlywed, engagement or couples portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

(c) Sarah Plater Photography