And so it begins!  Ashton Events is officially open for business.

Before I start blogging about event related things, I first want to say thank you to the people who have made this new venture possible.  I’ll try to avoid making this like a cheesy acceptance speech at an awards show, but I do want to acknowledge those who have made this possible.

Remarkable Website Design:  Words cannot express my gratitude for all that you have done.  I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you.  Your encouragement, steady help, and hours of research made this website what it is.  Thank you, Lee Anne, for being excited about the tiniest changes (hover text!) and your patience, John, all those times I stole your wife from you.

Blue Kite Photography: I cannot say thank you enough!! Michael & Juliet took a majority of the pictures on the website.  I met them at Leeza and Blake’s wedding (more about that soon!), and they were incredible at capturing the little moments.  I couldn’t help but squeal when the photos went up on their blog, and knew immediately that they would be perfect for my site.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

My family: Thank you for being patient with me, encouraging me, & praying me through this process.  It has been a long time coming, and your support has meant the world to me.  Thanks for the phone calls, the input, picture taking, and all of the editing (“Holy buckets, Laura!”).  I love you all.

My dearest friends: Thank you for providing years of experience. =D  Honestly, I would not have discovered this passion if it weren’t for all of you.  I also wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for the joys of bringing awesome people together.  So consider yourselves awesome.

And I need to give a special shoutout to my roommate for living with me, and somehow loving me, through all of my ups and downs.  Your ability to encourage me, challenge me, and inspire me never went unnoticed, even if it was not voiced enough.  Thank you, friend.

Finally, and most importantly, thank you Lord for letting this come to fruition!  I am speechless, and truly humbled, as I look at how all the pieces fell into place, in Your perfect timing.  I am amazed at the work of Your hand. 1 Chronicles 17: 16- Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?”  I would not be here without your grace and love.

{insert orchestra music}