From the wedding venue to the wedding gown, Love Bride Ashley, is a bride who knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding day. Greenery and white blooms, posh chandeliers, and close family and friends, all resulting in an elegant and romantic scene. Ashley shares with us a glimpse into her love story with husband Jonathan and details surrounding their nuptials. 

How did you meet your husband? Tell us a little about your relationship? 

“Jonathan and I met when COVID was at its peak. I had moved back home from Raleigh, NC due to the uncertainty that COVID had presented. One day, I saw a notification on my phone that Jonathan had ‘liked’ one of my pictures on my dating profile. Keep in mind, living in a big city, not knowing anyone makes it a little difficult for dating! I was shocked as I am from a small town and never in a million years thought someone near home would have this dating app. Sure enough, we planned our first date where he came to the door and picked me up from my moms house like a true, southern gentleman. The minute we met, it was like I had finally found the other half of myself.”

What were your first impressions of your husband?

“My first impression of my husband was: this is too good to be true. I thought that someone was pranking me because of how easy and natural it felt when we first met. I never thought there was actually the man I had always prayed for out there!”

When did you first know that you were in love with your husband?

“I knew I was in love with my husband when he came over one day while I was helping my mom in the yard. Not only did he bring me flowers, but my mom as well. My mom is my rock and my very best friend. The fact that he also thought of her made me fall in love with him all over again.”

How did the proposal happen? 

“It was the beginning of March of 2021. My mom had called and wanted to know what I had planned for Jonathan’s 30th birthday. At that point, Jonathan assured he did not want anything big and wanted something with just his friends and family. I called my mom and planned what I thought was his surprise 30th birthday at the local restaurant in Williamston, NC. As we were walking in, I walked up the steps and shouted ‘SURPRISE!’ only to turn around and see Jonathan on one knee asking me to marry him! I was in total shock and will never forget our special moment!”

When and where did your wedding take place? 

“January 15th, 2022 Rock Springs Center Greenville, NC.”

How did the two of you decide on the wedding location?

“I chose the location because it was central for all friends and family as well as being absolutely GORGEOUS!”

What were the first steps you took to start your wedding planning process?

“My first steps were the venue and then.. THE DRESS!!”  

What was the most important thing for you and your husband when planning the wedding? 

“The most important thing for us was planning the actual ceremony and how we wanted it to go. We wanted it to be very sentimental and special. Our main goal was to assure everyone could see the love that we both have for each other.” 

What was your first dance song and why?

“Someone Like You by Van Morrison – Jonathan picked out our first dance song. When I asked him why, he replied and said: ‘because this is exactly how I felt when I finally met you’.”

What moment from your wedding will you never forget? 

“I will never forget the moment before walking down the aisle. I listened to the intro of my song to walk down and was SO calm. I knew that what I was doing was so right and bittersweet at the same time. I was starting a new life with the love of my life!”

What is one piece of advice you would give to other brides-to-be? 

“At the end of the day, the big wedding, the large amount of guests, does not matter. What truly matters is the love that the two of you have for one another and the opportunity to share that with your true friends and family. Make sure to do what your heart wants and not what everyone else expects. Stick to your gut on decisions and do what you truly want to do! It is your day to become a wife!”

Ashely’s Wedding Gown: “Emma” by Eva Lendel