When it came to her own wedding, planner Ashlee with Treasured Heart Events “felt so much pressure to have the most ‘perfect’ wedding, even though I know there is no such thing!” What she did do, though, was plan a day that reflected her and Brett as a couple and that is what made it perfect for them. Add in some beautiful details in a palette of blues and you have a beautiful day at Dove Ridge Vineyard filled with love and personalizations. Invitations and watercolor paper goods are by Treasured Heart Events, florals by Blushington Blooms and a cake by Hopeful Hearth Baking Co. Lucky for us, Avery Earl Photography was behind the lens capturing it all in the lovely images.
What made the wedding special and unique?
We really just wanted to have a wedding that reflected us as a couple. As a wedding planner myself, I see a LOT, and I also felt so much pressure to have the most “perfect” wedding, even though I know there is no such thing! For us, our day was special because we got to spend it with our family and friends. I never realized how important it was to take mental snapshots of the day until I went through as a bride! We also shared personal vows at the ceremony.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
When I went dress shopping for the first time, I had no idea what I was looking for. I went to Circle Park Bridal in Addison, Texas because my sister had gotten her wedding dress there, and the second gown I put on was the one! I was in the middle of telling the lady helping me how Brett and I met, and I just stopped mid-sentence and started crying! I knew it was the one for me! The dress was by Essence of Australia. It had a high neck, delicate lace detailing, subtle sparkle, a faux back and a long, dreamy train!
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
90% of the clothes I own are in the blue color family! Choosing a monochromatic color scheme in muted blues was an easy choice for me! I wanted my bridesmaids to feel comfortable in their dresses, so I gave them a color, and let them choose their own dress! I also carried Brett’s grandmother’s wedding ring on my bouquet. It was a special way to include her in our wedding when we knew she was looking down on us from heaven with a big smile on her face! I also elected to hand dip dye and calligraph all of our guests seating cards. Since we were getting married at a vineyard, we had to incorporate lots of wine into our wedding! Instead of a traditional guest book, we had guests sign wine bottles that we would open at different stages of life (first Christmas together, first anniversary, etc.). We also had personalized wine corks as our wedding favors, and had a personalized bottle of wine that we had received at our engagement party! One of our favorite summertime drinks is sangria, so guests were greeted with pre-ceremony bourbon sangria. My sister and I shared our famous “sister dance” with all of our guests during the Matron of Honor speech, and we surprised our guests with a sparkler send off that lead to fireworks choreographed to “Don’t Stop Believing”!
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The most memorable part of the day was our private first look. I had been a mix of nervous and excited all morning, but the second I got to see him, all of my nerves washed away! I loved that we were able to experience that private moment before the craziness of the wedding began! When I asked Brett how he felt during our first look, he said, “I felt clarity. Everything made sense and I knew I was with the person I was meant to be with”. Now…please try to tell me I didn’t marry the sweetest man!!!
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Brett and I met on my very first day of college at TCU. I had landed a job at the Rec Center, and I was going in for my shadow shift–little did I know that the cute guy who was scheduled to train me was going to be the man I would spend forever with! Over the next three years, Brett and I remained great friends. When I began my wedding planning business in my Junior year of college, Brett, an accounting major, offered to help keep track of my finances, and very soon after knew that we would get married one day. Brett proposed on our one year anniversary, surrounded by our family, while recreating our very first date!! Needless to say, this wedding planner turned fiancee was elated to start planning!
Brett + Ashlee from LeForce Entertainment on Vimeo.
Planner, Designer + Invitations: Treasured Heart Events // Photographer: Avery Earl Photography // Florals: Blushington Blooms // Venue: Dove Ridge Vineyard // Videographer: Lynn Films // Cake: Hopeful Hearth Baking Co. // Hair + Makeup: Beauty From Brushes // Dress Boutique: Circle Park Bridal Boutique // Suits: The Black Tux // Fireworks: PrestoTechnics // Rentals: Coral Lane Rentals // Circle Arch: Gold Dust Vintage Rentals // Catering: TCP Catering // Bartenders: Professional Bartending of Greater DFW // Linens: 5 Star Rentals // DJ: Le Force Entertainment