Ashton and Evan met a few blocks from their respective apartments. Once they began chatting, they realized they had lived a few streets from each other for several years. Now that their paths finally crossed, Ashton and Evan began dating for the next three “fun-filled” years. They even raised a mini golden doodle named Cooper together. While Ashton and Evan are communication and project managers at work, they feel like they’re managed by Cooper at home!
After Easter service at their church in Alexandria, Virginia, Ashton and Even walked along the sparkling waterfront. They stopped by a beautiful bench, and Evan proposed. After Ashton said, “Yes!” the couple spread the news to their families.
Ever since she was a college student, Ashton and her family spent holidays in Palm Beach, Florida. She introduced Evan to Palm Beach vacations once they began dating, and the destination soon became one of their favorite getaways. They knew that there could be no better venue for their wedding than the “classic but chic” Colony Hotel. “Plus,” Ashton notes, “who doesn’t love a pink and green hotel?”
The bride, her twin sister, and their mother visited Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Washington D.C. to find the perfect off-the-shoulder dress. Bombshell Makeovers applied Ashton’s glowing makeup. For the wedding day, Ashton complemented the look with her “something borrowed,” earrings from her mother. Simply Events Design crafted a tropical-inspired bouquet for the bride to have and hold during the ceremony. The groom wore a navy tuxedo from The Black Tux. Ashton’s bridesmaids all donned green Alexis gowns, which matched the hues of the hotel. Meanwhile, the groomsmens’ pink ties tied the other color motif of the venue into the wedding party’s ensembles.
On January 9th, 2022, Ashton and Evan gathered with guests on the Colony’s newly renovated East Garden. They exchanged vows in the palm tree-lined oasis, mere steps from The Colony Hotel.
The reception was held in the nearby Coral Ballroom. Ashton’s father began the evening with a toast, and a family friend delivered a tender prayer before dinner. Guests cut into their choice of grilled beef tenderloin or macadamia-crusted snapper. The real culinary centerpiece of the evening, though, was Earth and Sugar’s pink marble wedding cake with coffee-infused buttercream. Guests still rave about the decadent slices today. While reflecting on their special day, both Ashton and Evan agree that they’re anticipating their first anniversary with bated breath. They cannot wait to cut into the first layer of that wedding cake!
The newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Ryan shared their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing.” The Social Band was a definite highlight from the reception. They played a generous mix of oldies and Top 40s hits all evening long. Ashton and Ryan’s favorite moment from their wedding was when the band played “Love Train,” and everyone formed a dance train throughout the ballroom.
Once the music crescendoed and dancing shoes were stowed away, guests retired to the outdoor after-party on the lawn. The mini fried chicken sandwiches and french fries fueled late-night conversations under the stars.