Ashley and Andrew met at age 16, dated, and knew that they would be together forever. They dated through high school, and then went on to Texas Tech University to get their education. Ashley is now an office manager, and Andrew a restaurant chef. At Andrew’s graduation from Texas Tech, he was determined to carry on the age-old tradition of graduates having pictures made in cap and gown in front of the famous Texas Tech seal. Ashley and Andrew’s family waited in the hot Texas sun for Andrew to get his picture taken in front of the seal. They decided that they would all take turns joining Andrew in the pictures and that Ashley would wait and go last. Once it was her turn, she immediately ran up to Andrew and got ready to smile when the totally unexpected happened. Andrew got on one knee and in front of everyone, asked Ashley to be his wife. In a tearful voice, Ashley said “yes.”

The planning went amazingly smooth considering that Ashley lived in Birmingham, Alabama and the wedding took place in Austin. Everything was mostly done long distance. “Thank God for the Internet!” laughs, Ashley. The plans seemed to fall right into place. They knew that they wanted to be married outdoors so the young couple researched on-line and found Nature’s Point. They flew to Austin, and as soon as they saw it in person, they knew that it was the perfect site. On another trip into Austin, Ashley and her maid of honor found the dress of her dreams, a Mikaella design, at The Bridesmaid Store off of 183 in North Austin. She chose clover green and subtle pink as her colors, and the guys wore khaki suits with matching brown Reef sandals and sunglasses.

The wedding was held at Natures Point in Lago Vista, a beautiful property overlooking Lake Travis, which had been decorated in magnificent floral arrangements by Always and Forever Florist. Because of Ashley’s close relationship with both her parents, her mother and her father escorted Ashley down the aisle to the awaiting groom, Andrew. After a simple ceremony, and sand ceremony representing two lives combining into one, Rev. Connie Homes Larson pronounced the couple “Man and Wife.” “It was such a gorgeous day and everything turned out just as I hoped,” said Ashley.

The reception was an evening of dancing and fun! To honor their Texas heritage, they decided to have Poke E. Joe’s Barbecue. Ashley and Andrew hired a live Texas country/variety band called, “The Beamers” to play during the reception. “Everyone danced and had a blast,” said Ashley. “We danced our first dance to “Big and Rich” called “Lost in this Moment.” “Everyone cried and laughed!” she said. The white wedding cake with a filling of fresh strawberries and cream cheese made by Simon Lee Bakery had beautiful butterflies and cherry blossoms swirling around the cake. The bride and groom were amazed by the creativity of Simon Lee. The groom’s cake was chocolate with strawberries covering the top, and was a tribute to their college years at Texas Tech with its “Double T” on the side. “It was a perfect wedding and a perfect night,” said the young couple. At the end of the evening, the newly married couple left under a pathway of shimmering sparklers. Andrew and Ashley left the day after the wedding for their honeymoon at the Riviera Maya Mexico to stay at a beautiful resort called El Dorado Royal Resort. They stayed in the “Casitas” which was a romantic bungalow with a private outdoor shower and indoor hot tub, relaxed, and enjoyed reminiscing about their fabulous wedding.

Austin Resources

Venue:
Natures Point in Lago Vista

Wedding Cake:
Simon Lee Bakery

Groom’s Cake:
Anne’s Kitchen

Flowers:
Always and Forever Florist

Transportation:
Longhorn Limos

Photographer:
Lisa Pittman

Wedding Dress:
Mikaella Design from The Bridesmaid Store

Groom’s Tux:
Tuxedo Junction

Music:
Philip J. Cannata and Dr. Philip Cannata

Band:
Live band provided through www.bookaband.com, called The Beamers

Bride's Make-up:
Emily Cannata

Bride's Hair:
Sharon Kaye Salon