REAL BRIDE: Ashley

Doug + Ashley

1.11.20

This heartfelt winter wedding in Kansas City is bursting with love + a heck of a good time. Ashley + Doug created a cold-weather winter wonderland worthy of alllll the blog features for their special day. From start to finish, their day was a celebration + a party + we are 100% here for it. See all the joyful details, feel the love + check out Ashley’s stunning fur stole by scrolling to their gallery below!

Oop! I almost forgot to mention - Ashley + her sister, Lauren, are both #swbbkcbride’s + both of them rocked Lis Simon bridal gowns on their wedding day’s! A happy accident that is officially one of the best things I’ve heard.

How did you know your gown was the one?

“I had tried on a lot of dresses the day I looked, but before I even tried on my dress I told my bridal consultant that I had a feeling "this was the one." I loved everything about my dress - the uniqueness, the style, the design - it was perfect. The second I put it on + walked out to see my family + friends I started crying + told them that was it!”

How did the two of you meet?

“I could say we had some long love story of being High School or College sweethearts, but the truth is, we met on Bumble. It was the best swipe right of my life.”

How did you decide on January 11th?

“I really wanted a New Years Eve wedding, but Doug did not. He wanted our wedding date to be it's own holiday, understandably so. Although Fall is my favorite season, with Doug being a hunter that was not possible. The more I thought about our wedding I fell in love with the idea of a winter wedding. I felt like having a winter wedding was very unique + on the off chance it snowed - it would make the pictures beautiful, + sure enough it did!”

Tell us about the proposal!

“The proposal happened at home, in our living room + it was absolutely perfect. Doug had been talking to my sister, Lauren, earlier in the week about his plan to propose. He originally had planned to propose the Tuesday before Thanksgiving in 2018. My sister told Doug that she knew I had an idea it was coming, so not to do it that day. I was so excited because I did have my suspicions. I had got my nails done that day + even left work + all my girlfriends jokingly said "Congratulations." I laughed, but inside was SO excited thinking this could be the day I get engaged! That night we went to Lidia's for dinner, I was waiting + waiting + nothing happened. The following day I got home from work + was getting ready for an early Thanksgiving dinner with my family. As I was getting ready Doug asked me to come to the living room. He started talking + the next thing I knew he was on one knee! I don't remember one thing he said + it took me a solid 5 minutes to say anything because I was in such shock it actually happened. I couldn't have asked for a better "surprise" proposal than that.”

What advice would you give to other brides in regard to dress shopping?

“Set a budget for yourself + go into dress shopping with your eyes wide open. I never thought I would end up with a fitted wedding dress. Besides workout clothes, I am not a tight clothing girl - I love my oversized sweaters - but the moment I put my dress on I fell in love. Pinterest pictures are great for reference but I would highly recommend trying on anything your eye is drawn too, it not only makes the experience more fun but it really gives you a sense of exactly what you like + don't like it.”

What was one of your favorite moments from your wedding day?

“Having to choose one of my favorite moments is hard, the entire day was perfect. If I had to choose, I would say my favorite moment was when Doug + I had our moment alone on the Boulevard balcony + danced in the snow.”

Where did you draw your inspiration + ideas from?

“Pinterest, 100%. I lived on Pinterest for a solid 14 months + it was so much fun.”

Did you have a specific theme in mind while planning?

“With our wedding being a winter wedding, I loved the idea of ivory + wine with a touch of greenery. My original idea was to have ivory bridesmaid dresses, but I am so glad I went with wine instead. I never really had a specific theme when planning, but really wanted to keep it simple + elegant. It turned out absolutely perfect + more than I could have ever imagined.”