When Ashley, 24, moved into her freshman dorm, Kevin, 27, was the charming R.A. who helped her carry her stuff. True soul mates from the start, they became close friends, and eventually lovers. Almost a year to the day they officially began dating, Kevin popped the question. On May 12, 2012, they were married at Ann Arbor Polo Fields in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
It wasn’t hard for Ashley to settle on this stunning August Jones bridal gown. “I know it sounds cliché, but the dress sort of chose me,” says Ashley.
“I didn’t decide to do curls until the week of the wedding,” says Ashley. “I went back and forth with my stylist about what sort of hairstyles I could do with my natural hair. I made the ‘big chop’ and cut off all of my relaxer a little over a year and a half ago so I didn’t really know if a pressed and curled hairstyle would last.”
Ashley accented her wedding day look with jewelry by Teri Huang.
On the day Kevin proposed, Ashley awoke from an afternoon nap to find a little blue ring box on her pillow.
Ashley’s lovely tulle veil was designed by Erica Koesler.
On his wedding day, groom-to-be Kevin was all smiles — and what a gorgeous grin it is.
With her sweeping train, Ashley’s look was equally stunning from the back.
On her way down the aisle, Ashley carried this lovely bouquet of yellow tree peonies.
“I truly consider Kevin and I lovebirds so we chose the lovebirds theme,” says Ashley. “The design was printed on our print materials and we even had a signature drink called lovebird lemonade, with fresh cherries, lemons and lime.”
A totally-frame worthy moment for sure.
For her bridesmaids, Ashley chose a variety of gowns from David’s Bridal in the color marine. She chose well — they looked absolutely gorgeous standing next to the beautiful bride. Ashley’s bridesmaids were her sister, sister-in-law and two friends from college.
Ashley’s bridesmaids carried stunning bouquets of craspedia, a lovely contrast to their navy dresses.
What a gorgeous group of supporters Ashley and Kevin had on hand to help them across the altar.
Kevin’s groomsman sported these chic craspedia boutonnieres on their sharp grey suits.
The groomsman found their dapper day-of looks from Men’s Warehouse.
Good things came in big and small packages on Ashley and Kevin’s wedding day.
Ashley and Kevin were married on a beautiful Michigan morning at 10 a.m. “Though there were clouds all morning, as soon as the bridal party walked out of the doors, the sky began to clear and the sun peeked out,” says Ashley.
Susan McLeary of Passionflower Events created all the lovely floral arrangements for the day.
“For the ceremony I chose a harp, played by harpist Kay Brown, because of its truly beautiful sound,” says Ashley. “I am a French horn player and as a longtime lover of classical music, I knew it would add so much elegance to the ceremony.”
To help guests keep cool outside during the ceremony, Ashley and Kevin had custom fans on hand with their signature lovebirds logo.
The couple made sure to add personal touches to their big day wherever they could. Ashley’s mother, an ordained minister, officiated their ceremony. It was the first wedding she has ever performed.
“I was really impressed with the friendly service and beautiful landscape at the Ann Arbor Polo Fields,” Ashley tells us. “Once I saw the pergola outside I absolutely fell in love with the idea of an outdoor wedding with the backdrop of those rolling hills.”
“It was so special to have my mom preside over the exchanging of our vows and rings,” says Ashley. “We kept the ceremony tied to our Christian beliefs and were served Holy Communion. It was absolutely amazing to keep our families and religion so closely intertwined in the ceremony.”
“Immediately following our ceremony, we held a cocktail hour for our guests, while we took formal pictures,” says Ashley.
“It was perfect to see the sun shining and have such great weather,” Ashley says.
Ashley and Kevin want to give a big thanks to their awesome wedding planner Alison Lasser-Keck of Viva La Diva Events for helping them pull of their big day without a hitch.
Ashley and Kevin’s sweet love story began with a tender friendship.
Ashley and Kevin have no shortage of stunning portraits from their wedding day.
“When we received the escort cards back from the printer, we had a gathering to cut, score, and fold all of the escort cards,” says Ashley. “With a lot of friends and laughter, it turned a chore into a fun party.”
Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. Blas!
Ashley and Kevin showed off their engagement photos by including them in their wedding day stationery.
“We had a casual and elegant brunch style wedding,” says Ashley. “I chose brunch because it is my absolute favorite meal, and I also think its jazzy style represents us as a couple well. Kevin and are both very relaxed people and we wanted to make sure we had a wedding that truly reflected our more laid back demeanor.”
While guests dined at tables decorated with these gorgeous modern, yellow and white chevron linens, Ashley and Kevin had a photo booth and candy bar set up in the room next door for them to enjoy after dessert.
Ashley and Kevin displayed their child photos for guest to enjoy as they entered their reception space.
“We both really love jazz music, so we made sure our DJ played our favorite sets during the reception,” says Ashley.
“I love fresh spring flowers, so I asked the florist to create unique designs that would fit with our theme and exude springtime,” says Ashley. “We first started dating in late spring, so many of these flowers remind me of our blossoming love.”
Ashley carefully selected yellow as her wedding accent color. “I thought the pops of yellow around the room would bring happiness and cheer,” says Ashley.
“I absolutely love sweet treats,” says Ashley. “They are the perfect size for a sweet treat, so naturally, I decide to have them at our wedding. We chose a variety of flavors: Mexican spiced chocolate, caramel praline crunch, strawberry vanilla and carrot ginger.” The top layer of the couple’s wedding cake had their signature lovebirds logo painted on it to really sweeten the deal. What a sweet and unique ways to say I love you with a cake.
The groom’s double chocolate cake was designed with all of Kevin’s favorites in mind. “I wanted to incorporate three things he loves; the University of Michigan, medicine and his home island of Guam,” says Ashley. “I thought it would be a fun idea to have a Lego cake with Michigan’s block ‘M’ logo, Kevin as the Lego man with a stethoscope, and adding the seal of Guam to mirror a necklace he frequently wears.”
Ashley and Kevin, who admit they were soul mates from the start, work together to cut their first piece of cake.
Beyoncé wasn’t in attendance at Ashley and Kevin’s big day, but that didn’t stop the single ladies from gathering for their shot at being the next bride.
What’s not to love about this photo?
“I would not say I was necessarily on a tight budget, but I did try to stay very close to the original one,” says Ashley. “My wedding planner was very good at keeping me on track and focused on the important elements for the day.”
Join us in wishing Ashley and Kevin ceaseless joy as they embark on their next chapter together. To see more of their lovely wedding story visit The Bride’s Cafe now.
