Real Weddings: Ashley & Steven

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Ashley and Steven understood what it meant to have their marriage tested, even before they walked down the aisle and exchanged vows. Due to the pandemic, they had to change their wedding date three times. But the sweet couple’s relationship successfully weathered the uncertainties of the pandemic; Ashley and Steven were able to take things in stride, and they finally had their special and long-awaited day. Ashley was even able to change her choice of a wedding dress due to her tastes changing throughout the numerous reschedules, leading to her wearing her true dream dress. Steven and Ashley met one another through Match.com. After dating awhile, Ashley, who attended Belmont University, said yes to Steven, a member of the US Navy, after he perfectly executed his proposal plan in Denver, CO. Steven surprised Ashley with a ski trip to Winter Park Ski Lodge, where he drove her up to Sapphire Point after a long morning of skiing. In front of picturesque views of the mountain peaks, Steven knelt before her and asked for Ashley’s hand; a professional photographer captured the moment on the spot. Fast forward to 2021, before 80 guests, Steven watched as his dream girl was escorted down the aisle by both her stepfather and father. To honor their ancestors and highlight Black excellence — something the couple was intentional about doing, choosing an array of Black-owned businesses as their wedding vendors — Ashley and Steven did the “jump the broom” tradition and lit a unity candle. Their bohemian-royalty inspired wedding ceremony and reception was certainly worth the wait.

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Wedding Details

LOCATION: Houston, TX

TIME OF YEAR: Spring

WEDDING STYLE: sophisticated, chic, lush

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The Corinthian, Houston

MENU: Beginning with cocktail hour, party goers munched on passed lamb chops hors d’oeuvres. Then guests choose one of four entrée options: sea bass, filet mignon, vegan lasagna or stuffed Creole chicken. The entire menu was an elevated Creole cuisine, while mini street tacos was the late night bite.

DESSERT: Cake and beignets

FIRST DANCE SONG: “My Song” by H.E.R.

INSPIRATION: If the fashion clothing companies Free People or Anthropologie designed a wedding with a Bridgerton theme

SPECIAL FEATURES: Divisi Strings, a pop quartet played music by Black artists; sparkler send-off; a vintage 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III car; beignets for favors; custom gold monogram shone on the dance floor

HONEYMOON: Maui, HI