Ashlynn Wearing The Ellora Dress
So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?
We both grew up in a small town in southeastern Idaho. We became close friends when we were 13 and crushed on each other off and on for years. Seven years later we finally decided to date each other and we both knew pretty quickly that marriage was in the picture! Dating was so easy because we had such a solid friendship first. We were going to college at different schools that were 4 hours apart so most of our dating and engagement was long distance. It was all worth it!
When did you know they were the one?
I knew Mason was the one when he surprised me by coming to town early one weekend. I was walking to watch a friend’s football game and he surprised me as I was walking in. That weekend we both mentioned things about the future and it was clear to me that that was the direction I really wanted things to go in - something I hadn’t felt while dating anyone else. Mason never had questions about things - it was a no brainer. He knew before we started dating that it was something that could work out because of our friendship.
Tell us the story of the proposal!
We were driving to our hometown one weekend and we got in late. He told me we needed to meet up with his cousin to pick something up that he left at her place a few weeks previously. I didn’t question it and we met up with her at our old school (it was close to my parent’s house so it didn’t seem like a strange meeting place). After meeting up with her he asked if I wanted to walk around and we walked onto our old high school football field (a place with a lot of history between us). As we entered through the gates I saw a path of candles and lights that led to the center of the field. There were also pictures of us through high school and dating and he proposed on the middle of the field! It was perfect.
How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?
We were engaged for almost 5 months. We got engaged right before COVID hit the country. Deciding our date was straight forward because we chose the one long weekend I had in nursing school. We got married on July 3rd and had the rest of that weekend before I had to jump back into school! The location was also easy because of our religion. We got married in the Rexburg, Idaho LDS temple which is our hometown. We got our bridal pictures taken in the Grand Tetons because we are both very outdoorsy and grew up hiking, backpacking, and exploring those mountains as they were so close to our homes. We also lived 5 minutes from Grand Teton National Park that summer that we got married, so it just made sense! Covid made taking pictures there easy because there were so few people!
How would you describe your personal style? What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?
I would say my style is very simple and boho - that’s why Wear Your Love was an easy choice. My husband teases me about how I always know exactly what I want and my wedding/bridal look was no different. I knew I wanted my hair just curled with nothing else in it, no veil. I knew I wanted a simple, cream colored, long sleeve and comfortable dress. It was very important that I didn’t look like I was wearing a big princess ball gown and I wanted to look very simple yet still beautiful.
How did you find Wear Your Love?
My photographer (who is also a friend) bought her dress from Wear Your Love! We’re a similar size so I tried hers on and fell in love with the look and feel.
When did you know you had found your perfect dress?
I knew when I was scrolling through the website and saw the Ellora because it was almost exactly what I had pictured for years!
Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?
I chose the Ellora and I requested the longest train, and the full coverage back. I chose the natural color for the lining. I’m a red head with fair skin so I didn’t want to look washed out.
What went through your mind when the Wear Your Love box arrived at your doorstep and you tried on your dress for the first time?
I could not believe how perfectly it fit! It was exactly what I ordered and I had no complaints. I also couldn’t believe how comfortable it was and it put my mind at ease about hiking in the mountains for our pictures!
Did your wedding have a theme or style?
My theme was “wildflowers”. I am outdoorsy and I’ve never had a favorite flower, I just love all the flowers that grow naturally in Idaho/Wyoming. My family always teased me about all the dead wildflowers I had hanging in my room. My colors for my wedding party were lavender and sage green. Everything was very neutral and earthy.
How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?
I didn’t hire a planner or stylist. I got myself ready because again, I just know what I want! Our families were SO helpful. We had our luncheon in my in-laws yard and they did most of the decorating. We all picked flowers for the decor and then we had a florist do my bouquet and the greenery. We did hire someone to cater the food. With our families we set up the tables and decorations the day before. My husband helped with everything he could especially with setting up, but he didn’t have strong opinions about themes and all of that.
Let's show your wedding venue some love! What is the name of your venue, and why did you choose it for your special day?
Stated this above, oops! It was in my in-laws gorgeous backyard. I chose it because it is large, very green, lots of trees and flowers. It was perfect and luckily, the crazy weather in Idaho cooperated that day! We set up nice white overhead tents for shade over all of the tables.
Tell us about your wedding playlist! What song did you walk down the aisle to? Did you have a first dance song that was meaningful to you?
We danced to “Tenerife Sea” by Ed Sheeran, but halfway through we changed the song to “Forever” by Chris Brown because we love The Office and that’s the song that Jim and Pam walk down the aisle to. It turned into a big dance party with all of our friends. We’re both dancers, so that was definitely a highlight of our day!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
My husband surprised me and did a “flash mob” with his groomsmen and it was absolutely hilarious! I always wanted my wedding to be relaxed and fun so that definitely added to the day! I also loved our wildflower send off and the moment that we got in the car and finally were able to talk, just the two of us, as a married couple! Honestly, the whole day was perfect.
Who was involved in your special day? We would love to shout out your photographer, favorite vendors, and anyone else who made your day magical.
My photographer was Katie Hansen- she is THE best! (@katiehansenphoto). Our food caterer was Becky Sellers from my hometown. She has started her own food catering business and did an amazing job!
Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?
Just relax and do what YOU want! Choose your favorite food, choose a meaningful location, choose your own music, don’t feel pressured to follow “traditional” wedding plans.
What has been the best part so far about being married?
Everything! We have so much fun doing simple things together- grocery shopping, waking up in the morning, studying, making dinner. It’s the best to have someone do all those little things with you and be with you through all of life’s moments! We’ve also had a lot of fun traveling together.
Ashlynn is wearing The Ellora with natural lining, a full coverage back, and full 28 inch train.