A Rustic South Carolina Wedding

Egged on by mutual friends, Cole took a chance and slyly slid into Ashley’s Instagram DMs. 

“He told me I was pretty and that he wanted to take me out. I loved how direct he was and agreed to go out with him. I knew there was something special about him right away.” 

Who knew that sliding into someone’s DMs could actually lead to marriage? Both instantly smitten with the other, the couple’s relationship intensified as they began going on dates more often.

“I remember the exact moment that I realized I was in love with him. We had just got[ten] back to his house after a horrible party and were cuddling and watching a movie on the couch. He leaned over and kissed me on the forehead, and I knew right then.”

It was only when Ashley caught Cole asking her dad for permission that she realized he was prepared to take their relationship to the next level. 

“I was pretty sure on the day of that it would be happening but he did everything to throw me off, including getting my family to ask me to lunch. After lunch he drove towards the direction of the park where we first said I love you. We walked to the other side of the pond at the park, and [then] he got down on one knee and asked me [to be his] wife. He [then] surprised me with an incredible party he had planned with all our friends and family afterward.”

Pro tip: maybe try sliding into your crush’s DMs if you’re really into them. You might end up working out just like Ashley and Cole.

The couple soon began planning their down-to-earth South Carolina wedding, but not without a few bumps in the road. COVID-19 was becoming more of an apparent threat to their romantic ceremony, so they were constantly paying attention to the news and contacting their vendors in case of cancellation.   “Throwing a wedding [during COVID-19] was incredibly difficult, [so] we relied heavily on each other throughout the [entire] planning time. [However], we [did get] lucky [because] our wedding was in a bit of a gap time when COVID numbers were dropping and restrictions were being lifted.”   With a little luck on their side, Ashley and Cole were able to fulfill their wedding day dreams. It all began to come together when Ashley found her perfect gown at The Dress in Mauldin, SC—a simple yet utterly romantic A-line wedding dress that features a semi-sheer corset bodice and breezy tulle skirt from Enchanting by Mon Cheri.   “I was unsure about [my dress] until I put it on and instantly started crying my eyes out. All [of] my family quickly followed suit, and we knew it was the right one.”

Ashley and Cole tied the knot in the romantic foothills of South Carolina at the Ridge of Summit Farms—a wedding venue that finds its beauty through down-to-earth and rustic details. 

“The second we walked in and met the family, we knew it was the place for us. The shiplap, huge chandeliers and gorgeous doors give it a rustic yet elegant feel. The mountain views are incredible, the family are the sweetest people and the venue itself is so unique.”

Butterflies hit their peak when the couple had their intimate first look before the day began. 

“The look on Cole’s face when he turned around was priceless. We both cried tears of joy, and I was left completely speechless. We also took that moment to share our gifts with each other. I gave him a journal I had secretly been keeping since the day we got engaged about everything we had gone through [together]. He gave me a photo book of old memories that all my family and best friends had left notes in for me.”

And for those on the fence about having a first look, Ashley is here to say:   “Just do it. It [was] our favorite moment, and it was everything I needed to calm my nerves.”   The couple had their first dance to the dreamy Feels Like Home by Matt Johnson, and we’re sure that hearts were melting as soon as they stepped onto the dancefloor.   “This song came on while I was driving home from Cole’s house the night that I realized I was in love with him. I shared the song with him that night, and after that, it became our song.” While there were a few curveballs thrown their way during the wedding planning process, the couple never gave up on their desire to say “I do” to forever. If there’s one thing they want you to remember at the end of the day, it’s this:

“Rely on each other! Follow your gut, and it will be the most special day between the two of you no matter what.”

Congrats to these lovebirds!