Real Wedding | Ashley + Paul

Here is a fun, light-hearted and traditional wedding that comes to us from Massachusetts with a very special gown that’s in fact two dresses in one! I love how excited Ashley and Paul look during their nuptials…amidst a traditional Catholic mass, the bride and groom look relaxed, ready and truly in the moment as they enter into marital bliss: all smiles and high-fives.  Don’t miss how today’s featured dress by Carolina Herrera transforms from an elegant wedding gown to a super sweet and equally flattering party dress.  Enjoy!

Ashley + Paul | September 24, 2011 | St. Agatha Church, Milton and South Shore Country Club, Hingham, MA

The Ceremony
Traditional Catholic mass, presided over by long-time family friend Father Tom Brennan, who came in from New York for the occasion.

The Reception
We had a cocktail reception that took place outside under a tent on the country club grounds, and was followed by a sit down dinner for about 210 of our family and friends.  The theme was subtle, but we love Martha’s Vineyard so we named tables after our favorite places on the island.  We included a miniature skiff (small boat) made by the groom’s brother who is a carpenter for cards and our guest book was a photo book of the island with large margins which we invited our guests to write their messages in.  Maid of Honor, Best Man and Father of the Bride speeches blew everyone away – not a dry eye in the house!  The evening was such a huge success and the dance floor was so crowded that we extended the party for an additional hour!

Ashley’s Dress Search
I had no idea what I wanted and was completely overwhelmed by the decision… I went dress shopping twice – the first dress I fell in love with was completely different from what I ended up with, and I’m so glad!  Originally I wanted sexy and different, but in the end I went with classic and elegant which I’m grateful for… don’t want to look back at photos in 20 years and think “what happened”????  I’m sure that my photos will look just as classic then as they do now.

How Ashley Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Classic, Gorgeous, Bride

Why Ashley Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I had dreams of being able to wear the short version (the bottom detaches) on my first anniversary out to dinner, but I’ve been blessed with a new baby due in June – which I know means that dream will never come true!  I loved my dress – everyone at my wedding told me how much they loved my dress…It’s classic and amazing and I don’t want it to just sit in a box!

Ashley’s Dress | Carolina Herrera / Photography | Hitched Studios