Ashley & Justin's love story began in 2011, during their undergrad days at the University of Central Florida. Their first meeting was brief, just a glance across a crowded room, but fate had more in store. It wasn't until a year later, when they reconnected on campus, that sparks truly flew. As Ashley puts it, from that second meeting, they naturally gravitated toward each other, making it clear that Justin was undeniably "the one."
Fast forward to a romantic trip to Paris, Ashley's dream city. Amidst rainy, chilly weather atop the iconic Eiffel Tower, Justin seized the perfect moment. While Ashley searched for shelter from the rain, Justin was preparing something unforgettable. "I saw him pull the box out of his pocket," Ashley recalls, "and I just knew. He finally got down on one knee, and it was the easiest yes of my life." The wedding planning was a joyful experience for Ashley, who especially cherished the weekly "planning meetings" with her mom and aunt, as Justin playfully called them. From shopping adventures to delightful bridal showers, every event was filled with laughter, warmth, and endless love from family and friends.
The couple's ceremony at the elegant Hilton Tampa Downtown, known for its refined interiors and spacious ballrooms, was beautifully orchestrated by the dynamic team at Fierce Events and was nothing short of spectacular. Occasions by Bali worked their floral and décor magic, transforming the venue into a breathtaking floral paradise that complemented the couple's royal attire perfectly and filled the air with a romantic, enchanting fragrance. Michele Rene The Studio enhanced Ashley's natural beauty with classic and elegant makeup and hairstyle that perfectly balanced timeless glamour with modern touches, making her look and feel like royalty.
Every detail, from the flavorful and authentic appetizers at Minerva Indian Restaurant and the delectable cakes and treats from Publix to the energetic beats provided by DJ X Factor, which kept the dance floor alive, contributed to an unforgettable celebration that was both luxurious and deeply personal. The evening's vibrant spirit was captured from every angle by MK Thommy Studio, whose cinematic artistry turned fleeting moments into lifelong memories. At the same time, guests enjoyed playful and lighthearted memories at the ShutterEye Photo Booths, leaving everyone with fun keepsakes to take home.
A heartfelt recognition goes to the brilliant team at Sona Photography, whose artistry beautifully blends contemporary elegance with vibrant cultural traditions, capturing every candid smile and sincere emotion in breathtaking detail. Renowned for their expertise in South Asian weddings, they skillfully documented each cherished moment, from the intricate details of Ashley's bridal lengha to the joyful expressions shared during the lively reception. Their authentic storytelling approach turned Ashley & Justin's special day into a stunning visual narrative, preserving memories filled with laughter, love, and genuine joy for years to come.
To future brides, Ashley shares her wisdom: "Enjoy every second of the planning and your wedding day because it truly goes by in a heartbeat—but it will be the best heartbeat of your life."
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met the groom in 2011 while in undergrad at the University of Central Florida. I went to a party with a friend and saw him looking at me from across the room. I didn’t have contact with him until about a year later when we reconnected on campus. That’s when I knew he was “the one”. We have gravitated to each other since that second meeting.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We were on vacation in Paris, France. I had always wanted to go visit the city, and seeing the Eiffel Tower was a bucket list dream of mine. I had a feeling that he would propose after talking about marriage for several months. He waited until the last night we were there. We had late-night tickets to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was also raining and cold that day. We got to the top, and it was windy and raining, and we tried to find an area that was covered. While I was busy looking around, I saw him pull the box out of his pocket, and I knew. He finally got down on one knee, and it was an easy yes.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I decided to have a girls' shopping weekend with my mom, my close aunt, and my cousin. I had arranged to find a white bridal lengha at Nazaranna in New Jersey. We got to New York a day early and decided to go shopping in Jackson Heights. While looking around the shops, I found the most gorgeous red and yellow lengha. Once I put it on, I didn’t take it off for another hour. I felt so gorgeous and like it was the one. I had originally wanted a modern white look. However, after putting on the red, I felt like I was in Jodha Akbar. I loved the royal classic look even more. I still have a white lengha from nazaranna that I loved and wore for a different part of the Hindu ceremony.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was planning the whole thing with my cousins, friends, and family. I had “weekly meetings,” as my now husband says, with my mom and my aunt, where we would discuss what I had done and what else needed to be done. I also enjoyed all the times I got to meet up with my friends and family for wedding-related events, like dress shopping and a bridal shower. I felt so loved during the whole process.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy the wedding planning process and the wedding day as much as you can. Before you know it, your wedding day comes, and it’s over in a second! But it was the best second of my life.
Surround yourself with loved ones who uplift and support you, keeping you grounded and joyful.
