In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Ashley talks about the vendor she had to have after attending the Brides of Long Island Summer Soirée.
(Photo by Studio 27 Photography)
A long‑distance love story turned into a true hometown celebration for BOLI Ashley and her husband John. Ashley leaned on the Brides of Long Island community to plan every detail of their August 15, 2025 wedding, right down to the confetti on the dance floor.
Attending the Brides of Long Island Soirée helped her lock in the one vendor she knew she had to have, setting the tone for the rest of her planning journey.
Long Distance Love
Ashley and John’s story began on Bumble in April 2021, just as John was preparing to move back to Tampa for a year. “We were long distance for a little bit,” Ashley said. “But after a year, he moved back to Long Island and everything just fell into place.”
By June 2024, John was ready to propose. He brought Ashley to a beach near their home for a picnic, where he surprised her with a heartfelt proposal. Meanwhile, both families were secretly setting up a celebration back at the house. “When we got back, there was this huge surprise party with all our friends and family,” Ashley said. “It was really amazing.”
A BOLI Soirée to Remember
Ashley and John actually began venue hunting before they were officially engaged, knowing they’d need a summer date that worked with John’s teaching schedule.
“We started looking in April 2024 because we knew we were going to get engaged,” Ashley said. After touring a few locations, they fell hard for Watermill, a BOLI Preferred Venue, and booked their Summer 2025 date early. Ashley loved that Watermill was close to home in Smithtown, beautifully modern and didn’t require much extra décor. “The outside ceremony space already had all the flowers,” she said. “And they offered a healthcare discount, which was really nice.”
When it came to other vendors, Ashley relied heavily on Brides of Long Island and Instagram. She chose Studio 27, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, for photography because she liked their work at Watermill. But her DJ decision was made long before she had a date. “I went to the Brides of Long Island Soirée as a bridesmaid the year before, and I fell in love with Long Island Sound,” Ashley said. “I told my husband, ‘We’re booking them. They’re amazing.’”
She even attended the next year’s Soirée two weeks before her wedding, where BOLI Preferred Vendor Long Island Sound ended the night with a burst of confetti. “I was like, oh my God, I need this for my life,” she said. She spent those final weeks making sure that same confetti moment happened on her dance floor.
(Photo by Studio 27 Photography)
Never Leave My Side
Ashley incorporated their dogs into the celebration with custom cocktail napkins and fun décor, and created a heartfelt display featuring wedding photos from married guests. “We called it ‘all the love before our wedding,’ and it was so nice seeing everyone’s pictures together.”
Music was another major priority, and Ashley and John even choreographed their first dance to “The Ordinary” by Alex Warren. “We’re not dancers — especially my husband,” she said with a laugh. “We took one lesson in June, she recorded us, and then we practiced at home. It ended up being such a sweet moment, and our content creator captured all of it.”
Ashley’s favorite moment of the day was sharing vows in front of all their guests. “Not everyone feels comfortable doing that, but it was my absolute favorite part,” she said. She and John also made one rule for the entire night: they wouldn’t leave each other’s side. “We stuck to it for like 90 percent of the wedding, and it made such a difference,” she said. “The day goes so fast; I didn’t want there to be an hour where I didn’t see my husband.” The night ended with the dramatic confetti burst she’d been dreaming about since the Brides of Long Island Soirée. “It felt like a movie,” Ashley said.
(Photo by Studio 27 Photography)
Exceptional Service
Ashley said every vendor she hired “was amazing,” but a few stood out in unforgettable ways.
Long Island Sound delivered exactly what she hoped for, from the music to the confetti moment she’d dreamed about. “They followed everything we wanted. No surprises, just perfect,” she said.
Ashley also loved working with BOLI Preferred Vendor Empire Content Creation, especially since she didn’t book a videographer. “Having all that raw footage is so nice to look back on,” she said.
Alpha Lit, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, supplied marquee letters of their last name, which made Ashley and John’s dance floor entrance feel extra special.
And she couldn’t say enough about the Watermill, from the staff to the food, everything was exceptional. Guests raved about the cocktail hour, the bridal attendants kept her calm and cared for. “It was a truly magical night,” she said.
(Photo by Studio 27 Photography)
Plan Early and Be Present
The Brides of Long Island community was one of Ashley’s most valuable planning tools, whether she was searching reviews or asking for recommendations. “I don’t know how brides did it before BOLI, it’s so helpful,” she said. The group even led her to the dance studio that choreographed her first dance.
Her biggest advice is to start early and pace yourself. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” she said. “Get your vendors done as soon as you can and definitely utilize the Brides of Long Island page.” And when the big day finally arrives, she encourages brides to stay present. “The day goes so fast, but it will be one of the best days of your life. All the planning is worth it in the end.”
(Photo by Studio 27 Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: Watermill Caterers, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Studio 27 Photography, BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: Long Island Sound DJ Entertainment, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Feriani Floral Decorators
Hair: themanewave
Makeup: glambygee
Dress: North Fork Bridal Shoppe, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Alterations: Bridal Alterations by Kirstyn, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Campbell’s Bakery, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Tuxedos: Rico’s Clothing, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Content Creator: Empire Content Creation, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Letters: Alpha Lit Long Island, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Officiant: NY Officiants, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Transportation: M&V Limousines, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Hotel Block: Hyatt Regency Long Island, BOLI Preferred Vendor