In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Ashley about how a very unique bar at their wedding impressed guests of all ages.
(Photo courtesy of Natalie Marie Photography)
Despite the stress of wedding planning, buying a house, AND doing home renovations three months before their wedding day, Ashley and Tim took it all in stride as they celebrated the best day of their lives.
Love at First (In-Person) Sight
Ashley and Tim will be the first to joke about not feeling any vibes when a mutual friend tried to set them up. A few months later however, everything changed. “My friend showed us pictures of each other, and we told her we weren’t interested,” Ashley laughs. “But once we met in person, we fell for each other.”
Three years later in 2021, Tim proposed at Ashley’s best friend’s lake house in front of their friends and family. They waited a few months, though, before they started wedding planning. “We took a few months to decide if we wanted a big or small wedding,” Ashley explains. That December, they started to look at venues – but they only made it to one, as they fell in love with The Vineyards at Aquebogue, a BOLI preferred vendor. “We booked on the spot for our March 24, 2023 wedding.”
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Booking Her Favorites
Ashley knew early on that she wanted to book Ashley Glazer for her hair. “As a bridesmaid in several weddings, I’ve always felt my hair never came out like I wanted it to,” Ashley says. “For my wedding day, I had seen Ashley’s style and I knew she’d nail it.” And she did not disappoint.
After her hair was booked, Ashley focused on photography. “I looked at five different photographers and searched the BOLI page for reviews.” Ultimately, Ashley and Tim booked with Natalie Marie Photography. “Her style was exactly what we were looking for in photos for our wedding day. And she was so fantastic that day – she worked in tandem with my wedding coordinator to make sure everything ran smoothly. I loved working with her,” Ashley says.
(Photo courtesy of Natalie Marie Photography)
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A Unique Bar
When it came to figuring out something that would “wow” their guests, Ashley and Tim were stumped. Then, they were struck with an idea: a weed bar during the reception. “We were actually the first couple at the venue to offer pre-rolled joints to our guests. And everyone loved it!” In fact, Ashley says she was surprised at how popular it was with all of her guests – not just the younger crowd. “My grandma actually put a couple in her purse on the way out.”
Aside from the fun party, Ashley and Tim enjoyed saying their vows privately on the bridal suite balcony. “It was such a great moment between the two of us, however, we didn’t realize everyone could see us from down below.” She found it funny when everyone started cheering, but wouldn’t trade that moment with Tim for anything. “We honestly forgot they were there because we were just focused on each other, which was really nice.”
(Photo courtesy of Natalie Marie Photography)
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The Perfect Service
Ashley and Tim were very impressed with how great the service was at The Vineyards. From the planning process to the wedding day itself, they were accommodating with any and all requests the couple had. “They answered all my questions, which put my mind at ease as we got closer to our wedding,” Ashley says.
After the wedding, Ashley says her videographer Wildnettle Films really went above and beyond. When they looked at the first draft of their wedding video, they realized Tim’s grandparents were missing. When Ashley reached out for edits, she says that Wildnettle Films didn’t hesitate and made the changes with no issue. “I feel bad, sometimes, asking for things, but I’m so happy I did, because we love the way it came out.”
Speaking up and doing what you want are pieces of advice Ashley wants other brides to heed. “Between our new home renovations and wedding planning, it was very stressful for me,” Ashley says. “I relied on BOLI a lot because [seeing] other brides with similar challenges really helped me.” And at the end of the day, she says it was all worth it. “As long as you focus on the two of you, everything else falls into place.”
(Photo courtesy of Natalie Marie Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: Vineyards at Aquebogue, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer: Natalie Marie Photography
Videography: Wildnettle Films
DJ: Genesis Events, a BOLI preferred vendor
Florist: Country Village Florist
Hair: Ashley Glazer
Makeup: Makeup By Mariel
Invitations: Truly Engaging
Dress: Max Bridal, a BOLI preferred vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Audrey’s in Sayville
Tuxedos: The Black Tux
(Photo courtesy of Natalie Marie Photography)
