We have the delight of sharing the wedding of a professional planner today, Ashley Hawkins of Weddings In Bloom. Training and working in the events industry, and her overall passion for weddings, informed many decisions for her own wedding day. With an original wedding date derailed by the pandemic, her desire with her husband to throw a celebration with their loved ones resulted in a beautiful day. She took the time to share some of the details behind the magic for her own wedding, and we are delighted to share them with you today!
Laural Mill: Tell us a bit about yourself and your spouse! How did you two meet and where are you living life together now?
Ashley: My husband and I met on the first day of seventh grade in homeroom. We were best friends until our Junior year of high school when we started dating. We were together for eight years when he proposed right before he started grad school. Our relationship hasn’t always been easy. Getting married wasn’t as easy as we thought it was going to be either. We got engaged in 2018 and had planned to get married on June 6, 2020. When Covid hit we decided to postpone our dream wedding and we decided to get married on IU’s campus with just our parents, siblings, and best friends. He truly is my soulmate and I can’t imagine my life without him.
LM: How did you find out about Laural Mill, and how did you know that it was the perfect venue for you?
Ashley: My husband actually found Laural Mill on Facebook. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to have a barn wedding but once we went and looked at it I knew it was perfect for us and I would be able to put my personal touch on it.
LM: What were the greatest priorities for your wedding day?
Ashley: The greatest priority for our wedding day was to make sure we enjoyed the day just as much as our guests. We wanted to make sure everyone would have fun. We also made sure to spend it with each other, so we made sure to never leave each other’s side the entire day.
LM: Tell us a bit about your design inspiration – details like theme, color palette, sentimental details/heirlooms incorporated.
Ashley: My design inspiration was easy. I have always loved pink and the look of a classic and traditional black and white wedding. My bridesmaids wore pale pink and we added some pink flowers to all floral arrangements. I wanted to keep everything simple and elegant, and what is more elegant than tons of candles, greenery, and flowers?
LM: What was the highlight of the day for you two?
Ashley: The highlight of the day for us was how the typical wedding feelings still happened even though we had already been married for a year!
LM: Do you have any advice for brides planning their upcoming wedding?
The easy answer is to hire a wedding planner lol 😂
But in all seriousness, always remember why you are getting married. You’re getting married for you and your fiancé and choosing to share the day with friends and family.
Vendor Team:
Planning: Ashley Weddings and Events
Signage & Stationary: Weddings in Bloom
Photography: Brownstones Photography
Videography: The Toast Weddings
Catering and Bar: One World Catering
DJ: Event One DJ
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Tux Rentals: Mens Wearhouse
Bridal Gown, Veil, and Accessories: Carrie Karibo Bridal
Chair Rentals: Perfect Parties
Linen Rentals: Connie Duglin Linens