Dominican Republic Wedding | Ashley + Michael
Majestic Colonial destination wedding in Punta Cana
Ashley and Michael's tropical wedding at the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
I meet all sorts of people on my travels and Ashley and Mike are two wonderfully loving people who are just crazy for one another. They love the adventure in life which explains their destination wedding at the Majestic Colonial. And a few weeks after the wedding they're off to Thailand... on one-way tickets! Mike is a Muay Thai Champ out of New York and they're shifting gears and pursuing that dream in Thailand. I haven't been able to convince them to bring a photographer along on the trip just yet.
Destination wedding invitation
8:15am the morning after Ashley and Michael's day - I'm sipping my coffee and it strikes me - I never heard either of them mention the rain on their wedding day. I mean, it rained off and on most of the day and looking back I'm wracking my brain to remember a single time where either of them gave it a second thought. Their posse kept them laughing and loving on each other all day and into the Punta Cana night.
A few hours before that coffee was our 5am wakeup call for their early morning trash the dress session. Ya, that's right - the morning after they partied their faces off, Ashley and Michael geared up again and hit the beach before sunrise. Total soldiers.
But enough from me, let's hear their story in their own words...
Mom watching Ashley getting ready
WHAT DO THEY REMEMBER ABOUT THEIR FIRST DATE?
Ashley: Our first date we drove around by the water. We had really deep conversation about the universe and we just clicked. Also, it took me really long to get ready even though I went for a "I didn't try too hard" look.
Michael: It was really informal. I remember being so blown away by the conversation and just ash in general.
Mike takes a knee
Mike drove from NC overnight and was waiting for Ashley at the finish line with her family, where he got on one knee.
THE PROPOSAL, HOW DID IT GO DOWN?
The proposal was pretty epic. Ashley's parents had recently moved from Long Island, NY to Asheville, NC. We are both obsessed with the Biltmore Estate there, and when Ashley found out there was a half marathon being held there, she signed up.. despite not liking running. Mike said he had to work and she took the trip down that weekend with her friend, who ran the race by her side. Little did she know, Mike drove down to NC overnight with his mom and was waiting for her at the finish line with her family, where he got on one knee.
Majestic Colonial Garden Gazebo on overcast day
Wedding ceremony at Majestic Colonial Resort
WHAT DID THEY LOVE MOST ABOUT THEIR WEDDING?
Ashley: Mikes vows. He never cries and he got choked up.
Michael: Seeing Ash standing across from me under the gazebo in her dress.
A COMMENT ABOUT THEIR NEW BRIDE/HUSBAND
Ashley: I couldn't get over how good he looked dressed up, he is always in fight gear... he is the most positive person, I've never met anyone who doesn't like him.
Michael: I didn't think she could possibly look any prettier, but then I saw her that day.
Majestic Colonial wedding chapel photo
A TIP FOR FUTURE BRIDES FROM ASHLEY
It's hard not to, but don't stress. Remember at the end of the day, you're still marrying your best friend. I was so nervous before the ceremony I couldn't eat. Force yourself to eat, and definitely drink a mimosa to calm the nerves!
A TIP FOR FUTURE GROOMS FROM MICHAEL
Work out the morning of - 100%!
Main lobby at Majestic Colonial
WHAT MADE THEM CHOOSE A MAJESTIC COLONIAL DESTINATION WEDDING?
Our family lives all over and we don't get to see them as much as we used to. We wanted a whole weekend to relax and celebrate. Ashley's best friend had been married at the Majestic Colonial 4 years ago, and she knew it was the perfect spot! The weddings are so well organized and the scenery is gorgeous, you can't go wrong.
