Real Wedding | Ashley + Jamison | February 11, 2023

Ashley and Jamison were wed at The Laurel on a beautiful Winter day. We are so excited to share with you all the special details of their day (especially the extra reception sparkle)!

We met our Freshman year of college at an event at our gym (he doesn’t workout). It was required to go by our Greek houses and thank goodness we both went because we became the best of friends after that! We stayed best friends until our Junior year when we decided to give dating a go. We have been together ever since!

With me being from Fort Worth and my husband being from Oklahoma, we wanted a venue in North Texas that was close to the airport/major highway so people could easily get there. Location was most important to us. But other than that, I loved how easily the space could be dressed up! And there was so much to work with in terms of space and interior design.

Getting ready was great! I got ready at a hotel with my bridal party (since I had 10 bridesmaids I wanted more space), but my husband got ready at the venue and it was perfect. Everyone at the venue was super accommodating, there were plenty of drinks, and there even was a TV! The guys watched an OU basketball game while getting ready so they had a blast.

What did you want the theme or overarching feeling of your wedding to be?

I wanted something upscale yet whimsical, warm yet colorful, and traditional yet fun. It was hard for me to verbalize what I wanted my wedding to look like but thankfully I worked with an amazing planner at Treasured Hearts Events, Gracie Yates, and she was able to bring my vision to life!

I think what made my day special had to be the service. Everyone from the day of coordinator I worked with to the vendors that helped set up the space were all so helpful and accommodating. Service is such an important aspect of a wedding! Things always go wrong, but if you are surrounded by the right team, you’ll never see the mishaps!

Are there any vendors you felt were instrumental in making your day special?

My planner (Gracie Yates), the disco balls (It’s Your Night Entertainment), my beautiful flowers (Blackhouse Blooms), and The Laurel staff!

Where was your favorite location to take photos at The Laurel?

In front of the fireplace during our reception. I love the coziness of it!

How did you showcase your individuality as a couple on your wedding day?

I think by having little personal touches scattered throughout our wedding like our dog cake toppers, the disco balls, our Mardi Gras beads, etc. I loved our specialty drink, a classic margarita! The venue also accommodated our customized cups and stir sticks, so everyone was walking around with our personalized gear which I loved to see!

My favorite moment was definitely tearing it up on the dance floor. It was just such a fun party!

Looking back, what words would you use to describe the day?

Perfect. Better than I could’ve dreamed!

We had in10city band perform and it was a blast! They even let my husband on stage to sing his karaoke song, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. Everyone still talks about it!

What did your guests have to say about the event? Any favorite anecdotes?

They say it was a party and so beautiful. They still bring up Jamison singing on stage. Better him than me...

Do you have any advice for future couples?

Your vision will change throughout the wedding planning process. Don’t be afraid to switch things up as you feel inspired, but be very communicative with your vendors!