📸: The Gowans Photography // @the_gowans
Join us in swooning over the story of these high school sweethearts as they say forever “I do” at the Wychmere Beach Club.
The Meet Cute
These high school sweethearts first connected in business class during their junior year at East Boston High.
The Engagement
Ashley and Carlos booked a trip to the Bahamas for their ten-year anniversary. On their way to dinner at the resort the night before the special occasion, Carlos suggested they stop for a picture in front of the property’s water fountain. Little did Ashley know, the ‘random’ photo-taker had really been pre-hired to film the moment Carlos got down on one knee. “Afterwards, Carlos said he proposed the night before instead of our actual anniversary so I couldn’t say he waited ten years to do it!” Ashley laughs.
The Venue
The Bahamas were originally meant to set the scene for their 2020 wedding, too.“Then COVID happened and that made us reconsider because months went by and nothing seemed to be getting better,” Ashley says. “So, for the health and safety of our family, we pulled the plug.” Wanting to hold onto their boho-inspired aesthetics while also sticking closer to home so the uncertainties would be more manageable, the couple’s minds were immediately drawn to the Cape for its akin beachy setting. “The moment we saw Wychmere, we knew it was the one,” Ashley recalls. “The location, the view, it was just everything.
The Special Guests
The couple’s sons, Charlie and Antonio, were big parts of the day, with Charlie getting to hang with dad while mom made her aisle debut and with both boys joining in on the first dance for a sweet family moment.
The Man of Honor
Ashley and her Man of Honor, Jimmy, have been best friends since they were seven years old. “When we were in second grade, the teacher would have a student stand up in front of the class every day after morning prayer to sing a song of their choice, and Jimmy always volunteered with a pop song,” Ashley recalls. And so, it came as no surprise to Ashley when he broke out some dance moves to an NYSNC medley during his reception speech. “He had everyone laughing and cheering him on.”
The Rain
The couple initially planned to exchange vows right on the sand, but the weather had other plans. When asked what she wanted to do on the morning of, Ashley texted Carlos for his opinion. His response: “Your call, I’m just excited to marry you!” In that moment, the bride realized the locale didn’t matter. “We made the decision to have the ceremony inside, and once I saw the room set up with the florals and decor, I was blown away. It was breathtaking!”
The Highlights
“Walking down the aisle and seeing the emotions Carlos was feeling in that moment while holding our son Charlie. A violin version of “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur was playing—the same song Carlos repeatedly sang while I was in labor with Charlie—which made the moment even more emotional and special.” —Ashley
“Our first dance. I knew how nervous she was, and it was a change of pace for us because usually I’m the one who’s nervous in that kind of situation. But once we started dancing, it was like it was just the two of us in the room.” — Carlos
The Details
Ceremony, Reception, Catering, Cake and Desserts: Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, MA | Officiant: Rev. Faith Lavender | Hair: Romina Hairstyles | Makeup: Deanna Elyse Makeup Artist| Bride’s Dress: Martina Liana, purchased from Kleinfeld bridal in New York City, NY | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale, purchased from Brideside Bridesmaid in Boston, MA | Man of Honor’s Suit: Twisted Tailor in London, England | Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Formalwear: Joseph Abboud, purchased from Men’s Wearhouse | Flowers: Beach Plum Floral | Reception Music: Cape Tunes | Signage: Tina Delraso of Petal and Ink | Marquee Letters: Alpha-Lit Boston | Videography: Brighter Lights Media