August 27, 2022
The Blackstone
Photographed by Candace Sims Photography
The stunning couple posed after their first look.
THE COUPLE Ashley Daniels celebrated beau Thomas Cole’s birthday by planning a 2021 trip to Napa Valley, one of the wine-loving couple’s favorite destinations. But after a tasting at Opus One Winery, he surprised her by popping the question to a resounding “yes!”
THE DETAILS An ivory, gold and blush color scheme enhanced the timeless aesthetic of Ashley and Thomas’ dreamy ceremony, while satisfying Ashley’s love of all things gold. The two wrote their own vows and attempted to incorporate a unity candle into their ceremony—though an air conditioner with a vendetta would not let the candles remain lit. “Our wedding officiant did a great job of going with the flow and adjusting on the fly as a result of technical difficulties!” Ashley says with a laugh.
THE PARTY The couple danced all night on a custom white-and-gold vinyl dance floor in The Blackstone’s Crystal Ballroom. A photo booth with props was a big hit among guests, who left with customized “mint to be” Life Savers favors. After their perfect celebration, the newlyweds jetted to Greece for a romantic honeymoon.
Centerpieces featured roses and hydrangeas.
Invitations from Minted featured a hand-drawn peony in foil.
“We fell in love with the Crystal Ballroom and the timeless and artistic feel of the hotel,” Ashley says.
She carried orchids and her bridesmaids carried roses.
THE LIST
Wedding Planner Kia Marie Events, kiamarievents.com
Bride’s Gown Martina Liana Luxe, Kleinfeld, kleinfeldbridal.com
Alterations Wedding Design Studio, weddingdesignstudiochicago.com
Bride’s & Groom’s Shoes Christian Louboutin, Nordstrom, nordstrom.com
Bride’s Jewelry Earrings: Olive + Piper, oliveandpiper. com
Bride’s Veil Marry Bridal US, etsy.com/shop/marrybridalus
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Suite CharM, suitecharm.booksy.com; Makeup: Crystal-Eyez Makeup & Beauty Lounge, crystal-eyez.com
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Tuxes The Bespoke Room, bespokeroomus.com
Rings Ethan Lord, ethanlord.com
Bridesmaids’ Dresses Social, Bella Bridesmaids, bellabridesmaids.com
Officiant Marguerite H. Griffin, Meaningful Moments, meaningfulmarguerite.com
Florals Siblana Events, siblanaevents.com
Cake Bittersweet Pastry Shop, bittersweetpastry.com
Invitations & Place Cards Minted, minted.com/wedding
Entertainment DJ Flo Entertainment, djflo.net
Photo Booth Concept One, conceptonephotography.com
Videographer Yamean Studios, yameanstudiosfilms.com
Photography by: Candace Sims Photography
