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These High School Sweethearts Tied the Knot in a Beautiful Spring Estate Wedding

Posted on January 16, 2025 by New Jersey Bride

Their Story

Naz and Matt wed on May 31, 2024 at the Ashford Estate in Allendale. “Our love story is the most magical of them all,” says Naz. “I stated this in my vows, but I will never forget the first moment I laid my eyes on Matt.”

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

“My family and I just moved to a new town and I was starting the sixth grade. Each school day, we would swap classrooms for math and reading. On the first day of school, while we were switching classes, I walked past the most beautiful boy I have ever seen. From that day forward, switching between those classes was my favorite part of the day, even if that meant a split second glance at Matt. Little did I know that at that moment in time, I had the biggest crush on my future husband.”

In tenth grade, the duo were taking the same history class. One day, while working on a group project, “out of the corner of my eye I see someone roll up with a chair next to me. To my surprise it was Matt with the cutest smirk on his face as he said the words, ‘Hi, I just wanted to tell you that you look beautiful today.’ That was the moment that started it all.”

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

Both Naz and Matt attended Penn State. “However, the relationship took a turn during senior year of college where we had to part ways since we landed careers in different areas. I was going off to NYC and he was continuing on with his masters at the University of Florida.”

The pair remained in touch, and ended up back in their hometown during the pandemic. “We decided to meet up at the local park, where we talked for nine hours straight. That was the day where we both realized that we could not be without one another, that we were destined to be together.”

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

The Proposal

In 2021, the couple moved to Los Angeles for new jobs. A year later, Matt popped the question during a day trip to Malibu. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that we grew up together and now we can grow old together, too,” says Naz.

Choosing the Venue

“The moment that Matt and I stepped onto the beautiful grounds of the Ashford Estate, our breaths were taken away. Not only did the venue portray elegance and timelessness, but the grounds were absolutely breathtaking,” says Naz.

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

They loved being able to hold their ceremony outdoors on the beautiful grounds, the food (as both are big foodies), and the ability to rent out the entire estate so that their loved ones could stay on property with them.

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

Details of the Day

The couple envisioned their wedding to be timeless, classic and elegant, with a feeling of love, happiness and fun.

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

They chose a color scheme of whites, creams and blacks, with white and cream florals (fresh roses, hydrangeas, peonies, baby’s breath and a touch of light greenery). The outdoor ceremony space, which was located by a gorgeous floating gazebo, was decorated with a high arch covered with our array of florals and surrounded by two ground arrangements and aisle arrangements with beautiful stock and larkspur to really give it that fairytale garden feel.

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

The reception space was indoors, and each table hosted floral arrangements on tall gold harlow stands, and ground arrangements surrounding the sweetheart table and DJ booth.

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

The music featured lots of top 2000s hits (especially Matt and Naz’s favorites from high school!). The couple ended the night with a private dance with just the two of them to “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith.

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

The fun continued with the after party where yummy cocktails and late night snacks were served. Guests left with a favor, a Nazar (evil eye) keychain in the form of a tree, signifying the tree of life and the couple’s new family, designed and imported from Turkey.

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

Favorite Moment 

“The private last dance was the moment of a lifetime for us,” says the bride. “It was three minutes, after all the getting ready, bridal portraits, first looks, ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, where Matt and I had a moment, just the two of us, to take it all in and to close out the most magical day of our entire lives. The room was empty, with nothing but the music playing.”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

Having their dogs, 4-year-old goldendoodle Niko, and 10-month-old bernedoodle Maze, at the wedding. “Being able to share this special day with them meant the absolute world,” says Naz. “We were able to share the celebration all the while snagging the cutest pictures.” The pooches were kindly transported to the venue by Purr n’ Pooch Pet Resorts.

Advice for Other Couples 

“There is a 99% chance that something will not go according to plan and that is okay! Just smile, let it go, and be present. No one except yourself will even realize that something went wrong. You put in countless hours and money into this event, so it’s time to enjoy it! Just glance over at your partner, hold them tight and take it all in.”

Naz and Matt's wedding at the Ashford Estate
Morgan Taylor Artistry

Honeymoon

The couple spent 12 days in Thailand.

the details

Reception Location

The Ashford Estate

Photographer

Morgan Taylor Artistry

Bride’s Gown

Lovella Bridal & Lea Da Gloria

Bridesmaid Dresses

Show Me Your Mumu

+ more