Their Story

Marissa and Ian tied the knot on July 12, 2024 at the Ashford Estate in Allendale. The couple originally met while working together in San Diego.

The Proposal

Ian proposed at Marissa’s favorite beach in San Diego, Coronado Beach, the week before they were set to move across the country to New Jersey.

“He told me we were going on a dinner cruise and while we were walking along the beach, he got down on one knee and proposed! I was so happy,” she remembers. Afterwards, the couple had dinner with friends.

“We drove across the country for our ‘engagement moon’ and it was perfect, just the two of us,” she says.

Choosing the Venue

“Ian and I wanted our wedding to be a fairytale romantic wedding,” says Marissa. “The Ashford Estate did not disappoint. It was absolutely beautiful and magical. It truly felt like a dream.”

Details of the Day

The couple went with a sage green aesthetic. Florals were light in color with pops of pink, and a mirrored seating chart had a beautiful floral arrangement and candles around it. The couple also had a mirrored welcome sign as well as a memory sign to honor those in their lives who had passed.

Table numbers, made by the bride, were sage green with gold 3-D acrylic numbers. Bridesmaids wore silver sage.

Favorite Moment

“My favorite moment was my first look. I loved seeing my husband’s face when I was all dolled up and I truly felt like a fairytale princess.”

“He did shed some tears, which was very sweet. I love having that intimate moment to ourselves.”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

“The florals and the dreamy aesthetic,” says the bride.

Advice for Other Couples

“Be present! Make sure you stay with your partner and enjoy every moment,” says Marissa. “After all, you are paying for a huge party and want to be involved! My husband and I greeted guests during cocktail hour so we could dance and enjoy the reception.”

Honeymoon

The couple spent 10 nights in the Maldives, staying at a private over-the-water bungalow, with a private pool, in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

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