Ashton and Carter: Southern Elegance and Military Flair

by Amy Serrago

Ashton and Carter met on New Year’s Eve. Carter was talking to a friend of Ashton’s when she walked over and introduced herself. The two talked for a while before Ashton did something she describes as “very out of character” for her. She asked him to be her “midnight kiss”. When the clock struck twelve, the two shared their very first kiss and that night when Carter went home, he told his family he “met the girl he was going to marry”. When you know, you know and Ashton knew she wanted a wedding that radiated Southern elegance and incorporated history. She used soft colors to show off the natural beauty of South Eden Plantation, where the reception took place, after she and Carter exchanged vows in a traditional ceremony at First Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, including a military saber arch featuring some of Carter’s Air Force brothers.

Ashton was glowing in her lace trumpet cut gown which she originally found at a sample sale and had altered to her exact specifications to create the dress of her dreams. She had enough leftover fabric to enhance the details on her cathedral-length veil to match her gown’s bodice. She finished off her look with opal accessories and “the sparkliest shoes” she’s ever owned! Her bridesmaids were pretty in pale pink and each lady carried a delicate bouquet of pink and white florals with eucalyptus accents. Carter was dashing in his Air Force dress uniform, a look emulated by three of his groomsmen while the other two gentlemen were handsome in navy blue tuxedos.

At the reception, tables were set with black and white linens and centerpieces of white, pink and blush peonies and hydrangea with lush greenery. Gold and crystal accents completed the decor and Ashton worked with her event planner, Debbie Parrish, to create an outdoor space that “looked like something from a fairy tale”. Personal touches like signs, cups and koozies could be found throughout the space and the couple had custom matches made for the “Ashton” cigar bar. One of Ashton and Carter’s favorite parts of the day was the food. They served a traditional southern meal of fried chicken with all the classic sides. Later, the staff passed around leftovers as a midnight snack while the party was rocking on the dance floor and the wedding cakes were extra special because they were baked, with love, by Ashton’s Aunt Maribeth. Congratulations Ashton and Carter!