We got engaged at Sand Harbor, in South Lake Tahoe, on July 21, 2017. We were spending a few days in Tahoe and Dale said he had reservations at a “fancy” restaurant that evening. Before heading to the restaurant, Dale wanted to go to the beach to take pictures of the sunset (he’s a photographer). I didn’t think anything of it at the time. I should have known something was up when Dale willingly took a selfie with me, but apparently, this was his sign to Carly to let her know he was going to propose…

…Dale told me to close my eyes because he had a present for me, but not the present I really wanted. I tried to hide my disappointment because I really wanted to marry this guy! When I opened my eyes, he was on one knee and said, “Ashley Elizabeth Braxton, I love you! Will you marry me?” Obviously, I said yes, and immediately burst into tears as the people at the beach cheered and applauded. He pointed to Carly to show me he had the entire proposal photographed. He also had us take our engagement photos on the spot! This was really special to me because our engagement photos were actually on the day we got engaged.

Ashley gifted Dale these beautiful gold cuff links with their wedding date on them as a sweet pre-wedding gift.

These incredible and unique paper bouquets were handmade by Ashley herself! Though they required countless hours of work, she describes them as a true “labor of love.” Her creations were also scattered around the wedding venue, perfectly matching with her Bridesmaid’s dresses.

Dale and I were both anticipating the ceremony the most! Dale couldn’t wait until Andrew (our officiant) asked him to “kiss your bride.” I just couldn’t wait until we exchanged vows and said I do! Honestly, we were both so overjoyed to simply be married to each other.

Okay, but how sweet is their clay cat and pug cake topper from Etsy? Ashley made the “we do” banner to
complete the adorable decoration.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their big day?

Ashley: Start early! Haha! Don’t procrastinate–just do things when they come up. I would also say to simply enjoy the day. My mom kept telling me that if I got 80% of what I “wanted” for my wedding then I was doing pretty well. I kept this in mind so I wouldn’t sweat the small stuff. In the end, this helped me get to be present and enjoy every moment of this most spectacular day!

 

Vendor List

Venue and Caterer – Granite Bay Golf Club

Bridal Gown – Maggie Sottero

Gown Shop – Gesinee’s Bridal in Concord, CA

Tuxedo provided by Men’s Warehouse

Wedding Rings – Tiffany & Co.

Floral Supplier – Bartlett Flowers and Gifts, in Roseville, CA

Hair Stylist – Erin Kaldunski

Makeup – Korrine Daw

Cake Designer – Susie’s Cakes

DJ – Bart Mullis

Videographer – Graham King

Harpist – Anne Roos