November 22, 2024
Ashley and Justin first crossed paths in 2014 at Virginia Commonwealth University when Justin returned as a guest lecturer in Ashley’s capstone Entrepreneurship class. That unexpected meeting kicked off a life full of adventure—from moving up and down the East Coast, to road-tripping across the U.S. in a self-renovated RV, and traveling everywhere from Thailand to Costa Rica. Eventually, they settled back in Richmond, where it all began, and built a home in Church Hill with their pups, Stella and the late Django.
For the proposal, Justin pulled off a perfect fake-out—inviting Ashley to a “birthday dinner” for a friend at a new Mexican spot. But instead, he brought her to the Tobacco Company, where they had their first date, and proposed while a family friend secretly captured the moment. The celebration continued at Grisette with champagne and close friends.
They invited 40 loved ones to what guests thought was just a welcome dinner. No one suspected they were about to witness a wedding. At Blue Atlas, perched above Richmond on Fulton Hill, Justin and Ashley led everyone outside for a “group photo”—then surprised them with a heartfelt ceremony officiated by Justin’s best friend.
Ashley added tropical touches throughout the evening—lush florals, vibrant napkins, and a globally inspired menu all nodding to the couple’s travels. Custom cocktails named after Stella and Django kicked off the party, and the next night, the celebration continued with a reception at Triple Crossing Brewery.
The reception was a bold, joyful mix of tropical glam and Wes Anderson whimsy. The brewery was transformed into a colorful paradise. Guests arrived in a vintage trolley and embraced the “Wes Anderson in the Tropics” dress code with quirky, vibrant flair. They spared no detail, implementing a temporary tattoo bar featuring their dogs, vintage photo booths, wood-fired pizza, and signature drinks.The night was unforgettable—a true reflection of the couple’s personality and love for Richmond.
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