Ashton and Matt tied the knot at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT on one of the coldest days in March! It was sunny, though, and everyone took the chilly weather in stride.
Ashton and Matt
Date: March 11, 2017
Venue: Mystic Aquarium
Flowers: Ladybug Designs
DJ: Music Machine Entertainment
Caterer: Ocean Blue Catering
Makeup and Hair: Hair Unique II
The day started out at the Mystic Hilton, where Ashton and Matt got ready with their wedding party. They then met for a first look in a stylish corner of the hotel, and then we all made our way across the street to the Aquarium.
When I met up with Matt and Ashton a few weeks before their wedding to go over final details, I asked if they were going to exchange gifts or cards. They said they probably wouldn’t. I encouraged them to consider exchanging cards. The cost is very minimal but the meaning behind those words is enormous. They exchanged cards on their wedding day shortly before seeing each other for the first time and both loved what the other wrote for them. I love these small moments!
Matt’s card for Ashton was accompanied by a journal packed full of memories that they had shared, complete with illustrations. I was totally impressed!
Once everyone was ready, we went downstairs to the hotel lobby area for the first look. I love first looks!!
The hotel had this awesome little nook in the entryway and I took full advantage of it!
I loved the images on the wall behind them of old Mystic Seaport back in its heyday.
Ashton and Matt love the Beluga whales at the aquarium so we braved the chilly temps for a few minutes to get some photographs with them.
One of the whales took quite a liking to Ashton. Poor Ashton got the shock of her life when she was saying sweet things to this whale and the whale suddenly opened up its mouth, like “SURPRISE!”.
The Mystic Aquarium staff had the inside exhibit hall lovely and toasty, and we were all grateful for that.
So many sweet personal details went into this wedding. All of the favours and centerpieces were hand-made by Ashton and her mom.
They had the guests sign around the mat of this engagement portrait I took of them last year at Roger Williams Park Zoo. So cute!
The cake topper was so adorable! And it was perfectly Ashton and Matt.
Ashton and Matt had originally wanted the ceremony to be in front of the beluga tank, but given the weather, it was moved inside at the last minute.
Two penguins came out for cocktail hour! They were so cute. Ashton and Matt got to hang out with them first.
They had specifically requested a group photo with all of their guests. Luckily the aquarium has a balcony that I could use to get high up enough!
Congratulations Ashton and Matt!
