Ashley and Justin had an absolutely ahhhhmaaaazing wedding at Kukua Punta Cana in DR and this time, photos by Milan Photo Cine Art. Instead of me telling you how it was, here are Ashley’s words that’ll much better described how it was and how everything started in the first place.
“Justin and I met in November 2011 at a mutual workplace. He walked in the front door of our retail office, and I greeted him as a customer. He advised he was there for an interview, and I led him to our management office for his appointment. I left shortly thereafter and considered it just another day. How wrong I was! This man and this chance meeting completely changed my life.
A few months later, I was visiting a sister branch and was asked to pick up an employee who needed a ride back to the office from a nearby service call. I accepted and drove to the address provided. Guess who was there waiting? I had no idea he’d been offered the position nor that he accepted, as he was stationed at another office.
Time went on and we developed a friendship as co-workers. Within the next six months, Justin was transferred to my office and we worked side-by-side. It was during this time that our connection grew much stronger. We discussed our hopes and dreams, our fears, our families, and our wishes. As both of us were romantically involved with other people at the time, we kept things platonic – at least on the surface.
In May 2012, I finished my studies and graduated from college. I was on a mission to start a new career, and accepted a new position with a different company – scheduled to start in July 2012. When Justin heard I was leaving our mutual place of employment, I still remember his exact words, “Well, I want to come with you.” He provided his resume to the hiring office at my new company, and he was hired at our new company as well. He started in the same department as me only about 30 days after I did.
From there – our relationship took off! Both of our individual romantic relationships were fizzling, and our connection was becoming astoundingly intense! There was one particular afternoon we still mention often – We had just finished accompanying each other (only as friends!) to a work event, and we ended up at my apartment afterwards. We were speaking to each other across the room, and our physical chemistry shot through us like a lightning bolt! We both felt it – it was so strong. It felt as if we were truly struck by Cupid, and each of us reached out and touched our own chests. We looked at each other’s eyes and we both giggled a little. The dynamic was clear – this was our future.
Within months, we shared our first kiss, we officially ended our prior romantic relationships, and we started planning a life together. The following Spring, we decided to take an enormous step and we both chose to leave behind our current residences, and start a new life together, in a new home. Within the next year, we decided to combine our lives financially – we merged assets and debts, savings and checking accounts. We knew we’d be stronger together, and we were willing to take the risks involved to solidify our lives and create common goals. Over the next five years, we purchased homes and cars together, traveled the world together, and raised my son together. (My little boy was two when we first started dating – I am so grateful for the love and influence Justin has provided in my son’s life. These two men are my everything.)
In May 2018, Justin surprised me with a stunning engagement ring. We had talked about marriage many times before, but figured we’d take the leap when we knew the timing was right. We had reached this point – this final pinnacle of love and commitment and shared lives. He drove us to the top of a nearby canyon where we shared dinner as a family, overlooking the beautiful red rocks of Southern Utah, USA. Afterwards, we decided to walk the canyon rim, taking in the sunset. He placed his arm around my waist and leaned in towards me. He spoke, “Ashley, I hope you know how much I sure love you.” I replied, “I love you too, baby” and turned to face him. As I did, he dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife. Without a doubt, I accepted. I looked over at my son (8 years old at the time) and watched him jump up and down with excitement – clapping his hands over and over! Justin had asked his permission earlier in the day, so they had already shared a sacred moment I did not yet know was coming. I cried happy tears the rest of the day.
We decided to plan an intimate destination wedding with our closest family and friends, and we were married in October 2019, at the gorgeous Kukua Beach Club in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. What an amazing day! Justin and I have shared many years of our lives together (just shy of 7 years as of our wedding day) and we shared many, many emotions that day. My heart is so full of love for this beautiful man and the family and the lives we share.
I can’t even express how excited I am for the upcoming chapters of our lives together! Thank you, Milan Photo Cine Art, for capturing the beautiful emotions and many moments of our stunning wedding day! “
– Venue: Kukua Beach Club – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
– Photography: Milan Photo Cine Art
– Travel Agent: Carol Ebua, Barefoot Bridal
– Videography: Jorge Allocco
– Ceremony Officiant: Alejandro Angulo (Kukua’s Officiant)
– Hair and Makeup Artist: Magda Riccardi
– Bride’s Dress: Sottero and Midgley
