Photos by Ace Photography
Think hearts, wine and roses and what color do you see? Red, of course! Specifically a beautiful, rich Claret red that shouts romance and love. And it happens to be the perfect color to represent Ashley Hart and Chad Grant’s love for each other and their sparkling silver, diamond and ruby wedding at Cedarwood on September 19.
Ashley is one of those people who naturally sparkles – she is happy and bubbles with excitement, especially when it comes to her two main loves: Chad and her music! We knew right away this was a delightful match when Chad emailed us a copy of the personal motif he created to represent their relationship – male and female ‘stick people’ dancing around a red heart. Totally upbeat and soooo cute!
The most striking thing about this wedding design was the bridal attire starting with Ashley’s strapless ivory dress and long train with Claret red trim. Matching dresses worn by the flower girls make such a style statement! Ashley added a touch of yellow to the ceremony altar flowers for a bit of golden glow. Red roses with her favorite flower, Million Stars (Baby’s Breath) is the classic combination Ashley picked for bouquets.
A touching aspect of the wedding is the tribute to Ashley’s brother, Justin Hart, who died in an accident a couple of years ago. Ashley kept her brother near with a photo locket tied to her bouquet. Listed as an honorary groomsman, Justin was remembered with an altar-side memorial table laden with flowers from family.
Knowing the emotion the day would evoke, Ashley presented her mom, Connie Hart, with a embroidered handkerchief for the ceremony as Ashley walked down the aisle on the arm of her dad. It was a bittersweet day for the family, but a beautiful testament to love that transcends adversity and lives on in our hearts, and most important, to the strength, renewal and joy a new union brings forth.
Ashley and Chad met because of her music career – initially to design her first CD cover and then to build a band to back Ashley’s vocal talent. Entertaining guests at their wedding was a natural priority, starting with a sentimental slide show kicking off a dance party with everything from Elvis rock and roll to Country.
Chad, the self-titled “bassist mediocre” (love his sense of humor!) was delighted with his groom’s cake – a life size replica of his guitar. Their Patty Cakes wedding cake was a delicious (and red) blend of strawberry cake and chocolate dipped strawberries adorned with roses and their crystal heart topper. Hearts were also engraved into their toasting glasses and adorned favors and other celebration elements — a double meaning since Ashley’s last name is Hart!
Ace Photography documented this Cinderella celebration and we especially love the table top photos. Red roses, gems and candlelight cast the most romantic and elegant glow over the Cedarwood Pavilion. And check out the cute Ace Photography photo bookmarks incorporated into the tablescapes. Ace provides these bookmarks as part of their wedding photography packages and they make great wedding favors!
Ashley and Chad, your wedding is one we will forever remember. We dodged the rain and made many memories. Thanks for choosing Cedarwood as your venue!
Linda & the Cedarwood Event Team
Note to Cedarwood from Ashley Hart-Grant
Linda,
Before we take off for our Honeymoon tomorrow to Jamaica, I just wanted to email you to thank you for all the hard work you and the Cedarwood staff put into our fairytale wedding on Saturday. The Lord heard our prayers to keep the rain away for our ceremony and things looked absolutely beautiful! All of our guests felt as if they were part of a Cinderella story and had a wonderful time.
From the moment we stepped on to the grounds of Cedarwood, we knew we had found the right place to share such a special moment in our lives. You truly made that moment a moment that took our breath away.
Please give Christa a huge thank you from our family as well. She was wonderful throughout the entire process giving us all a sense of relief!!!! haha! She was always there to make sure everything was taken care of including the breaking of my bridal dresses bussle! In minutes she had me fixed beautifully and back out on the dance floor!!!!! Frank did an amazing job as well with both the DJ and the bar service. We couldn’t have asked for better entertainment.
We can’t wait to see the video footage and the photography from Saturday and will share that with you all as soon as we receive our proofs!
If we haven’t said it enough – thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The work you do is pure elegance and excellence.
We had many many compliments on Karen’s floral arrangements as well. Our bouquets were beautiful, and in fact, mine still looks beautiful at home now!
Best wishes! All future brides of Cedarwood are in store for an amazing experience. 🙂
Thank You so very much,
Ashley Hart-Grant