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Ashley and Benjamin: A Lifetime of Friendship

Clare Spencer
Oct 19, 2017
2 min read

Photography by: Kari Douma

www.karidoumaphotography.com

Ashley was very good friends with Benjamin’s sister and their families were very close for practically her entire life. Which means Ashley and Benjamin grew up together. It wasn’t until much later when Ashley moved back to their home city of Grand Rapids and began working at the same company as Benjamin, that their friendship progressed into a romantic relationship. Ashley was 100% surprised when Benjamin proposed. Ashley returned home one evening and was greeted by her dog, who was adorned with a large heart around her collar that read, “I’ve loved you all my life…there’s just one thing I’d like to ask…” Ashley walked upstairs to find a heavy sprinkling of rose petals and an array of candles, and of course Benjamin down on one knee. Another surprise awaited Ashley when it was revealed her sister and Benjamin’s sister were hiding and filming the entire proposal. On top of that, what she thought was just going to be dinner with their parents turned out to be a huge engagement party.

The couple had an April wedding in Grand Rapids at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church and a reception at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The Amway has a gorgeous ballroom and an old, vintage kind of flare, but more importantly, both Ashley and Benjamin work for Amway Corporation.

The designer Hayley Paige has slowly crept into the bridal world and has taken the industry by storm, making her a favorite among brides-to-be and their families. Ashley is another big fan of Hayley Paige (as we all are)! She traveled from Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor because Mimi’s was having a trunk show for Hayley Paige. Ashley always knew she wanted long sleeves, so it was no shock when she fell in love with the ‘Hayley’ gown.

And now, a little lesson in the history of Hayley Paige: The Bridal Designer. When the designer was getting married herself she designed and wore three gowns; the ‘Hayley’, the ‘Paige’ and the ‘Wallis’. The first two of the three made it into the collection for the Spring 2016 season.

Not only did Ashley get to wear a truly one of a kind gown, but it was identical to the one the designer wore for her own big day. Pretty cool! The ‘Hayley’ gown is rococo inspired with an illusion neckline, deep v-neck and a beaded and embroidered bodice. These same details cover the long sleeves and cascade down into a full tulle skirt.

“When I tried on the dress the entire staff at Mimi’s went crazy! The compliments and tears made me feel like a princess…I knew this was the dress.”