Ashley + Johan

How did you meet?

No, this is not quite a hallmark movie, but looking back it sure feels like it! We met on safari in South Africa, a native to South Africa, Johan was my guide. We spent long days together driving around, sitting by fires, or walking through the bush. We talked all about life, how we’d grown up, where we wanted to go. And it was sort of just that instant connection we knew was real.

When did you know they were the one?

After two weeks on safari, being a realist, I thought to myself, welp that was fun but there’s no way I just fell in love with my husband on the other side of the world. Well sure enough, I knew he was the one when he came to visit me a few months later in the States and I knew I didn’t want to do this life without him.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

He is incredibly motivated and passionate in what he does. He has a sense of humor that gives me the giggles, and he is extremely honest and forgiving.

Who proposed and how?

Johan proposed to me about two and half years after we met. When he first visited me in the States, I took him to a small mountain town, outside of my hometown, Truckee, CA. We sat on a dock at Donner Lake and talked for hours. It was that very spot he brought me back to and got on one knee.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I first saw it on Instagram and just knew I had to try it on. Swoon, the bridal store close to home, carried it and when I tried it on with my best friend, sister, mom, and grandmother their to witness, we all knew it was the one! The Harry dress is so elegant, timeless, and just wow.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Gosh, the whole day was filled with incredible moments, but one of my absolute favorites was when sparklers went off behind us as our first dance ended and the party started. All of our friends joined us on the dance floor and I will never forget the joy I felt in that moment!

What were your favourite details?

We had so many incredible details go into our big day in Cabo. Our planner Eren didn’t miss a beat. We had a Topo Chico seating chart that was filled with a ranch water cocktail, our aisles were filled with beautiful white florals that came out of the sand on the beach. We had signature cocktails named after classic South African culture. Our DJ played incredible music!

What advice would you tell other brides?

Just be present! It sounds so cliche but once the day has come there is nothing that stress will do to change the outcome. I kept taking little mental pictures of all my favorite moments throughout the day and I really feel like I will never forget those memories and how I felt during those moments. It’s all about your love and how you feel being surrounded by so much love for the two of you.

Any standout vendors?

Phew! All of our vendors were top notch!
Our photographer Raquel was just yes, yes, & yes, @raquelkingphoto! She got us our entire wedding album in two weeks and it was insane.
@djay.co was incredible!
Eren, our wedding planner, with @the.Cabo.wedding.co was 20/10!
Our venue was next level, @garzablancaloscabos
And our florals were amazing @nativefloralstudio