I was so glad to be at Ashley and Rob’s winter wedding at Avenir last year! I was also lucky enough to be a part of Ashley’s sister Jess’s wedding way back in 2014 as well. So I knew this would be an incredible group! I wasn’t wrong - they had the most fun day, with the ceremony inside at Avenir, and then the reception in the grand ballroom there. It’s always great for me to explore a new-to-me venue. This was a perfect spot for a winter wedding, and I’m sure it would be beautiful in the warmer months as well.

I also love how much Ashley and Rob incorporated their beloved dog into their wedding, even without him being able to be at the actual ceremony or reception of course!

I’ve asked the couple some questions about the wedding, and Ashley’s answers are throughout in italics.

How did you meet your partner and/or get engaged?

Rob and I met on Tinder in October of 2019. We got engaged at my parents Cape House on my dads birthday August 6th, 2022.

How did you choose your wedding venue?

We loved the modern feel of Avenir.

What were your goals for your wedding day? (ie, what was your vision, what did you care about most?)

All I wanted was for everything to go smoothly and on time. I was most looking forward to our first look since I am the absolute worst person when it comes to surprises and this was the first time I actually kept my dress and everything a secret from Rob so I was beyond excited to see his reaction after seeing me in comfy pregnancy clothes for the past 5 months.

How did you feel during the ceremony? The first dance? The party?

The ceremony was definitely nerve wracking but I loved every moment of it.

What were your first reactions to the photos?

I absolutely loved them. I was actually on our honeymoon and opened them half asleep at 6am when I saw the email. I woke up right away so excited and went through them all saving my favorites and sending them to my family and friends!

What is one suggestion you have for other couples who are planning their weddings?

Just relax and let everything flow. Stress does not make anything go more seamlessly.

Keep going for lots more from Rob and Ashley’s wedding at Avenir!

b&w photos of guys getting ready in hotel room

groom and his groomsmen getting their bowties on

bride and close up photos of her wedding dress

groom laughing as he gets help getting dressed for wedding

What did you like best when working with me (as the photographer)?

I loved your style of photography and that the photos weren’t all posey like other photographers I've seen. I liked that all the photos were just genuine and in the moment. The guy photos I especially loved. I figured Rob would be very nervous the day of the wedding but every picture he was all laughs and smiles with his cousins and friends.

black and white photos of guys getting ready for wedding

groomsmen iron handkerchiefs for pocket squares and folding them

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?

The first look. It was a moment for us to just be alone together after all the chaos of getting ready and anticipation leading up to the wedding date.

bride and groom get teary after first time seeing each other on wedding day

cute chocolate lab in bowtie greets bride and groom at wedding

wedding photos in front of big windows at avenir

black and white wedding ceremony photo at avenir in front of fabric background

bride and groom get emotional during wedding ceremony

first kiss wedding photo at ceremony room at avenir walpole

biscuit bar with dog treats and bags at wedding

Such a cute idea! Biscuit bar courtesy of Ashley and Rob’s adorable pup.

bride and groom with lit up "love" sign at avenir

What a fun touch! This giant “LOVE” sign was a fun backdrop for a few photos - it was right at the entrance to the wedding reception room at Avenir.

white and blue flowers for winter wedding reception room setup at avenir

Avenir looked gorgeous with these florals and details.

rob and ashley intro to reception room and wedding party clapping

first dance wedding photo at modern wedding venue avenir

Rob and I mostly laughed during the first dance as he hates being the center of attention and we both agreed how awkward it was dancing in front of everyone haha.

best man gives wedding toast with reactions from bride and groom and guests

wedding guests sitting at their tables and talking and laughing candid photos

When I get a chance to do so, if the couple is walking around and talking with everyone, I like to get photos of the guests talking and laughing.

marble style four tiered wedding cake with blue white and purple tones and little dog figure

Another little token of their dog on the cake 🐶

groom has his dance with mom and bride looks on in the background

family members get out their cell phones to take photos of groom and his mom's dance

Love how everyone wants to capture Rob and his mom’s dance!

flowergirls on the dance floor and aunties cheering them on

And the flower girls also have their own personal cheering section! So cute.

anniversary dance couples dancing at wedding reception

bride has her special dance with her grandmother as family and friends surround them

The party was an absolute blast. I was glad all of our guests had fun and that everyone got up and danced and enjoyed the night. I was also glad to be able to have an Irish dance with my grandmother. She’s getting older and its definitely a moment I cherished.