Just Married: Ashley and Patrick

Ashley Dooley and Patrick Thomas, Jr. believe a strong friendship is the foundation of any good relationship. The two first met in 2007, while both working for a home services company in downtown Sarasota. After being introduced by their coworker, Bryan Richards, the two quickly hit it off. 

Patrick proposed last February during the couple's 10-day vacation to Iceland. On the final night of the trip, following a day of visiting the Blue Lagoon and seeing the Northern Lights, he surprised Ashley by proposing at dinner. After waiting for the restaurant to empty out, he presented her with a ring he designed himself.

The couple was married Saturday, Oct. 24, under a custom-built canopy near the water on the lawn of New College. The altar was surrounded by white rose petals, which formed the aisle. Bryan Richards, also an ordained minister, performed the ceremony.

"It was a special touch to have someone who has been there from the beginning, knew us both well, and believed in the strength of our relationship," says Ashley.

Ashley describes the wedding's theme as "classic elegance:" The bridal party wore all black, with gold accents and all-white flowers. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with a view of the approaching sunset and dined on a custom menu created by the couple and Jeremy Chambers, of Innovative Dining. 

After dinner, guests danced and had their photos taken in a slow-motion photo booth before snacking on late-night chicken and waffles.

The details:

Honeymoon: A 17-day vacation to Europe, including Paris, Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona

First-dance song: "Making Memories of Us" by Keith Urban

Photography: Katie Beyer Photography

Floral design: All-white flowers by Elegant Designs

Invitations: Ivory lace custom pocket cards with gold accents by Write-On Sarasota

Cake: Three-tier white-and-gold cake, consisting of vanilla with white chocolate, chocolate with oreo and carrot, by Heavenly Cakes 

Dress: Ivory ball gown with lace top and custom crystal belt by Mori Lee

Something new, borrowed, blue: A vintage lace handkerchief from friend Nikki Sedacca, given to the bride at the bachelorette party in Martha’s Vineyard.