A Romantic Reception in Manhattan Beach

Nickole and Ashley Sharp - July 24th, 2010

Their romance began as students at Virginia Tech and evolved into a lifetime commitment. This outgoing, scholarly and beautiful couple celebrated their special day with a bold and romantic summer theme at Verandas. They had their own unique spin on things – adding creative twists on everything from the grand entrance to their first dance as husband and wife. Their event designer, Jennifer Patten-Archie, along with the event team at Verandas helped Nickie and Ashley to bring their vision to life. Close family members and the wedding party danced their way into the garden cocktail hour as guests waived customized handkerchiefs in the air to their theme song. The evening carried on in full fashion with gold and red accents setting the luminous tone of the grand event. Their whole dream-wedding plans started with a gallant move by Ashley to take the next step in their life together. Ashley describes his proposal on a trip to Kauai on their blog:

“I laid down next to Nickie and was just taking in the last few moments that we would be boyfriend and girlfriend. After about 15 minutes or so of waiting for the area around us to clear out, the beach was finally ours, so I began. I told Nickie how perfect this moment was, a perfect beach, a perfect day and how I was here with the love of my life. She politely agreed with “It is perfect, I am the love of your life,” wittingly implying that she was the sole reason the moment was perfect. I cracked a grin and after a moment I replied with,” Well, you know what would make it more perfect…a ring.” A bewildered look fell on her face, and as I reached in my trusty bag and pulled out the ring box, she started to catch on. I sat up and got up on my knee and Nickie’s expression turned from confusion to shock and surprise. “Oh my God…No” was her reaction as she playfully turned away from me, as if she needed to look away and then back to me to ensure that what was progressing was really happening. So as she returned her gaze my way, I uttered those life changing words that expressed to Nickie how much she meant to me. “Nickie, will you marry me?” “Yes”, she replied quickly. So I slipped the ring on her sandy sun-kissed finger and we embraced on our mat, underneath Kauai’s sky and in front of the garden isle’s lush backdrop. After our first embrace as newlyweds to be, and a quick photo shoot, we packed up our things and walked off…beginning our new life together.”

Vendors
Venue: Verandas, Manhattan Beach
Catering & day of Coordination: New York Food Company
Ceremony Location: Wayfares Chapel - Rancho Palos Verdes
Florist:Flower Duet (Casey Coleman Schwartz) (Ashley designed and made my bouquet as well.)
Photographer: Sir Harrison Locations Downtown Disney & Manhattan Beach Pier.
Program Designers: Cordially Invited
Reception Favors DIY: WeddingFavorDiscount.com (Fleur d' lis escort card holders & Fleur d' lis coasters)
Dinner Menus: The Husband Mr. Ashley Sharp with help from Kinko's =)
Wedding Planners: Rose & Gladys (Jennifer Patten-Archie & Jeneba Kenore)