New Year Wedding Cheer

Ashley Marie Anderson & Chad Allen Strawser
Morgantown | 12.31.21

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Alisha Faith & Carrie Leigh Photography

Three years of dating led to a romantic and unexpected proposal for Ashley and Chad. The couple was dining at Oliverio’s Ristorante on the Wharf in Morgantown to celebrate their anniversary when Chad, originally from Aurora, surprised St. Marys native Ashley with a ring and an important question. He had asked for her parents’ permission weeks before, so there was nothing left for Ashley to say but “Yes.”

The pair planned a romantic wedding at Flour and Feed in Morgantown, just down the street from that meaningful anniversary celebration. They chose New Year’s Eve for a traditional, intimate ceremony shared with family and friends. For her wedding, the bride wore an Essence of Australia dress with textured floral and sequin embellishments. She was escorted down the aisle by her father.

The groom wore a classic tuxedo. Ashley carried a bouquet of black and gold florals—she had instructed the florist to create bouquets that were “black and gold everything,” with no greenery in sight—and the bridesmaids wore black and gold sequined dresses. The couple’s dear friend Brian Brown officiated the ceremony.

At the reception, the wedding cake, from Sugar Bar Sweets and Coffee, carried the color palette through, and cake pops were served to guests as another sweet treat. The couple wanted to focus on enjoying a big party with their guests, so they skipped traditional reception elements like first dances. Heavy appetizers were served as guests enjoyed an open bar. Following the celebration, Ashley and Chad shared a delayed honeymoon at Sandals Regency La Toc. Back home in Morgantown, both work in corrections.

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