A Gemstone-Themed Wedding in Los Angeles

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wedding couple posing for portrait in front of flowering bushes — Carmen Lopez Photography

Ashley Lauren Vives, a self-love and relationship coach, had been running circles around Steven Joseph Williams for years. They both attended the University at Albany and spent a fair amount of time in the gym; Steven played basketball four nights a week, while Ashley ran laps around the interior track. But that wasn't how they met—in fact, they wouldn't meet until years later, despite unusual coincidences (post-university, Ashley moved into an apartment next to Steven's grad school; Steven later moved to New York City, only for Ashley to follow two weeks later). Four years after their respective moves to the Big Apple, the twofinally crossed paths.

Really, though, they met because of a trip out West in 2015. Steven, who now owns The Greyhound Bar & Grill in Glendale, California, was in L.A. shooting a restaurant show when he, on a whim, purchased tickets to Coachella; there, he met one of Bumble's very first employees, who suggested he try out the app. He did so three months later—which is when Ashley, on a girls' trip in Vegas, learned about the very same app. Shortly after joining, she swiped right on Steven, who returned the favor days later. They chatted over the next few weeks, before sharing their first unofficial date—which was, of course, yet another coincidence (Ashley was on a food tour of Brooklyn with a friend; Steven texted her when she was at a restaurant directly next to his apartment and came in to say hello).

A year later, they found an apartment on Craigslist and traded New York City for L.A.; two years after that, they became engaged during a vacation in Mexico ("We were in Cancun overnight on our way to Tulum. Steven's original plan was to propose in Tulum, but the ring was burning a hole through his pocket—he was too excited," says Ashley). On June 16, 2019, they tied the knot in a jewel tone-themed celebration attended by 95 of their nearest and dearest. And, as was only fitting, the event was full of the sweetest surprises.

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Jewel Tones

The couple's jewel toned-centric color palette—comprised of fuchsia, emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, and citrine—was brought to life by Ashley's half of the wedding party, which involved her bridesmaids, her "bridesman," Craig, and her "bride tribe." Bridesmaids wore custom fuchsia dresses made by a local tailor, who crafted each gown using slightly different fabrics for texture; Craig donned a matching suit and looked "fierce," says Ashley. The rest of the bride's attendants wore floor-length gowns that spoke to the palette. "We had an email chain going to make sure we didn't have more than two of each color," adds the bride.

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Farm Fresh

bride's deep pink jewel tones wedding bouquet — Carmen Lopez Photography

Ashley's natural, farm-inspired bouquet by Reneé Steckermeier was filled with of garden roses from Holland, amaranths, peonies, dahlias, scabiosa, anemones, and ranunculus in a mix of colors, from peach to burgundy; brown feather eucalyptus, eucalyptus pods, blueberries, and blackberries completed the arrangement.

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All the King's Men

groom and groomsmen in blue suits in front of palm trees — Carmen Lopez Photography

Steven donned a light blue suit from Zara, which the couple upgraded with the help of a professional. "We got it custom tailored to fit and replaced the buttons with a higher-end style," notes Ashley. "The groom was passionate about having a suit he would want to wear again and again."

As for the groomsmen? They stepped into darker blue ensembles—which made Steven's pop!—from Generation Tux, and accessorized with black shoes, white shirts, and fuchsia bow ties, as a nod to the bridesmaids' looks.

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First Look with Dad

bride hugging father in front of flowering bushes — Carmen Lopez Photography

Since the wedding took place on Father's Day, it was only fitting that Ashley share a first look with her dad, Roberto, ahead of their walk down the aisle. "It was so special and really calmed my nerves. I could tell it really meant a lot to him," she says.

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Dad's Job

father of the bride holding jewel toned wedding bouquets — Carmen Lopez Photography

Ashley's father would ultimately play a key role in the ceremony, though no one—beyond the couple—knew it.

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The Processional Begins

bride and father processing in venue garden — Carmen Lopez Photography

As live musicians began to sing "I Get to Love You" by Ruelle, Ashley and Roberto walked through the lush grounds at Exposition Park Rose Garden towards the pampas-grass lined altar, where Steven got his very first glimpse of his bride.

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In Prayer

wedding couple holding hands during ceremony — Carmen Lopez Photography

A special surprise led to an emotional ceremony. "No one knew who the officiant was until the moment when our bridesman took the mic and asked, 'Who will marry this couple?' after reading a poem," reflects Ashley. "My dad stood up and said, 'I will.' There was not a dry eye in sight. We had been having secret meetings all along and it was so special for him to marry us on Father's Day."

Roberto guided the couple through a religious Christian ceremony he and his daughter had curated together; during the service, Ashley and Steven recited meaningful, pre-written vows.

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Sealed with a Kiss

wedding couple kissing on venue lawn — Carmen Lopez Photography

After recessing to "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit, the newlyweds concluded the ceremony by sharing a kiss at the top of the aisle.

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Garden Stroll

groom in pastel blue suit and bride in wedding dress walking in garden — Carmen Lopez Photography

As guests boarded buses that would transport them to the reception venue, Ashley and Steven took some time for themselves, posing around the gardens near the ceremony space. The bride's Galia Lahav wedding dress, which was custom-made to her measurements in Tel Aviv, took center stage in the romantic floral setting. "I had been obsessed with this dress from photos for quite some time. When I saw it in person, I knew it was the one even before trying it on," says Ashley of the ivory-and-blush number, complete with lace and a dramatic tulle train.

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Time to Party

wedding couple holding hands in venue — Carmen Lopez Photography

The newlyweds rejoined their guests—who had arrived at The Fig House ahead of them—about halfway through the cocktail hour (after munching on a few nachos and bustling the bride's dress, of course!).

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Take a Sip

wedding cocktails on metal table by green couches — Carmen Lopez Photography

Ashley and Steven served two signature cocktails (called the "NY Born" and "LA Livin'") during the interlude, and also provided an open bar.

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Artful Touches

man drawing cartoons at wedding reception — Carmen Lopez Photography

One of the cocktail hour's biggest highlights? A caricature artist, who captured guests' likenesses on the spot.

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Light Bites

wedding street tacos in long serving dish — Carmen Lopez Photography

Waiters passed around pulled chicken and pork nachos in copper drain gutters.

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Out on the Patio

outdoor wooden reception tables with jewel tones decorations — Carmen Lopez Photography

The al fresco reception unfolded in the courtyard, where long, dark cherry banquet tables created a mid-century mood.

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Gemstone Florals

colorful floral centerpiece on elegant reception table — Carmen Lopez Photography

Centerpieces, placed atop blue-and-green fabric runners, were filled with a variety of gemstone-hued florals; bowls (many of which were found at nearby antique stores) held fruits for an opulent feel. Purple goblets were the regal finishing touch.

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Group Dances

bride and father holding hands and laughing during reveal — Carmen Lopez Photography

Ashley and Steven personalized the formal dance component of the evening, which was timed with dinner. "We actually shared our first dance with our parents, as well—it was a surprise to them all. So, we had his parents start out with their first dance song, then my parents first dance song faded in and the DJ asked them to join, and then our song came on and we all danced together." The newlyweds selected "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Haley Reinhart for the moment. "It is a classic that we love so much in every variation and her cover is just so good," says Ashley.

Following these three songs, Ashely danced alone with her father to "My Girl" by the Temptations—and then, much to the delight of their guests, segued into a surprise salsa number to Frankie Negron's "Princesa." Steven then spun his mother around to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.

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During Dinner

bride and groom holding hands at wedding table during speeches — Carmen Lopez Photography

The evening's speeches also happened during dinner, which started with a bibb lettuce salad and culminated in a main of either roasted chicken or paella; sides included bruschetta toast, garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts and bacon.

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Floating Cake

colorful wedding cake suspended by gold chain in front of deep green wall — Carmen Lopez Photography

Kira Cakes baked the couple's abstract confection, covered in multicolored brushstrokes to mimic the piece of art it was ultimately suspended in front of.

As for the couple's best advice for duos currently planning their celebrations? "Make it an experience that is unique to you," says Ashley. "You will have a lot of outside pressure to do things a specific way, invite certain people, or stick to a specific timeline. Do what makes you and your future spouse happy! We promise everyone will enjoy it in the end."