Ashley and Kiethan Lewis like to joke that they “did things all backwards.” The couple met through a mutual friend more than a decade ago, and though they took their time getting to the altar, they fulfilled many of their dreams on the way there.
“He actually fell in love with my son first,” says Ashley, who was a single mom when she met Kiethan. “I knew it was meant to be; he just didn’t yet. Fast-forward 10 years, and we fulfilled all the dreams we talked about: a business, a home, a daughter — and finally the wedding. It worked for us.”
The couple’s favorite story to tell is the one of their engagement. What started as a typical day date — Starbucks, go-cart racing, and lunch at Maggiano’s Little Italy — shaped up to be a day to remember, when Kiethan dropped to one knee in the middle of the restaurant with a Tiffany & Co. box in hand.
“He had hired a photographer to follow us all day and capture every moment of the proposal,” says Ashley. “Then, he told me we were going to San Diego for the weekend. He nailed it.”
With a picture-perfect proposal in the books, the couple began planning their October 27, 2018 wedding. At first, the bride-to-be envisioned something glitzy and glamorous. But as time passed, she decided rustic and simple were more her style.
A good DJ, tasty comfort food, and a top-notch bartender topped the couple’s list of priorities. The rest was all just details.
“At the end, no one is going to remember what centerpieces looked like or what plates we had,” says Ashley. “We wanted guests to remember the fun they had.”
And did they ever. Wanting an intimate, comfortable setting for the big day, the couple hosted the wedding in the backyard of their very own home, just outside of Dallas.
Comfort food was served up by Baker’s Ribs, and DJ Smooth with Any Event Productions kept the crowd entertained.
“Guests are still talking about how much fun they had,” the bride says.
Family and friends chipped in with special touches that made the day all the more memorable, from a custom cupcake stand created by a family friend to photos of the bride with her late father, which were collected by bridesmaids.
“My friends and family went above and beyond to make me feel special,” says Ashley. “And getting married at our home was beyond amazing. It meant so much to us to host it here. It couldn’t have been more imperfectly perfect for my wedding day.”
Flowers: Enjoy Flowers
DJ: Any Event Productions, DJ Smooth
Food:Baker's Ribs
Tent: Texas Tent
Tables, chairs, linens: TLC Rentals
Lighting: AK Electric LLC
Cake/cupcakes: Sweetface Sugar Shoppe & Bakery
Bartender:DFW Bartending
Dress: Terry Costa
Bridesmaids' dresses: David's Bridal
Tux: Al's Formal Wear
Hair: Rustic Royalty Salon
Robes: Handmade Chic Crafts
Popcorn bar: Rodeo City Popcorn
Videographer: 47 Weddings
Ashley and Kiethan Lewis were married on October 27, 2018.
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Dessert included a cake that looked like a blue Tiffany box.Photo by Michael Merry