{Bride} Ashley Jean Diaz
{Groom} Nicolas Zeitlin
{Hometowns} Maben, MS & Buenos Aires, Argentina
{Wedding Site} Old Waverly Golf Club
{Reception Site} Old Waverly
{Bride’s Bouquet} Flowers by the Bunch, Starkville, MS (Monti King) {Bridesmaid Bouquets} N/A
{How did the two of you meet?} We met on New Years 2009 at a New Years Eve party (in the wee hours of the morning so technically 1/1/2009) in Buenos Aires. (Sidenote – going to a party after midnight in Argentina is very common – it would be very uncommon to go out before midnight!J) I was visiting Buenos Aires over New Years (my father is part Argentine we have friends and family there and visit often.) While there, I was invited to a New Years Eve party by a family friend and took him up on the offer. When we arrived at the party, which was at a mansion in a nice neighborhood of the city, some friends were already standing outside on the street corner waiting on us. Nico was in that group, and the second I saw him this surreal feeling hit me, and I knew he was special. We introduced ourselves and struck up a conversation. He was a true gentleman throughout the night, and we hit it off. During my stay, we saw each other a couple of more times before I went back to the States.
While I was back in the States, we kept in touch, talking every day. Moving to Argentina later that year had already been in my plans, so later that year so in September 2009, I moved to Argentina and our relationship continued to grow. In 2011 I was ready to move back to the U.S., and Nico decided to come with me so he applied to master programs across the country. When he got accepted to the UC Berkeley Engineering, we moved to California and the rest is history! We have now established ourselves in the Bay Area and lived together in Berkeley for more than four years.
{What is your proposal story?} Nico and I flew home to celebrate my 30th birthday the second weekend of May 2014. That weekend is also was Mother’s Day and my brother’s birthday so we had lots of celebrations planned. We were having a fabulous time. I was relishing in being in my favorite place, which means being with the dogs, swimming in the pool, having my mom cook for me! (All the fun stuff I don’t get in California.) My 30th
birthday was Sunday (Mother’s Day), and it was a fabulous day. I remember at my birthday dinner that night thinking how blessed I was, everything was perfect, and my life couldn’t be better. The following day was my brother’s birthday, and we had a cookout planned at my parents’ cabin. Each evening my family likes to take the boat out on their lake for a sunset boat ride. So late that afternoon I asked my brother if he wanted to go, and he said no, which I thought was odd considering it was his birthday. I then asked my parents, and they both said no too. So then I asked Nico, and he said yes, and we went out in the boat. (The day before my brother taught Nico how to drive the boat.) So we went out in the boat. Nico was going pretty fast to the other side, and I told him to slow down (ha!). He then stopped the
boat and suggested we look at the sunset. We did and it was gorgeous. He then proceeded to tell me how much he loved me, and how special the last 5 years of our lives have been. Since we met each other almost everything has changed in our lives. We’ve changed continents, cultures, languages, apartments, schools, jobs – almost everything. But through it all, there was one thing that had not changed – and that was that we had each other. I had been his north star through it all. He wouldn’t have it any other way, and he wanted me to continue
to be his north star through his entire life. Then he got down on one knee (both knees
actually ;)) and said, “Ashley Jean Diaz, queres casar conmigo?” I started crying and said yes, then continued to enjoy our time alone on the boat enjoying the sunset and soaking it all in. When we got back to the shore my family was waiting on us, and we all had a group hug – including the dogs!
I later found out that my brother had been helping Nico plan the proposal about a month before (and did a great job keeping it a secret from my parents). And Nico asked for my parents’ permission the day before (my birthday).
{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?} I knew I wanted to have my wedding at home in Mississippi for several reasons: 1) It is the place closest to my heart because I was born and raised there 2) My friends and family I grew up with who have known me my whole life could attend 3) Conversely, I wanted to show my friends who are not from the South (who I’ve met since I moved away from MS) where I grew up and how beautiful the South and Mississippi is. I particularly chose Old Waverly because the venue is gorgeous. It embodies classic Southern elegance and charm, the grounds are beautiful with lots of green, and it is the old English classic style that I love.
Also, I loved the fact that we could celebrate in 3 unique spaces (the English Garden for the ceremony, the Terrace for the cocktail hour, and the Magnolia Room for dinner) all without having to leave the same building. I loved having a cohesive space for my guests as it cut out a lot of logistics making it easier for them! Especially the out of town guests who stayed on the grounds as well. And most importantly, we did not have to sacrifice quality for convenience (or vice versa). It could not have been a more perfect place.
{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?} Whenever I think of Mississippi I think of the color green. Especially Springtime (my favorite season) when everything is fresh and beautiful and flowers are in bloom. Therefore I knew I wanted my theme to be reflective of my favorite season (hence why we had the wedding in April) but also classic and timeless (not trendy). When I decided to have the wedding in spring and at Old Waverly, Green and white naturally became the colors – they just happened to be my favorite as well.
{How did you pick “the dress?”} This is actually a great story. I took the afternoon off of work to go to my yearly physical at the doctor. After the appt (around 4pm on a Wednesday) I went into San Francisco on a whim to start the preliminary search for my wedding dress. I was just going to browse as I still had my shorts and tennis shoes on from my physical. I first walked into J Crew (just because I happened to pass by it), looked around, nothing really stood out. I then walked on to the Bridal Boutique in Nordstrom (in the same mall). There was a dress hanging on the sale rack (yes, on the sale rack) that caught my eye. I loved the ruching material, the champagne color, the beading on the top, the fact that it was fitted and at the same time did not have a long train – basically it met all my criteria and decided to try it on. It fit perfectly. I knew that was the dress right then and there and decided to buy it on the spot. I did call my mom before I actually made the purchase to make sure I didn’t hurt her feelings by doing it by myself, and she responded with a “heck, no! – buy it!”. Not only was this dress on sale, I also had some Nordstrom notes I could use toward the price as well. So there I was in my shorts and tennis shoes purchasing my wedding dress by myself within 1 hour of starting the process. Efficient with the goal achieved – just the way I like it. Could not have worked out better.
{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?} I didn’t really have many accessories as I wanted to keep it simple and my dress already had beading on the top. I was in the dressing room hanging out with my girls while I was getting ready, and I realized I didn’t really have anything blue (per the tradition). My girlfriends had gotten ready beforehand and two had on beautiful blue dresses. They decided that they would be my “something blue” – brilliant!
As far as a “real” accessory, I would say I loved my shoes (Badgley Mishka). I think they are gorgeous. And though they weren’t able to be seen by many, to me they “completed” the look. Although I will have to say by the last of the pictures, I was glad to be out of them and walking barefoot in the grass for pictures (I am a Mississippi girl at heart. ;) )
{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?} My favorite part of the process was planning the substance of the ceremony itself – focusing on the music and Scripture readings I wanted to incorporate. Looking at those two things as the best expression of who we were as a couple, and what we wanted to strive for in the future. Planning the actual ceremony – the symbolization of our unity - would take me out of the stress of the planning details and bring me back to the essence of who I was and who Nico was and why we were being wed to each other. It would focus me on our love for each other based on our beliefs, who we were individually and who we were as a couple.
And it was therapeutic for me to be able to process the significance of everything before the ceremony itself. It was very special to me that my mother was going to sing at our wedding. As far as I’m concerned, there is not a more beautiful voice in the world than my mother’s. We had decided she would sing “The Lord’s Prayer” so in the weeks leading up to the wedding I would listen to the song and feel all the emotions and cry and process it so at the actual ceremony itself, while I was deeply moved, I wasn’t completely overwhelmed.
{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?} The morning of our wedding day, our good family friend, Pat Curtis, hosted a bridal brunch for me while the guys went skeet shooting. I didn’t know how the skeet shooting would go over as many of the guys attending were from big cities and didn’t have much experience with a gun. But to tell you it was a hit was an understatement. They absolutely loved it. So much so many of them wanted to stay and were tight on time to make it for our... wedding!! ;) Meanwhile I was enjoying well-needed, relaxing time with my girls at brunch full of mimosas and great food. I loved how my girlfriends not from the South were able to experience true Southern Hospitality.
{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?} Everything on the wedding day went truly (and amazingly) perfectly. The servers at Old Waverly were amazing. During the cocktail hour on the terrace, one of the servers accidentally dropped a glass from the serving tray and everyone turned to glance because of the noise. The glass happened to be by Nico, and in a split second after he stomped on it, and yelled “Mazel Tov!” It was perfect because Nico was able to spontaneously pay homage to his Jewish roots (he’s half Jewish by blood, and the ceremony was Christian), and at the same time able to cover for the server.J
Photographer: Stephanie Rhea Photography
Event Planner: N/A
Dress: Nicole Miller (Strapless Metal Trumpet Gown)
Bride’s Jewelry: Nina Earrings. Engagement ring and both wedding bands (platinum) were purchased at Brilliant Earth in San Francisco
Hair: Nicole McCarty from Park Place Salon in Starkville (Nicole grew up with me in Maben) Make-up: Nicole McCarty from Park Place Salon
Bridesmaid Dresses: N/A
Tuxes: No tuxes. Groom’s Suit is Ermenegildo Zegna (believe it or not, we spent more time purchasing his suit than my dress.J)
Videographer: N/A
Venue: Old Waverly Golf Club
Lighting: N/A
Rentals: N/A
Florist: Monti King from Flower by the Bunch Catering: Old Waverly
Bar: Old Waverly
Band: N/A
Bride’s Cake: Almond flavor with vanilla icing by “The Cake Box by Sweet Temptations”
Groom’s Cake: Flan by “The Cake Box by Sweet Temptations” (The Cake Box also made delicious chocolate strawberries for dessert to complement the Wedding Cake & Flan!)
Print Material: My wedding stationary (invitations & thank you notes) was by The Aerialist Press in Emeryville, CA. I definitely wanted a magnolias to be included on the invitation for the classic Southern, Mississippi touch. I used the Magnolia pattern. The ceremony program and dinner place cards were by Party & Paper in Columbus, MS.
Car Service: N/A
{Groom} Nicolas Zeitlin
{Hometowns} Maben, MS & Buenos Aires, Argentina
{Wedding Site} Old Waverly Golf Club
{Reception Site} Old Waverly
{Bride’s Bouquet} Flowers by the Bunch, Starkville, MS (Monti King) {Bridesmaid Bouquets} N/A
{How did the two of you meet?} We met on New Years 2009 at a New Years Eve party (in the wee hours of the morning so technically 1/1/2009) in Buenos Aires. (Sidenote – going to a party after midnight in Argentina is very common – it would be very uncommon to go out before midnight!J) I was visiting Buenos Aires over New Years (my father is part Argentine we have friends and family there and visit often.) While there, I was invited to a New Years Eve party by a family friend and took him up on the offer. When we arrived at the party, which was at a mansion in a nice neighborhood of the city, some friends were already standing outside on the street corner waiting on us. Nico was in that group, and the second I saw him this surreal feeling hit me, and I knew he was special. We introduced ourselves and struck up a conversation. He was a true gentleman throughout the night, and we hit it off. During my stay, we saw each other a couple of more times before I went back to the States.
While I was back in the States, we kept in touch, talking every day. Moving to Argentina later that year had already been in my plans, so later that year so in September 2009, I moved to Argentina and our relationship continued to grow. In 2011 I was ready to move back to the U.S., and Nico decided to come with me so he applied to master programs across the country. When he got accepted to the UC Berkeley Engineering, we moved to California and the rest is history! We have now established ourselves in the Bay Area and lived together in Berkeley for more than four years.
{What is your proposal story?} Nico and I flew home to celebrate my 30th birthday the second weekend of May 2014. That weekend is also was Mother’s Day and my brother’s birthday so we had lots of celebrations planned. We were having a fabulous time. I was relishing in being in my favorite place, which means being with the dogs, swimming in the pool, having my mom cook for me! (All the fun stuff I don’t get in California.) My 30th
birthday was Sunday (Mother’s Day), and it was a fabulous day. I remember at my birthday dinner that night thinking how blessed I was, everything was perfect, and my life couldn’t be better. The following day was my brother’s birthday, and we had a cookout planned at my parents’ cabin. Each evening my family likes to take the boat out on their lake for a sunset boat ride. So late that afternoon I asked my brother if he wanted to go, and he said no, which I thought was odd considering it was his birthday. I then asked my parents, and they both said no too. So then I asked Nico, and he said yes, and we went out in the boat. (The day before my brother taught Nico how to drive the boat.) So we went out in the boat. Nico was going pretty fast to the other side, and I told him to slow down (ha!). He then stopped the
boat and suggested we look at the sunset. We did and it was gorgeous. He then proceeded to tell me how much he loved me, and how special the last 5 years of our lives have been. Since we met each other almost everything has changed in our lives. We’ve changed continents, cultures, languages, apartments, schools, jobs – almost everything. But through it all, there was one thing that had not changed – and that was that we had each other. I had been his north star through it all. He wouldn’t have it any other way, and he wanted me to continue
to be his north star through his entire life. Then he got down on one knee (both knees
actually ;)) and said, “Ashley Jean Diaz, queres casar conmigo?” I started crying and said yes, then continued to enjoy our time alone on the boat enjoying the sunset and soaking it all in. When we got back to the shore my family was waiting on us, and we all had a group hug – including the dogs!
I later found out that my brother had been helping Nico plan the proposal about a month before (and did a great job keeping it a secret from my parents). And Nico asked for my parents’ permission the day before (my birthday).
{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?} I knew I wanted to have my wedding at home in Mississippi for several reasons: 1) It is the place closest to my heart because I was born and raised there 2) My friends and family I grew up with who have known me my whole life could attend 3) Conversely, I wanted to show my friends who are not from the South (who I’ve met since I moved away from MS) where I grew up and how beautiful the South and Mississippi is. I particularly chose Old Waverly because the venue is gorgeous. It embodies classic Southern elegance and charm, the grounds are beautiful with lots of green, and it is the old English classic style that I love.
Also, I loved the fact that we could celebrate in 3 unique spaces (the English Garden for the ceremony, the Terrace for the cocktail hour, and the Magnolia Room for dinner) all without having to leave the same building. I loved having a cohesive space for my guests as it cut out a lot of logistics making it easier for them! Especially the out of town guests who stayed on the grounds as well. And most importantly, we did not have to sacrifice quality for convenience (or vice versa). It could not have been a more perfect place.
{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?} Whenever I think of Mississippi I think of the color green. Especially Springtime (my favorite season) when everything is fresh and beautiful and flowers are in bloom. Therefore I knew I wanted my theme to be reflective of my favorite season (hence why we had the wedding in April) but also classic and timeless (not trendy). When I decided to have the wedding in spring and at Old Waverly, Green and white naturally became the colors – they just happened to be my favorite as well.
{How did you pick “the dress?”} This is actually a great story. I took the afternoon off of work to go to my yearly physical at the doctor. After the appt (around 4pm on a Wednesday) I went into San Francisco on a whim to start the preliminary search for my wedding dress. I was just going to browse as I still had my shorts and tennis shoes on from my physical. I first walked into J Crew (just because I happened to pass by it), looked around, nothing really stood out. I then walked on to the Bridal Boutique in Nordstrom (in the same mall). There was a dress hanging on the sale rack (yes, on the sale rack) that caught my eye. I loved the ruching material, the champagne color, the beading on the top, the fact that it was fitted and at the same time did not have a long train – basically it met all my criteria and decided to try it on. It fit perfectly. I knew that was the dress right then and there and decided to buy it on the spot. I did call my mom before I actually made the purchase to make sure I didn’t hurt her feelings by doing it by myself, and she responded with a “heck, no! – buy it!”. Not only was this dress on sale, I also had some Nordstrom notes I could use toward the price as well. So there I was in my shorts and tennis shoes purchasing my wedding dress by myself within 1 hour of starting the process. Efficient with the goal achieved – just the way I like it. Could not have worked out better.
{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?} I didn’t really have many accessories as I wanted to keep it simple and my dress already had beading on the top. I was in the dressing room hanging out with my girls while I was getting ready, and I realized I didn’t really have anything blue (per the tradition). My girlfriends had gotten ready beforehand and two had on beautiful blue dresses. They decided that they would be my “something blue” – brilliant!
As far as a “real” accessory, I would say I loved my shoes (Badgley Mishka). I think they are gorgeous. And though they weren’t able to be seen by many, to me they “completed” the look. Although I will have to say by the last of the pictures, I was glad to be out of them and walking barefoot in the grass for pictures (I am a Mississippi girl at heart. ;) )
{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?} My favorite part of the process was planning the substance of the ceremony itself – focusing on the music and Scripture readings I wanted to incorporate. Looking at those two things as the best expression of who we were as a couple, and what we wanted to strive for in the future. Planning the actual ceremony – the symbolization of our unity - would take me out of the stress of the planning details and bring me back to the essence of who I was and who Nico was and why we were being wed to each other. It would focus me on our love for each other based on our beliefs, who we were individually and who we were as a couple.
And it was therapeutic for me to be able to process the significance of everything before the ceremony itself. It was very special to me that my mother was going to sing at our wedding. As far as I’m concerned, there is not a more beautiful voice in the world than my mother’s. We had decided she would sing “The Lord’s Prayer” so in the weeks leading up to the wedding I would listen to the song and feel all the emotions and cry and process it so at the actual ceremony itself, while I was deeply moved, I wasn’t completely overwhelmed.
{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?} The morning of our wedding day, our good family friend, Pat Curtis, hosted a bridal brunch for me while the guys went skeet shooting. I didn’t know how the skeet shooting would go over as many of the guys attending were from big cities and didn’t have much experience with a gun. But to tell you it was a hit was an understatement. They absolutely loved it. So much so many of them wanted to stay and were tight on time to make it for our... wedding!! ;) Meanwhile I was enjoying well-needed, relaxing time with my girls at brunch full of mimosas and great food. I loved how my girlfriends not from the South were able to experience true Southern Hospitality.
{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?} Everything on the wedding day went truly (and amazingly) perfectly. The servers at Old Waverly were amazing. During the cocktail hour on the terrace, one of the servers accidentally dropped a glass from the serving tray and everyone turned to glance because of the noise. The glass happened to be by Nico, and in a split second after he stomped on it, and yelled “Mazel Tov!” It was perfect because Nico was able to spontaneously pay homage to his Jewish roots (he’s half Jewish by blood, and the ceremony was Christian), and at the same time able to cover for the server.J
Photographer: Stephanie Rhea Photography
Event Planner: N/A
Dress: Nicole Miller (Strapless Metal Trumpet Gown)
Bride’s Jewelry: Nina Earrings. Engagement ring and both wedding bands (platinum) were purchased at Brilliant Earth in San Francisco
Hair: Nicole McCarty from Park Place Salon in Starkville (Nicole grew up with me in Maben) Make-up: Nicole McCarty from Park Place Salon
Bridesmaid Dresses: N/A
Tuxes: No tuxes. Groom’s Suit is Ermenegildo Zegna (believe it or not, we spent more time purchasing his suit than my dress.J)
Videographer: N/A
Venue: Old Waverly Golf Club
Lighting: N/A
Rentals: N/A
Florist: Monti King from Flower by the Bunch Catering: Old Waverly
Bar: Old Waverly
Band: N/A
Bride’s Cake: Almond flavor with vanilla icing by “The Cake Box by Sweet Temptations”
Groom’s Cake: Flan by “The Cake Box by Sweet Temptations” (The Cake Box also made delicious chocolate strawberries for dessert to complement the Wedding Cake & Flan!)
Print Material: My wedding stationary (invitations & thank you notes) was by The Aerialist Press in Emeryville, CA. I definitely wanted a magnolias to be included on the invitation for the classic Southern, Mississippi touch. I used the Magnolia pattern. The ceremony program and dinner place cards were by Party & Paper in Columbus, MS.
Car Service: N/A
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}
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