Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

We first met when Elie was still living in Chicago, and coming home to visit friends and family for Christmas. His friends were hosting a "welcome home" party and had invited a few friends.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ashley had just gotten off her shift, was tired and did not want to go out. Her friend called her and dragged her out to a house party.&nbsp;Fast forward a couple of hours, and the two laid eyes on each other. There was some playing hard to get for a while, and an extensive long distance relationship between Chicago and Vancouver - but luckily this story has a happy ending.

How we met

CROATIA - August 8,
2019. The morning was a great adventure in Krka Waterfalls near Split. Through a series of
lucky events, Ashley and I managed to literally be the first people at the
waterfalls. We had the entire place to ourselves - it was surreal. I've never seen
Ash so excited and adventurous. I've never seen her so care-free and
venturesome; and I loved it. In the water, she was the one pushing me to
explore new places and swim more. I loved seeing this side of her.

When we finally got
back to the house, we started to get ready. I told her earlier that we will be
having a "date night." As Ashley got ready, her parents understood the importance of this moment - it would be the last time their only daughter would leave
their side before committing herself to a future with me. Before we left, I shook her dad's hand and we were off for the moment that will change
our lives forever.&nbsp;

We rushed to catch a
ferry that took us to Hvar (an island off the coast of Split). We arrived earlier than I had expected so we spent
some time walking around and taking in the island. Thinking back, my stomach
must have been in knots but I tried my best to stay calm. I told Ashley that we
had dinner reservations at a restaurant. So when we finally arrived at a
"tour company," I think she started to think that this may not be an
ordinary dinner. We were taken by Jeep up into the mountains of Hvar - off the
coast on the hillside. As we pulled up, I'm sure Ashley knew that this was going to be
special moment. The setup was perfect, the backdrop was stunning but most
importantly, she was the most beautiful girl in the world in that moment - and
ever since. When we finally pulled up to the breathtaking location, which was an olive farm with
a small hut, she knew it was happening. 





She walked out,
slowly, and started wandering. The sky had started slowly to clear up, and the
sun began to shine. I was so nervous and I didn't want to wait any longer. She
definitely knew. I called her over and held her. She immediately started crying
and shaking. She was perfect. I promised to be her best friend, pledged to
protect her, and told her that I'd love her for the rest of my life. I
asked her to marry me. She was shaking uncontrollably as tears ran down her
face, but she said yes. It was the most amazing moment of my life. 







We then sat down
together, and almost immediately the sunset erupted in the sky. It was as if it was
waiting for us to be engaged. It was so peaceful sitting there with Ashley, my
new fiancé, just relishing in the moment. It was the most nerve racking, yet
calming moment of my life. In that moment, I was the luckiest person alive.

The Proposal, as told by Elie

Our Story

Details

Photos

Kaitlyn and I met on our first day of college, we have shared so many amazing memories and laughs that include our annual theme parties, applying for the amazing race, and travelling together. I am so grateful that I will be going through this amazing time in my life with her by my side.

Kaitlyn Williams

Kelly and I met in high school, but our friendship didn't develop until we were placed on the same hockey team in minor hockey. We have been best friends ever since, playing on the same line for most of our "careers."&nbsp;

Kelly Clarke

Emma and I have known each other since the moment she came into this world. As her big cousin I was waiting eagerly for her to come. Once I held Emma our bond has never been broken.&nbsp; We have shared many moments throughout our lives and I will value our love and friendship for all the years to come. &nbsp;

Emma Armstrong 

I met Jeff during my first week at Microsoft. He has been the shake to my bake since then as we have taken on big challenges at work together for years. Jeff has enabled me to succeed at my career, and been a big supporter and mentor. He's my true "big brother." 

Jeff Seagard

Casey and I completed our MBA together at Notre Dame. We are very like-minded and its a pleasure to call him one of my best friends. Throughout the years, we have remained in touch as we attended Notre Dame football games, or discussed new business ideas. Casey is a true southern gentlemen, and one of the classiest people I know.

Casey O'Grady

Melissa and I met over 22 years ago when we attended the same daycare. We have grown up together and have maintained a friendship while creating amazing memories from our childhood to adulthood. I am so excited that my childhood friend is going to stand up next to me on this special day.&nbsp; I can see us building wonderful memories for many more years to come.

Melissa Phillips

Zack and I met when I moved to Chicago. We got to experience everything Chicago had to offer together for a few years - while also taking many trips together around the world. Zack always has my back, and I'm excited to share this special day with him - even though he's from Cleveland.

Zack Mulhall

Uncle Darren has been a huge part of my life and we have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with him travelling over the last few years. Darren was with us during our family vacation this past summer when we got engaged – he was even in on the engagement surprise! Darren’s passion for life is contagious and we are so excited to have him as our MC – we’re sure he’ll definitely get the party started!

Darren Ausmus

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Wedding ceremony and reception venue. For online reservations, please use Group Code: 200802AUSMFor telephone reservations, please use Group ID: 11456

Ashley & Elie

Ashley & Elie

Travel

Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier