April, Old Wedding Day

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Florida

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Thank you all for your prayers and understanding as the situation is evolving. This was not an easy decision to make. However, with Jake's current role in the Air Force, we will have to postpone the wedding until a later date.

We understand there will be questions. Please feel free to reach out to Ashlyn, Veronica, or Kathy.

Our Wedding

Our story began in August of 2016 (Jake's freshman year and Ashlyn's sophomore year) at Medical Lake High School in Spokane, Washington. We met in our JROTC class. After an awkward first few months of Jake not picking up on hints and Ashlyn growing more impatient, Jake finally asked out Ashlyn with a box of chocolates and roses on Valentine's Day 2017 when we shared both of our first kisses. While the military caused us to move apart in the summer of 2018, we never lost communication with each other. Everyone says, "Young love doesn't last" and that's what we thought too. Until January of 2024 when the conversation of getting back into a relationship started up. Both a little older and more mature with Jake's career in the Air Force in Charleston, SC taking off (pun intended) and Ashlyn a General Manager of a Domino's franchise in Houston, TX. One fatefully mission brought Jake down to Brownsville, TX in February of 2024 where we both decided that we should see each other again in person for the first time in 6 years. Ashlyn drove 10 hours round trip from Houston just to spend about 30 minutes with Jake while the jet refueled. We realized that spark never went away and Ashlyn decided to pack up and move to Charleston that same summer. Over a year later in Charleston, and we never would have guessed the people who shared that awkward first kiss in high school would be getting married in the most magical place on Earth!

How We Met

Ashlyn is pursuing a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts at the Culinary Institute of Charleston with a projected graduation in the Winter of 2026.Jake is continuing his career as an Instructor Loadmaster on the C-17A for the 437th Special Operations Squadron and 16th Airlift Squadron.

Future Endeavors

Our Story

- The Ceremony will start at 12:00pm - Guests who are driving may park at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and walk over to the Wedding Pavilion. For those choosing to park here, just let us know, as we will put your name on a list, and they will ask for ID at the Security stand. (Parking Lot Address: <a href="4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>) - For those guests who will not be driving, there are many other modes of transportation around the Disney properties.- If you are staying on Disney property we will have a PRIVATE BUS pick up guests at 2 locations: Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter and Disney's All-Star Movies Resort. - For those staying off property, you may Uber or Lyft to Disney's Wedding Pavilion (Location: <a href="4101 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>). - Guests who would like to stay at a Disney property not listed above may take the complimentary bus service to the Grand Floridian or take the Monorail to the Grand Floridian. From there it is just a quick walk to the Wedding Pavilion. -PLEASE NOTE: We will be getting to the reception venue by PRIVATE BUS and will enter EPCOT through a back security entrance. Therefore, please do not plan to drive to the reception, we've got y'all covered. - THERE WILL BE TWO BUSES (RESERVED SPECIFICALLY FOR OUR WEDDING I.E. NOT THE COMPLIMENTARY DISNEY BUSES) THAT WILL TAKE ALL GUESTS FROM THE WEDDING PAVILION TO EPCOT FOR THE RECEPTION. THE BUSES WILL ALSO BE RUNNING THROUGH THE ENTIRETY OF THE RECEPTION FROM EPCOT BACK TO THE WEDDING PAVILION AND RESORTS LISTED ABOVE FOR ANY GUESTS THAT WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE EARLY.

Know Before You Go

What is the Dress Code?

Formal: Men- A formal suit and tie (bonus points if it's Disney)Women- A floor-length or cocktail dress or a pant suit Wedding Colors: Pastels, think baby pink, blue, coral. Florals are also encouraged

Will I have to buy tickets to EPCOT or any Disney World Park to attend the wedding?

NO, YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO BUY PARK TICKETS TO ATTEND THE WEDDING. For those guests who want to make a vacation out of this trip, there will be discounted tickets as part of our wedding package (Book using this link: ...coming soon...). Jake and Ashlyn will be attending the parks on Saturday and Sunday after the wedding for any guests that want to ride a few rides with the newlyweds.

How many Guests are allocated for my party?

Refer to your invitation (not save the date) for the number of guests for your party. Also, when you RSVP, it should show the number of guests in your party. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

Do I have to stay in one of the Disney Resorts in the Samuelson Room Block?

NO, you are not required to stay in one of our room block hotels (or any Disney Resort Hotel at all). If you are planning on visiting the parks before or after the wedding, keep in mind the perks of staying on Disney property (including early entry and complimentary transportation, more information listed <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resort-hotels-benefits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>). Additionally, if you are staying in one of our room block hotels you will have the benefit of booking at a discounted rate (as long as you book through our link in the Travel and Stay tab) AND the PRIVATE BUS will pick you up and take you directly back to your hotel on the day of the wedding.

FAQs

Attached <a href="https://book.passkey.com/go/G10124195" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> is a link directly to our customized Room Block website. Guests can also book their rooms with a phone agent by calling (407) 827-6799 and mentioning either the Samuelson Wedding or our unique code G10124195. Please note adjacent rooms, connecting rooms or specific room location and types of rooms or bedding are on a "request basis only" and are subject to availability at the time of check-in.

Map of Hotels & Ceremony Location

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Ticket Discount Information Visit "Things To Do" Page

Booking through the Room Block closes September 9, 2026

Travel & Stay

Enjoy some time before or after the festivities with a trip to the parks! For those staying on property, the Disney Bus system will take you to any of the parks or resorts. Many of the other hotels in the area will also offer complimentary bus drop off and pick up to the parks throughout the day (just check with your hotel receptionist for more details) Remember to book tickets through our link BELOW or call the phone number provided for a discounted price (about $10-$25/day discount depending on how many days you book). If you are calling, please remember to mention the Samuelson Wedding to receive the discounted rate. For those of y'all in the military, if you buy your tickets through the Outdoor Recreation Center at any military location, it is a better discount. The newlyweds will be in the parks Saturday and Sunday (October 10 &amp; 11th) for those who want to enjoy some magic with us!

Walt Disney World

For those booking tickets during your stay for the Wedding Week, there are no current black out dates for reservations

Looking to relax and grab some amazing food while enjoying endless shopping opportunities? Check out Disney Springs! With 93 shops, 70 restaurants, and countless shows and concerts, definitely block out some time to check out all the amenities Disney Springs has to offer. Enjoy complimentary bus access (for those staying on Disney property) or walking access to those staying in the Disney Springs area hotels. For those looking to get there quick, Disney Springs also has free parking garages. Have a restaurant/show that you just can't miss while you're here? You can make reservations up to 60 days before your visit!

Disney Springs

For those of y'all looking for a wizardry spin on a theme park or looking to check out the new Epic Universe, head on over to Universal Studios Florida! Less than a 30-minute drive from the Disney Resorts, this would be an excellent way to make the most out of a trip to Orlando.

Universal Studios

About a 30 minute drive from the Disney Resort areas, Downtown Orlando expands the options for dining and entertainment outside of the Disney bubble. Check out the dining, shopping, museums, entertainment and night-life in the center of this bustling metropolis. Find more ideas and updated show times on the Visit Orlando website linked below.

Jake & Ashlyn

Jake & Ashlyn

Photos