Growing up in Fresno, California, Ashley Castanos and Terrence Brown have known each other since grade school. “He was my 12-year-old crush,” says Ashley. “Our lives after high school and college lead us both to San Francisco, where we were working diligently in our careers and happened to reconnect. That first summer of 2010, when we started dating, we found ourselves traveling between Lugano, Switzerland (where Terrence was working for the summer) and Milan, Italy (where I was interning); and that’s really when our love story blossomed.”
A few years later, the couple decided to live together in San Francisco. Terrence told Ashley that they would be taking a weekend trip to the beach, so they could visit his parents. After a day of wine tasting, the two snuck away to admire the view. Much to Ashley’s surprise, that was part of a surprise Terrence had planned. Before she knew it, he was on one knee, proposing.
"EVERY MOMENT WAS TRULY MORE THAN I COULD EVER HAVE DREAMED OF" - ASHLEY CASTANOS
The couple spent nearly two years enjoying their engagement, and truly taking in every moment of the wedding planning process. “Our non-traditional vision gave us the opportunity to create unique aspects of the day, to really make it ours,” Ashley describes. “Being in the fashion industry, we both wanted to give our guests a glamorous, runway-esque experience. I created the bridesmaids’ gowns with warmer tones in mind, complete with pearled capes, luxurious silks, and topped with gold crowns. The groom and groomsmen modeled embroidered tuxes; and designing my own wedding gown was something I knew would be my pride and joy – complete with dramatic veils and 100% ivory silk, of course.”
Terrence and Ashley’s destination wedding in Italy began with a morning spent with their best friends and closest family members. “We really felt it was important to soak in this time with our loved ones,” says the bride, “having all of us stay in the same villa. Our ceremony overlooking Lake Como was the most magical and breathtaking part. Our first look was surreal and reflecting on it brings tears to my eyes.
From that moment, to walking down the aisle, to celebrating at our private villa with our friends who have traveled so far to be with us – every moment was truly more than I could ever have dreamed of. Once the sun went down, our bridal party gave amazing speeches and ended the night with a ‘splash’ by taking the dancing into the pool! The few moments of watching my best friends in their finest fashions diving into the water, while I myself was floating in silk, was something I’ll never forget.”
Shortly after the wedding, the newlyweds took off on a three-week European honeymoon. They traveled through several countries, such as Spain and France, and ended their trip in Paris. Waking up to views of the Eiffel Tower and feeling like royalty was something they’ll never forget.
“Since we’ve been home, we’ve spent some time reflecting on our incredible experience,” Ashley shares. “To this day, it still doesn’t feel real.”
WEDDING TALENT
Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids Capes: Daughters of Simone
Bride and Bridesmaid Jewelry: A.B. Ellie x Daughters of Simone
Bridesmaid Dresses: Leave her Wilder x Daughters of Simone
