Just Married: Michael Wallace and Ashley McCormick

Just Married: Michael Wallace and Ashley McCormick

Bride’s parents: Amy Fryrear and Gary Fryrear
Groom’s parents: Marybeth and Bill Wallace

How the couple met:
Michael Wallace and Ashley McCormick worked together at the Legacy Golf Club, in Lakewood Ranch, for years before Ashley got the courage to actually start a conversation with Mike. Their first date was a group dinner with people from work in downtown Sarasota — Mike and Ashley both showed up, but everyone else stood them up. To this day, the couple still doesn’t know if the group did this on purpose or not, but it worked out for the best.

The proposal:
Since the earlier part of 2012, the couple had a family vacation planned at the Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach (with Ashley’s entire family, which is big, since she’s one of nine kids). While grabbing food on the evening of Dec. 4, Mike ordered three mini fish tacos and Ashley ordered Ahi tar tar. On a normal dinner date, Ashley reports that Mike would eat all of his food and help her as well. So, when he only ate one taco, she knew something was up. After she shot down his idea of a walk on the beach, they ended up on a balcony to watch the sunset. There, Mike got down on one knee and proposed. The couple was able to celebrate with her entire family on the vacation.

The wedding:
Three years ago, the couple was on a boat in Sarasota Bay and when they passed the Charles Ringling Mansion, Ashley declared she would one day marry there. On Nov. 9, the couple’s dream wedding came to life. The ceremony took place in the backyard under the oak tree on the bay with a crystal chandelier hanging from the tree. The wedding party walked to an instrumental of U2’s “All I Want is You” and the bridal processional was an acoustic version of Coldplay’s “Yellow.” Ashley wore her grandmother’s wedding ring on her right hand for her something borrowed.

Following the ceremony, the couple wanted their guests to have a great time and party. There was not a single person not dancing the entire time, says the bride. A photo booth served as a fun addition, as well as the guest book. The reception ended with a sparkler exit and then the party continued with snacks and music at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Following their big day, the couple honeymooned at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

To see more photos, click here.

THE DETAILS

Photography: Naomi Chokr Photography
Caterer: Gordon’s Gourmet
Wedding planning: Megan Barnett (day-of planner)
Floral design: Bee Ridge Florist
Rentals: All Event Rental
Invitations/Programs: DIY by the bride
Cake: Pastries by Design
Dress: Allure Brides by Sarasota Brides
Officiant: A Wedding With Grace
Wedding bands: Diamond Vault
Photo booth: Venice Photo Booth
Videographer: Ivory & Iron