New York couple celebrates love amid the chaos of city life
Every love story possesses its own unique elements, and the journey of Sarah-Jane Ashby and Mitch exemplifies this sentiment. The couple navigated the vibrant and often hectic landscape of New York City while embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood. Their personal tale culminated in a heartwarming wedding at city hall, where their daughter Marlowe played a significant role in their celebration.
The beginning of their love story
Sarah-Jane relocated to New York, but her work commitments frequently took her to Los Angeles. During one of these trips, she connected with Mitch through a dating app. His first message, infused with humor regarding their long-distance predicament, captured her attention, despite his quirky profile picture featuring a fish. After some engaging conversations, the pair arranged to meet over burgers and beers during Sarah-Jane’s next visit to L.A. What started as a casual encounter soon developed into a profound emotional bond. “I had never loved anyone like that before,” she reflects.
As their relationship deepened, Mitch made a pivotal choice to relocate to New York to join Sarah-Jane. Shortly thereafter, they learned they were expecting a child. While overjoyed, they opted against hastily marrying due to the upcoming arrival of their baby. In the midst of the pandemic, Mitch started his new job in New York, and Sarah-Jane welcomed their daughter, Marlowe. Their family faced numerous challenges during this period, yet they approached each moment with remarkable resilience.
The engagement and wedding plans
Two years later, a spontaneous moment inside a photo booth culminated in Mitch’s proposal. After a series of playful pictures, they discovered that the photos had not developed correctly. In a moment of panic, they learned they could retake the photos, but they could not replicate the magic of their proposal. Ultimately, they retrieved their engagement photos, imperfect though they were, which only enhanced the value of the memory.
Choosing the venue
With roots in Wales, Sarah-Jane wished to honor her grandmother’s legacy by celebrating her wedding there. However, financial considerations led them to opt for a more practical city hall wedding in New York. Following this intimate ceremony, they hosted a small gathering in Wales, sharing a meal at a cozy pub with thirty close friends and family members. The entire experience felt warm and personal, perfectly aligning with their vision of love.
A city hall experience
Upon entering city hall, Sarah-Jane was transported back to her childhood, recalling moments spent in line at the butcher shop. She observed couples awaiting their turn, understanding that their wedding was just one of many, emphasizing that love is a universal celebration. For numerous New Yorkers, a city hall wedding represents a unique connection to the city itself, a sentiment that resonated with their journey.
Family involvement
Marlowe, bursting with energy, played an active role as the couple’s little helper on this momentous day. Friends Jessica and Bart stood by as witnesses, contributing to the sense of community and support enveloping the couple. Sarah-Jane’s selection of a vintage dress, reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy, brought an elegant touch to the occasion, showcasing her distinctive style.
Jessica, a close friend who provided Sarah-Jane with a place to stay upon her arrival in New York, has become an essential part of their lives. Her unwavering support has been crucial throughout their journey. Following the wedding, the group enjoyed dinner and dancing, celebrating not only the union of Sarah-Jane and Mitch but also the strong friendships that have developed along the way.
Embracing life’s unpredictability
Sarah-Jane advocates for rejecting traditional timelines concerning life events. She recalls a friend whose wedding plans were delayed due to the pandemic but found inspiration in the story of Sarah-Jane and Mitch. Their journey encouraged her to embrace love and new beginnings without conforming to societal expectations.
By sharing her experiences, Sarah-Jane aims to inspire others to celebrate their own love journeys, regardless of societal norms, and to find joy in the beautiful chaos that life presents.
