An Enthralling Love Story of Adventure and Connection Shared by Florida's Best Wedding Officiant

Happily Married in a Lhegendary Wedding Ceremony - Dewitt for Love photography

Planning a wedding can be both exciting and stressful. For couples in Florida, it is more than just choosing a venue and flowers. It is about creating a story that reflects their love and essence. Lhegend Carter, one of Florida's top wedding officiants, excels in telling beautiful love stories that capture the spirit of each couple. In this blog post, we share an unforgettable tale of adventure and connection that was beautifully woven into Ashlie and Doug's wedding ceremony.

The Magical Beginning

Family and friends, I have the amazing job of being a curator and narrator of love stories. And I love my job. This is the Love story of Doug and Ashlie. If I were to title it, it would be “Love is an adventure!”

The universe planted their seed of happily ever after almost twenty one years ago or so with a jump from a bridge. (That title makes sense now, doesn’t it? That’s going to seem timid by the time I get to the end. So hold on.😊)

Both ending up at Miami Beach Senior High school via circuitous routes, they knew of each other through a few mutual friends, but had not yet met. One day, as Doug was driving to a friend’s house, he saw Julia, a friend of his, with two of her friends. Julia, Ashlie and the other girl had dared each other to jump off the bridge into the murky water in the canal below, and were doubling down on the dares to see who would go first.

Doug, without even thinking about it, said he would do it. And not a second later, Ashlie said, “I’ll jump too.” Neither of them having the slightest clue in that moment of how deeply those words would resonate with the universe.

And… they jumped.

In that moment, they had a moment. They celebrated, triumphant and victorious, as the other girls chickened out and didn’t jump. They weren’t supposed to. That moment was designed specifically for Doug and Ashlie.

They swam over and climbed out of the canal. Doug got back in his lifted Bronco and went about his way. That was it. No sparks. Not until six years later. They still had growing and evolving to do to become who they needed to be for themselves, and what each other deserved in a partner.

The Adventure Continues

And in that spot where their seed was planted, a flower bloomed when Doug who had moved away to Gainesville for college, was in town for the summer.

Still having mutual friends, they met again during some group hangouts and exchanged phone numbers. While on a boy’s night out, Doug was texting Ashlie, and asked if she wanted to hang out. Without a thought, she said, “Yes.” And Doug left his boys at the club, picked up a six pack, picked up Ashlie, and they went to a hangout spot near the beach, where they started peeling back the layers and getting to know each other better, laughing and talking the night away. And there were sparks, for sure.

By the end of the summer, having spent pretty much every waking moment with one another, those sparks turned into a full on blaze. Doug was leaving to go back to school. This was going to be the end of an amazing summer. And their souls ached at the thought of being apart. When he stopped by her house to say goodbye, just like when they first met, he was ready to jump. Doug asked Ashlie to come to Gainesville with him. And just like when they first met, Ashlie said “Yes” and jumped with him. She packed a bag with anything in her room she felt was important, kissed her parents goodbye, and off they went.

Halfway into the trip, Doug informed Ashlie that he was stopping at his parents’ house to pick up his dog. She had an “oh shit” moment as reality started tapping her on her shoulder. She was about to meet his parents. She felt like Sandy from the movie “Grease”. 😊 With each mile her anxiety increased, and was damn near off the scales by the time they pulled onto the property. But it all sort of melted away when she saw Tyson with the biggest smile, running towards Doug. And in that moment, seeing Doug with Tyson, and Tyson with Doug, she fell in love with both of them.

The Proposal

Doug, being Doug, if he’s going to propose to the love of his life, it’s going to be epic.

Since they were going to be in Colorado in June, visiting Ashlie’s sister and climbing some 14ers, (that’s what the cool kids call 14,000-foot mountains, btw.)😊 He thought to himself, “what better spot than on top of a friggin mountain that I just climbed with my partner in everything that is life, to ask her to marry me?” And with the oxygen levels up there, she’d probably say yes to anything. 😊

They were greeted in Denver with beautiful weather, and the hike was a go. With Ashlie’s father’s blessing in his heart and the ring hidden in his sack, the two of them drove to the base of the mountain. Because of the snow and ice, they had to park and trek for hours just to get there.

Then, they climbed… through rocky terrain, and increasingly more snow and ice the higher they went. They took breaks, adjusting to the altitude, catching their breath, and second guessing going any further. They were already behind schedule of reaching the summit. They did not want to be up there when the Colorado monsoons come through with their torrential downpours and lightning. They climbed.

On their last break before the summit, they looked out at the dark sky and ignored every alarm that was ringing in their brains. The summit was so close, and they’d come so far. They climbed.

When they reached the top, they could barely see anything. The storm was moving in, bringing thunder and lightning with it. With the fear increasing, they took their souvenir picture of the elevation etched into the snow, and Doug asked for another picture. He got down on one knee and said to Ashlie “We can survive this. We can survive anything.” And then he asked her to be his forever. And for a moment, the world went quiet, as if the universe was awaiting her response.

And then thunder struck.

Ashlie said “Yes, I will marry you. But we have to go, right now.” They moved as fast as they could through the terrain, ascending with the visibility of barely being able to see your hand held out in front of you. At one point after stopping to hide behind some boulders from the freezing rain and lightning, Ashlie froze with fear. She did not want to go further.

Doug knew if they didn’t keep moving, things would get worse. He stuck his hand out and asked her “Do you trust me?” She did. She had since that day she hopped in his car to go on this marvelous adventure. She let go of the rock she was clinging to and took hold of another that led her down the mountain and into the beautiful sunshine.

A Wedding Ceremony Like No Other

At their wedding, Lhegend Carter became more than just the officiant; he became an integral part of Doug and Ashlie's love story. With engaging tales, heartfelt moments, and laughter, the ceremony captured everything they represented—love, adventure, and a deep bond.

Guests felt the electricity in the air as Lhegend shared the couple’s adventures. Ashlie and Doug held their wedding at the beautiful The Urban Stillhouse restaurant in Downtown St. Pete, and had an all star cast of vendors.

L.W. Couple: @dr.doug_dvm ❤️ @ashliehandie

Officiant: @lhegendaryweddings

Venue: @urbanstillhousestpete

Planning/Design: @thebridalmethod @kimberlyhensleyevents

Video: @shannonkellyfilms

Photo: @dewittforlove

Florals: @wonderlandfloralart

DJ: @djfreshevents

Ceremony Music: @jadestrings

Singer: @jaymiahmusic

Entertainment: @adrianasparkle_ @sadie.t.elise @sedonawilde

Rentals/Uplighting: @urbanstillhousestpete @tbdjco

Hair: @modernglambymonica

MUA: @kissandmakeupbysteph

Dessert Bar: @urbanstillhousestpete @valkyriedoughnuts_stpete @gabbybakesllc

Pure Joy! - Dewitt for Love Photography

Celebrating Togetherness

In his signature style, Lhegend reminded everyone that love is found not just in grand gestures, but in embracing the little moments.

Lhegend helped the couple’s family and friends connect to their story on a deeper level. Laughter filled the air, some tears were shed, and all present reveled in the joy of celebrating love.

A Future Full of Adventure

As the ceremony unfolded, it was clear that Ashlie and Doug’s love story was just beginning. Lhegend emphasized that each wedding is a new chapter.

The uplifting messages shared by Lhegend encouraged all couples present to celebrate their individual love stories. It served as a reminder that the journey of love is filled with excitement, challenges, and growth.

A Timeless Love Story

In the heart of Florida, where love and adventure meet, Lhegend Carter tells captivating love stories that resonate with couples. Doug and Ashlie's story is a testament to how meaningful every moment can be when partners embrace the adventure of life together.

For those seeking the perfect officiant to help bring their story to life, Lhegend Carter is dedicated to making every ceremony unforgettable.

Love and happiness! - Dewitt for Love Photography

Through the shared experiences of love, each couple creates a vibrant canvas of memories. Let your love story shine on your wedding day, with Lhegend crafting a celebration as unique as your journey together.