A Fairytale Wedding Amongst Nature’s Splendor: Ryan and Ashley’s Love Story


In the digital age of matchmaking, sometimes all it takes is a virtual rose to ignite a love story destined for the ages. Meet Ryan and Ashley, two adventurous souls whose journey began with a simple gesture on a dating app and unfolded into a whirlwind of shared passions and unforgettable moments.


Ryan’s initial virtual rose to Ashley on Hinge was met with curiosity that blossomed into intrigue over time. Their first coffee date, though conventional, hinted at the extraordinary adventures to come. It was on a subsequent date, with Ryan’s '64 Thunderbird and a drive-in movie night, that Ashley realized this was no ordinary courtship—they shared a love for vintage charm and spontaneous escapades.


Their romance deepened with each shared adventure, from waterfall excursions to swing dancing under the stars. It was during a cross-country expedition to Ryan’s family ranch near Yellowstone that Ryan orchestrated a proposal as dramatic as their love story. Against the backdrop of Montana’s breathtaking landscape, amidst a rainbow after a rain shower, Ryan serenaded Ashley with a heartfelt promise of forever, culminating in a picture-perfect proposal on a butte overlooking the valley.

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Their Enchanting Wedding Day:


Fast forward to June 30, 2024, a day that marked the beginning of their new chapter as husband and wife. Lost River Cave provided the enchanted setting for their fairytale wedding. Secluded and serene, it echoed the intimacy and magic of their love story. The ceremony took place in a forest by the river, adorned with string lights that cast a warm glow over the natural ambiance. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, and beautiful colors - olive green, rust, and champagne, Ryan and Ashley exchanged vows in a ceremony filled with laughter, tears, and promises of a lifetime together.


Live music during the ceremony was provided by Dawson Hollow, an indie-folk-rock band of five siblings whose soulful melodies added a special touch to the occasion. Luke Metzer, the videographer based in Bowling Green, KY, captured every moment with skill and enthusiasm, ensuring Ryan and Ashley’s day was beautifully preserved.


As part of their ceremony, Ryan and Ashley exchanged personal written vows. A humorous moment ensued when Ashley's vow book was momentarily forgotten, allowing Ryan to surprise her with his long scroll of heartfelt promises, drawing laughter and tears from all who witnessed their exchange.




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Personal Touches and Unique Details:


Ryan and Ashley put tremendous thought into making their wedding day uniquely theirs. The reception, held in the historic cave, was a blend of elegance and history. The cool, damp air and the sound of the river added a mystical ambiance to the festivities. Guests were treated to a memorable experience with a 1964 convertible Thunderbird transformed into a photo booth! 

During cocktail hour, guests indulged in "hometown snacks" that reflected Ryan and Ashley's origins: San Diego style chips and pico for Ryan and Chicago Garrett Popcorn for Ashley. A vintage phone allowed guests to leave heartfelt voice messages for the couple, while a record signing and a trivia board added to the fun and personal atmosphere.




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The Celebration


Inside the historic cave, guests were entertained by DJ Gordon Persha, known for his eclectic mix spanning decades from the 1930s to the present. His energetic tunes kept the dance floor alive as friends and family celebrated under the cave’s ancient arches. As the night drew to a close, Ryan and Ashley departed in their Thunderbird, a symbol of their shared adventures and the beginning of a new journey together.


Lost River Cave holds a rich history that adds a layer of enchantment to Ryan and Ashley’s fairytale wedding. Once heralded as an underground nightclub in the early 1930s, it was featured in Billboard Magazine for its unique charm. Over the decades, this natural wonder has hosted big band dances, social club meetings, and even solemnized its first wedding in December 1934. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Lost River Cave continues to captivate visitors with its limestone corridors and the tranquil sound of its subterranean river. Its historic legacy, combined with its natural beauty, provided a perfect backdrop for Ryan and Ashley’s celebration of love and new beginnings.