Location: New York and Charleston, USA
Setting: New York Ceremony – church; Charleston Celebration – museum
Season: Spring; Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 month; 6 months
The number of guests: 4; 125
Wedding theme/style: New York Ceremony – Old school NYC; Charleston Celebration – warm, elegant, and garden-like.
When Ashton and Cabell met online in New York’s post-COVID era, neither expected their story to unfold into an extraordinary love tale culminating in not one but two beautiful weddings! Their journey, marked by serendipitous encounters and heartfelt moments, has left an indelible mark on their lives and the memories of all who witnessed their union. Both weddings were immortalized by the talented photographer Kate Thompson. Kate’s works always brings out the authenticity and vibrance of her subjects. Her expertise in wedding photography ensured that every glance, smile, and tear was documented in a timeless fashion, creating a visual narrative that the couple will cherish forever.
Ashton Keefe, a chef and culinary stylist, and Cabell Rosanelli first met during the spring of a New York post-pandemic recovery. Their initial dates were casual, as both were busy traveling and reconnecting with friends. However, everything changed when they unexpectedly ran into each other on the West Side Highway one Sunday night in the fall. Ashton was on one of her “Sunday Sunset Gratitude Runs,” a ritual to start her week with positivity. Their reconnection turned into an inseparable bond, leading to an unforgettable proposal and two distinctive weddings.
SECRET CEREMONY
The couple’s first, more intimate wedding secretly occurred on May 25th, 2023, at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City. Only four people attended the ceremony: Ashton, Cabell, and their two childhood best friends, who served as witnesses.
The sacred ambiance of the Cathedral provided a perfect backdrop for their heartfelt vows, making the moment deeply personal and special. The concept for the nuptials was a romantic, old-school New York theme, perfectly reflecting Ashton and Cabell’s personalities.
A priest officiated the ceremony, emphasizing the couple’s desire for a traditional and sacred moment. The small, private marriage in May allowed them to exchange vows without the pressure of a large audience. This intimate moment, kept secret for months, provided a cherished memory just for the couple.
Ashton wore a simple yet elegant Reiss dress for the New York ceremony, which she ordered online with no alterations, pairing it with hair and makeup by herself.
Kate Thompson skillfully used perspective to capture the ceremony. She artfully framed the couple against the Cathedral’s towering stained glass windows and soaring arches, emphasizing the grandeur and spiritual significance of the venue. The intimate moments shared by Ashton and Cabell were beautifully completed with the majestic architecture, creating a stunning visual narrative.
GRAND CELEBRATION
On September 22nd, 2023, the lovebirds celebrated their union again with a grand ceremony and reception at The Gibbes Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. With 125 guests in attendance, the event was warm, elegant, and feminine, echoing the couple’s desire for a convivial and twinkling garden-like setting.
The day began with intimate moments, Ashton and Cabell were in their hotel room, sharing tender moments and helping each other get ready. The couple’s fashion choices blended sophistication and personal style. Cabell wore a white dinner jacket by Ralph Lauren, black tuxedo pants, and black patent leather lace-ups. His look was completed with a bow tie and a formal shirt.
Ashton dazzled in a Halfpenny London dress with an attached skirt. With its delicate ruffles at the shoulders and flowing silhouette, the dress perfectly complemented Ashton’s sophisticated yet understated style. Its clean lines and soft fabric highlighted her natural beauty, making her look graceful.
In contrast to the New York ceremony, the Charleston celebration was designed as a chic, southern, black-tie dinner party illuminated with low lighting and adorned with abundant flowers.
Ashton’s brother-in-law, a longtime family friend, officiated the Charleston ceremony, making it a deeply personal and memorable occasion. Ashton’s nieces and nephews served as the bridal party, adding a familial and heartwarming touch to the event.
The reception at the museum was a departure from tradition, focusing on a relaxed and joyous atmosphere. There were no formal toasts or first dances; instead, the couple prioritized spending quality time with their guests.
The color palette for the Charleston wedding was soft and feminine, featuring hues of soft yellow, green, and beige for the flowers. The table settings included light ocean blue linens with pink chargers, creating a serene yet vibrant ambiance. Ashton’s meticulous attention to detail transformed the venue into a floral wonderland, embodying the couple’s vision of a twinkly, garden-like dinner party.
Leveraging her chef and event stylist expertise, Ashton orchestrated the Charleston wedding to exude a magical garden atmosphere. The couple’s signature cake was made by Ashton herself too!
The rest of the night was perfect, filled with fun, sincerity, and unforgettable moments. Guests were treated to a culinary delight, with delicious food curated by Cru Catering, reflecting Ashton’s expertise as a chef. The atmosphere was alive with the sounds of beautiful music from Quiana Parler, which set the tone for an evening of joy and celebration. The dance floor was constantly buzzing with energy as friends and family danced the night away under the twinkling lights of The Gibbes Museum garden.
The Charleston celebration was highlighted by the couple’s exit in pedicabs, taking them and their guests to a local dive bar, The Griffon. This spontaneous and unorthodox end to the night created unforgettable memories for all involved.
Advice from the couple:
• Having a small ceremony with the two of us in May was the best thing we did. There were no nerves or expectations, we were already married! We kept this a secret for a long time, which was hard, but having those jitters at bay and a special memory that’s just ours was nice.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Thompson | VENUE New York Ceremony: St. John the Divine, Charleston Celebration: The Gibbes Museum | FLORALS The Flower Shop Charleston | RENTALS Curated Events Charleston | TENT Sperry Tents | LINENS Stradley Davidson | DRINKS Cuvaison Wine | DRESS New York Ceremony: Reiss, Charleston Celebration: Halfpenny London BRIDAL SHOP Wander Atelier | GROOM’S ATTIRE Ralph Lauren Purple Label | CAKE Ashton Keefe | CATERING Cru Catering | BAND Quiana Parler | PEDICABS Charleston Pedicab
