Did your jaws drop after reading that headline? Don’t worry you’re not alone! Ashley and Pasha Petkun’s wedding literally feels as if it was plucked straight out of a fairytale. Not only did they have the popular DJ Diplo perform at their reception (the A-lister is a friend of the bride!), but the entire day was filled with wow-worthy details. Seriously, we don’t even know where to begin when it comes to describing this amazing day! Ashley, who works in the production industry, and Pasha Petkuns, who’s a Red Bull athlete for Freerunning and world class Parkour, threw one of the most entertaining weddings we’ve ever seen. So, before you get lost sifting through these GORG photos, let us give you a quick recap of the magical day.
The high-profile couple married at the enchanting Cobblestone Manor, which allowed for them to really play into their ethereal fairytale-inspired wedding design. The understated elegance of their venue paired perfectly with the lush greenery and florals brought in by the talented Birch and Bone. As for the rest of the decor and one-of-a-kind setting, Ashley credits the team at V&E for bringing her wedding vision to life.”Ashley and Pasha wanted their guests to have an experience of a lifetime,” says Cheryl Ellison of V&E. So Cheryl and her team worked with Ashely to create memorable moments throughout the big day. She tells us that starting with the ceremony, the couple included their own traditions, such as opting for “flower dogs” versus flower girls. “Their five puppies, donning their own floral collars and leashes, were first to walk down the aisle,” says Cheryl. The couple’s signature drinks were also named after their pups, such as Sweet Pea Cotton Candy and Kilo’s Guava Dream to name a few.
Despite the adorable dog references and swoon-worthy decor, what really makes this wedding stand out has to be the entertainment. As we mentioned that the couple didn’t simply book any DJ for their wedding, but instead had two internationally known artists, Chromeo and Diplo, DJ their dance party at the reception. They also had a thrilling trampoline display where the groom and his groomsmen showed off their movement artist skills, followed by by a stunning Lrya performance by the bride’s sister and Maid of Honor. To top it all off, Ashely surprised Pasha with a Latvian-inspired traditional ceremony to pay homage to his family’s culture and celebrate the summer solstice.
“After a year and a half of quarantine and restrictions, this couple put love at the forefront of their wedding experience,” says Cheryl. Adding that they definitely embraced a new “live in the moment” motto for their out-of-this-world celebration.
The Dress: “Honestly, finding the wedding dress was probably the easiest thing of everything from the wedding,” says Ashley. “I mean I try to be pretty easy and not over think everything because then I’ll just drive yourself mad. I went to Panache in Beverly Hills and the dress I chose was the first one I tried on. The best part was it was 50% off!!!
Ashley’s whimsical-inspired wedding gown not only included a voluminous ballgown silhouette, but featured a romantic corset bodice. “I felt like a princess in it,” says Ashley.
Having to choose just ONE moment out of the biggest day and best celebration I have ever had is really hard!!! I know it sounds so cheesy and cliche, but walking down the aisle to meet the man I am planning to spend the rest of my life with was the best moment. I remember one of the team members from V&E telling me to just stay looking at my husband, that when the officiant (my dad) is marrying you to just look at my husband not the officiant and I am really grateful for her saying that to me. It was a helpful reminder to be present in those few moments with Pasha because they will be so short but those moments are what binds us together for the rest of our lives. That moment is one I will always hold onto. I remember walking down the aisle and my veil got stuck to the floor and pulled off my head but I just left it on the floor and continued my way towards Pasha, crying my little eyes out. Pasha snuck in a little kiss when I made it to him and then when it came to our vows I forgot mine! But luckily my assistant had a copy that I had texted her and gave me her phone to read my vows. It was moments like this, moments like my veil falling off and me forgetting my vows that really made it feel true to Pasha and I. We're not perfect people! We mess up all the time, so for that to just naturally happen during our wedding was a bit relieving because we are happy with those little moments. They add our personality in and we just laugh it off.
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MY ADVICE IS HIRE V&E AND DON'T STRESS OVER IT! It's really not worth getting yourself worried over your wedding day. There is so much going on and to add an extra stress isn't going to make your day go easier. There will be bumps and mess ups but just go with it. Those moments make it human and real. As much as we want a fairytale wedding, we are still in real life so you have to be okay with the fumbles of life. Plus hiring V&E really helped me so much. I have never been married and didn't realize everything it takes and what is needed from you. So save yourself the trouble and find an amazing team to help you. They helped me plan one of the biggest weddings in just a couple of months so imagine what they can do for you if you really take your time planning it!
Another tip from the bride: “I just want to remind anyone planning to get married to make sure you make that day about you and your love. I felt so grateful that I focused all my attention on my husband that day. Yea, maybe I didn’t get to dance with everyone or even say ‘Hi’ to everyone, but that’s okay. It’s about you celebrating your love with the person you want to spend your life with so make sure you spend as much time with your love on your special day. Those will be the moments that you will remember and be forever grateful for,” says Ashley.
When the groom is a Freerunner!
Processional: Elisa's Theme by Alexandre Desplat from The Shape of Water
Recessional: La Javanaise & Elisa's Theme Alexandre Desplat from The Shape of Water
First Dance: Come and Get Your Love by Redbone
Diplo as the Wedding DJ
Raise your hand if you want Diplo to also headline your wedding!
Again, this wedding was nothing but spectacular and we wish all the best to Ashley and Pasha! For more real wedding inspo, check out our real weddings page #onGWS!
photography: Casie Wendel // venue name: V&E's Cobblestone Manor, Santa Susana, California, USA // event design: Venues & Estates // planning: Venues & Estates // florals: Birch & Bone // hair stylist: Rachel Lita Zitman // makeup artist: Alexis Oakley // videography: Casie Wendel // calligraphy: Plume & Pulp // catering: Tres LA Catering // cake: Vanilla Bake Shop // desserts: Fantasy Frostings // tabletop rentals: Town and Country // furniture rentals: Premiere Party Rents // specialty rentals: Found Rental Co. // music: Cattus // cocktails: Tres LA Catering // greenery: Jackson Shrub Supply // opening dj: Chromeo // headlining dj: Diplo // lyra rig : Braun Production // wine: Kieu Hoang Winery // catering photographer: Travis Bateman
