When Ashley Doyle first moved from Texas to Washington, DC, she never imagined she’d find her future husband just a swipe away. “Our love story started like any other modern-day story – matching on Hinge,” she laughs. Two weeks later, Joseph Batchelder impressed her with his thoughtful planning, taking her to a bar famed for having the best Negroni in town – her favorite cocktail. Their connection grew quickly, and by Valentine’s Day – after sharing a heart-shaped pepperoni pizza – they were officially a couple.

Not even two years after their first date, Joe proposed in one of Ashley’s most sentimental places: along the Old Town Alexandria waterfront under her favorite tree. “It was the most thoughtful way to honor my first home away from Texas,” she shares. A celebration-filled weekend followed in classic DC fashion at the pair’s favorite restaurants, with rooftop drinks, a stop by the White House, scootering home, and time spent with Joe’s family in Annapolis the next day.

When wedding planning began, Ashley – a natural organizer – thought she could handle every detail. “I’m the friend who always sends the calendar invite,” she smiles, admitting perfectionism and the demands of a New Year’s Eve wedding escalated the stress. Hiring their planner proved invaluable. “I wish I would have hired her sooner,” the bride notes.

The couple always knew they’d say “I do” in the bride’s hometown of Houston on New Year’s Eve, and once they discovered a French château-inspired estate framed by magnolia trees – the bride’s favorite – the choice was set. A candlelit ceremony began at 4PM, where the pair privately exchanged vows before walking down the aisle. Magnolia leaf accents and hundreds of glowing white pillar candles created a warm, romantic setting that highlighted the significance of the moment. “It was dreamy and elegant – exactly how I pictured it,” the bride muses.

Multiple sentimental family rituals honored Ashley’s roots: a lucky penny tradition from her late grandfather, bouquet charms carrying photos of loved ones, and a blue heart patch hand-sewn into her gown by her grandmother. She also had a custom generational wedding portrait created to celebrate decades of marriage in her family, which she gifted to her maternal grandmother, mother, and two sisters. “Marriage is the foundation of our family, so incorporating that legacy meant the world,” she says.

“Ringing in the New Year surrounded by family and friends was the most incredible ending to a fantastic day and year.”

The elegant reception embodied a “Great Gatsby in the South” theme – equal parts glam celebration and Texas-style hospitality. With a black-tie dress code and pops of disco throughout the formal fête, guests were encouraged to “have their red carpet moment.” The couple even had a custom watercolor artist paint sketches of their guests for wedding favors – and the artist also painted a live acrylic painting of their first dance on site. Magnolias, champagne tones, and candlelight filled the space, blending beautifully with glittering disco balls atop romantic tablescapes.

Since they both live in Washington, DC, cocktail hour began with espresso martinis – “Ashley’s Cup of Joe” – a nod to the caffeinated capital and complete with a monogrammed ice luge. Hors d’oeuvres were inspired by the couple’s home states of Texas and Maryland, the dinner menu showcased his/hers/ours favorites, and late-night Whataburger honey butter chicken biscuits and breakfast tacos kept the party going strong.

The couple’s personalities were woven into every detail that made the event a true experience: a live cigar roller, their vintage Rolls-Royce, a Vogue-style “second look,” and a Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby photo reenactment by the groom. Branding and nods to their upbringings and relationship also played a significant role in the day, with a custom monogram, playful cocktail napkins – including the couple’s first Hinge message, their signature sparkling wine driven 1,411 miles from DC, and raw oysters flown in from both the Gulf of Texas to honor Ashley’s home state and Maryland to honor Joe’s home state.

A 10-piece live band kept more than 100 guests dancing all night long, leading up to the crowd-pleasing confetti cannon when the clock struck midnight. “Ringing in the New Year surrounded by family and friends was the most incredible ending to a fantastic day and year,” smiles the bride – with even the champagne tower that shattered mid-pour becoming a favorite memory.

“Don’t compare yourself to anything you see online,” she encourages future brides. “Personalize your day to reflect you as a couple – progress over perfection.” After their dazzling countdown celebration, Ashley and Joe entered the new year not only as newlyweds, but ready to uncork their first anniversary wine box and continue their holiday tradition: love letters sealed inside, waiting to be opened with each New Year to come.

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