Ashley and Will's Enchanted Wedding at Castle Otttis in St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

“Will and I have a unique story by far. We met at a very unlikely time, have changed each other’s lives massively, and have empowered each other to do things that alone we only dreamed of doing.”

This is how Ashley BeLoat began telling me the story of her and William Cook. This beautiful couple fell in love while supporting and helping each other grow both professionally and personally. Ashley is a charismatic, professional model while Will is an influential videographer. Their story began at a photoshoot for Yong Lin Bridal. Neither of them were expecting this shoot to lead to a love story. But of course, the best kind of love is never planned.

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine stands for much more than just a mere coincidence for the newly wed couple. A month after meeting one another, Will invited Ashley to St. Augustine to act in a lead role in a short film he was producing.  It was here in St. Augustine where their love was officially ignited as Will asked Ashley to be his girlfriend.  The Castle Otttis in St. Augustine, FL could not have been a more perfect fit for this elegant wedding.  For Ashley, the Castle Otttis was a venue that was straight out of a fantasy book.  

Castle Otttis Wedding | St. Augustine, FL

CASTLE Otttis Wedding photography

by Yuliya Panchenko

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

“We both agreed we didn’t want the day to be about flowers, the guest list, or cake… We wanted the day to be about our love.”

To Ashley and Will, this day was not about perfecting the minuet details.  It was a day to capture the love and pure affection they hold for each other and to celebrate it.  Ashley wore a stunning gown that was designed by Inna’s Designs.  Inna designed this dress not only to fit Ashley’s body perfectly, but to also express her character.  This dress was the perfect accent to the castle décor.  

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

This day is one of many memories that this beautiful couple will be able to cherish and share as they continue their lives of adventure together. I feel honored to have been able to capture the love and commitment that Ashley and Will have for one another. Their relationship defines true love and all the values a marriage should consist of. I wish them a long life, filled with happiness and endless love.  

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

“Looking back at out relationship and ahead at our future, I can honestly say I feel contentment and excitement. I feel in my heart that I’ve married my best friend. Neither of us are perfect, but we each have different strengths that compliment each other. I feel blessed and peaceful knowing I’ll be able to face every day with his smile, kindness, and optimistic spirit beside me.”

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding | St. Augustine, FL
Castle Otttis Wedding | St. Augustine, FL
Castle Otttis Wedding | St. Augustine, FL
Castle Otttis Wedding | St. Augustine, FL
Castle Otttis Wedding | St. Augustine, FL
Castle Otttis Wedding | St. Augustine, FL
Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography by Yuliya Panchenko | St. Augustine, FL

Here is a short wedding video of Ashley and Will:

For those who are curious about how they met, watch this video:

Castle Otttis Wedding Photography Team for Ashley and William’s wedding:

Makeup and Hair: Lauren Decosimo

Dress Designer: Inna Designs

Venue: Castle Otttis

Florist: Emily Moody-Rosete

Photographer: Yuliya Panchenko Photography

Videographer: Legendary Films by Damir

Video Editing: William P Cook

Blogger: Amber Bennett at Layla’s Songs