Ally + Josh by Angelika Dupuis - Together Journal

A beautiful blend of relaxed sophistication, natural beauty, and heartfelt moments.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Ally is the Creative Director for a restaurant group, and Josh is a Structural Engineer. Both deeply rooted in our Christian faith, we share a love for Jesus that guides our lives and relationships. At home, we adore our cats, who bring endless joy to our lives. We love to travel, spend time with family and friends, go on walks, or unwind by watching movies. Ultimately, we just love spending quality time together and creating memories.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met on Halloween in 2020 at an Auburn University football game through mutual friends. Josh was dressed in a Batman onesie, which immediately caught Ally’s attention. Ally thought Josh was funny and confident, and he thought she was pretty and bubbly. Josh called Ally the very next day to ask her on a date, leading to an exciting journey filled with love and laughter, and the rest is history. Meeting in such a fun way set the tone for the light-hearted, adventurous relationship that we continue to cherish today.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

Josh knew early on—just four months into dating. Josh secretly began writing monthly letters to Ally, a heartfelt tradition that continued until the day he proposed. These letters captured his love and commitment, culminating in a romantic gesture when he presented them to Ally during his proposal. Ally, though it took her a little longer than four months, soon realized she couldn’t imagine a day without Josh by her side. His unwavering kindness and thoughtfulness made it clear to her that he was the one she wanted to spend forever with.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Our vision for the wedding was centred around two key themes: fun and timelessness. We wanted a celebration that would feel joyful and relaxed yet elegant and memorable for years to come. Ally’s indecisiveness made timelessness particularly important—she wanted to look back decades later and still feel confident in the choices we made. We loved how our mutual favourite colour, green, was natural and already an integral part of the landscape and venue, perfectly complemented by the stunning countryside of Tuscany. The Italian villa and the Tuscan countryside created an atmosphere that felt effortlessly romantic and uniquely us, blending charm with timeless elegance. Ally’s passion for travel also played a significant role, making a destination wedding in Italy the ideal choice. The result was a beautiful blend of relaxed sophistication, natural beauty, and heartfelt moments that perfectly represented us as a couple.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The venue itself was a masterpiece, requiring very little additional decoration to shine. Its natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for our wedding day. We held a picturesque ceremony in the garden, followed by a lively aperitif, a dreamy dinner, and a high-energy dance party to end the night. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the elegant table settings, was expertly executed by our talented vendors. Their creativity and professionalism elevated the entire experience, making it both stunning and seamless. We received countless compliments from our guests praising the flawless execution of our wedding. The venue’s charm, combined with the vendors’ expertise, created a visual and emotional harmony that we will treasure forever.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

One of the most enjoyable parts of planning was travelling to Italy a few months before the wedding to tour the venue, sample the menu, and choose the table settings. These moments allowed us to bring our vision to life, fall even more in love with Italy, and create extra excitement surrounding the wedding. Ally particularly appreciated how involved and supportive Josh was throughout the process, making it a true team effort. Our biggest tip for couples who are planning a destination wedding is to hire a local wedding planner for the area. We were fortunate to work with an incredible planner who had strong connections with local vendors, which made everything run smoothly. Her expertise and relationships were invaluable, and we couldn’t have done it without her.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

Ally’s wedding dress journey was unique and personal. She was drawn to drop-waist designs and found her dream dress online, having it shipped directly to her appointment. After trying on countless options, that dress ended up being “the one”, and she made it her own by removing the crinoline for a more high-fashion, less traditional bridal look. For the reception, Ally chose a playful party dress with ruffles, perfect for dancing and capturing the Italian vibe of the evening. Every detail of her outfits reflected her personality and added a special touch to the day.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Music was a top priority for us, setting the tone for each part of the day. We carefully curated our playlists and gave specific instructions to our music vendor, who exceeded our expectations. From the ceremony to the dance floor, the music created seamless transitions and an unforgettable atmosphere. Another element we prioritized was the venue itself. Its natural beauty and versatility allowed us to create a stunning experience without requiring excessive decoration. These investments ensured that our wedding day was as magical and meaningful as we had envisioned.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

During our ceremony, we took communion with a loaf of bread and red wine, a serious moment marked by prayer and a heartfelt expression of our faith. However, the mood briefly lightened when Ally nearly choked on the bread, and Josh suggested she drink some more wine to help it go down. Thankfully, she recovered quickly, and the moment passed without issue—but it’s a memory that still makes us laugh to this day.