iDO couple profile: Ryan & Ashley (Diemer) Ladd

__How they fell in love:__ We met in fifth grade on the playground. It was Popsicle day and I was sitting on one side of a bench with Ryan on the other. He noticed I had dropped my Popsicle and asked if I wanted his. I followed my mother's advice never to take food from strangers, but we continued talking and became best friends. Later, after five years of dating, Ryan took me back to the spot we met, the bench outside our middle school. He got down on one knee and promised a lifetime full of love, happiness and laughter.

__Wedding:__ Grace United Methodist Church, Cape Girardeau

__Reception:__ Deerfield Lodge in Cape Girardeau

__Colors:__ Soft blush, Champagne, ivory and antique gold

Photo by Love Tree Studios in Columbia, Missouri

__What they wore:__ I wore the Dakota wedding gown designed by Enzoani and purchased at Maiden Voyage Bridal in Manchester, Missouri. It was made with tulle and lace in a mermaid silhouette and paired with an ivory sash with a rhinestone design. I wore pearls my grandmother had given me as a wedding gift and Kate Spade rose gold glitter Keds. My bridesmaids wore a short, one-shoulder, petal pink dress from David's Bridal. The guys rented charcoal suits with petal pink ties from Garber's in Cape Girardeau. Our fathers wore the same suits, but with Champagne ties.

__Decor and more:__ I bought invitation kits from Michaels Craft Store. They had all the envelopes, cards and RSVP cards, but I had to make a template and print our information. This cut down on the cost and I customized them how I wanted. Linda McKinnis of Design Exclusive chose flowers to match our color palette and romantic theme: blush roses, off-white hydrangeas, ivory and pale pink roses, new love baby's breath, sweetheart roses, dusty miller, eucalyptus and gold curly willow. Ceiling-to-floor chiffon and Champagne accents enhanced the reception. Various mercury glass, sparkling crystal, glass prisms, gilded gold, antique vanity mirrors and gold candlesticks transformed the rustic setting into a glamorous atmosphere. We used eight crystal chandeliers, amber uplighting, twinkle lights and candlelight. The dance floor featured draped ivory chiffon, a chandelier, twinkle lights and a custom GOBO of our initials. Framing the dance floor were 2-foot-tall "L-O-V-E" marquee letters that I made with my dad. It was a project that made the decor feel special.

Photo by Love Tree Studios in Columbia, Missouri

__The food:__ Tractors in Jackson catered our wedding. They served a mixed spring green salad with fruit and a poppy seed dressing. The main course was chicken with a spicy peach glaze and peppercorn flat iron steak in a red wine mushroom sauce. These were served with twice-baked mashed potatoes and vegetables. Later we had toasted ravioli with marinara sauce and a queso dip with chips.

__The cake:__ Tammy Turner from Dexter, Missouri, made a four-tiered cake with a soft ruffled design. Linda added heart-shaped garden roses, dusty miller and sweetheart roses. A mirrored "L" was added to the top. Flavors included French vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and butter pecan.

__Wedding planner:__ Linda McKinnis of Design Exclusive

Photo by Love Tree Studios in Columbia, Missouri

__The music:__ Charlie's Music Revue in Scott City

__First dance:__ "Then" by Brad Paisley

__Photographers:__ Aubrey Rowden and Jessica White from Love Tree Studios in Columbia, Missouri.

__Ashley's advice to other brides:__ Remember to have fun and relax. It's easy to get caught up in the details and wanting everything to be perfect, but remember that at the end of the day you get to spend the rest of your life with your best friend. That in itself is perfection that will last far beyond a single day.