- How did you meet?
- Tell us your proposal story.
- Finding "the one"...
- Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?
- What did you do on your first date?
- What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
- How has wedding planning been so far?
- Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
- Loving the lush, green vibes? Click here for more outdoor garden engagement session inspiration for your big day!
Ashley and Monique’s outdoor garden engagement session at the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary was the perfect place to celebrate their upcoming fall wedding.
The engaged couple shared touching moments with us about their relationship, which was full of laughs, fun, and personality right from the very start. After meeting at work, the soon-to-be newlyweds had their first date at a murder mystery dinner, which soon grew into a life-changing moment for them both.
Their journey to the aisle started in the most unexpected way: at home, right before an outing. Just the two of them. Ashley said yes, and off they went, engaged and ready for the future. Even with wedding bells and invitations on their minds, to celebrate, they chose the beautiful backdrop of the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary for their special day.
The garden’s quiet beauty paired beautifully with Ashley’s plant-loving heart—yes, she’s a proud plant mom—and gave off some serious “secret garden romance” energy. The photos taken by wedding and elopement photographer Jasmine Carter perfectly captured the couple’s personality and charm.
Surrounded by lush greenery, we hope you get inspired by this gorgeous and romantic garden engagement session in the gallery below!
- Couple: Ashley Johnson and Monique Wilson
- Occupations: Sterile Processing Manager and Sterile Processing Education Coordinator
- Wedding date: September 13, 2025
- Wedding location: Magnolia Woods
- Location of Engagement shoot: Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary
How did you meet?
We met at work.
Ashley: Monique was a contractor at the hospital, and I was the new manager in the department Monique was helping in.
Monique: I was contracted to work at a hospital, and Ashley was hired a few weeks after.
Tell us your proposal story.
Ashley: We were rushing out of the house to go to a comedy show (hands full). We were approaching the door, and Monique caught my attention and then pulled out a ring box. While she is getting down on one knee, she says ALOUD, “Do I have to really do this?” (Meaning get down on one knee). I said, “ABSOLUTELY”. She is panicked and says, “I’m sorry that was supposed to be in my head,” and she proceeds to ask me to marry her. Very quickly, I responded, “Did you ask my mother? ” (hahaha). She said, “Well, I mentioned it to her”. A few moments later, I said “I do,” and we proceeded to a comedy show that we left early. A pattern we continue to keep alive, leaving events early. I have no idea how we are going to make it through our entire wedding!
Monique: Well, I had intended to propose on her birthday getaway, but I had issues with the design of the ring and didn’t receive it until a week or so later. We went on a date to a comedy show, and I nervously stopped her on the way out of the house. While trying not to have an anxiety attack, I finally got the words out, and she said yes.
Finding “the one”…
Ashley: I knew Monique was the one when I was so protective over her heart. I wanted her to be happy because she deserved it. That happiness led her to me.
Monique: I knew she was a special person the moment I laid eyes on her. I knew she was my special person the moment we kissed. Fell in love instantly.
Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?
Ashley: Whimsical and polished. The greenery matched our wedding colors!
Monque: The theme was greenery as Ashley is a plant mom. Also, I love the way green accents her skin, so it was an easy decision.
What did you do on your first date?
Ashley: Murder mystery dinner. From that day on, we left every event early.
Monique: We left early because we were giving each other googly eyes so much that we couldn’t focus on the game. The host even called us out for it.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Ashley: Anything, video games, TV, nothing, and door-dashing new restaurants.
Monique: Just go anywhere, if she’s out with me, I’m happy.
How has wedding planning been so far?
Ashley: Considerably easy, once we found the right people.
Monique: Everyone we chose to work with gave us great vibes during the 1st meeting, so we knew they were the right person for the job. I’m having a harder time choosing shoes.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.
Ashley: Seeing my wife’s face when I walk out to unite with her.
Monique: I’m looking forward to seeing the smile on Ashley’s face when she sees everything come together. Her smile just makes everything brighter to me, so as long as I see that all night, it will be perfect.
Loving the lush, green vibes? Click here for more outdoor garden engagement session inspiration for your big day!
