Can you hear the bells? Well, don't you hear 'em chime?
Wedding bells are in the future for Ashley Cain, Team USA pairs competitor, who is getting married to her fiancé Dalton Gribble in 2019.
The couple is keeping friends and fans updated through social media throughout the year, but the behind-the-scenes planning, filled with dress sizing, location hunting and more, has been focused on one thing: family.
"My favorite part of the wedding planning process has been being able to share quality time with both of our families," Cain said via email while she and partner Timothy LeDuc are training in Russia for a week ahead of Rostelecom Cup. "They have been a huge help with all of the planning because Dalton and I have been out of town so much."
Cain and LeDuc have been busy this season. The pair started the year with two Challenger Series titles, and followed it up with bronze at 2018 Skate America, held in Everett, Washington, Oct. 19-21.
But their families have been supportive throughout the hectic schedules from the beginning, especially since Peter and Darlene Cain are the team's coaches. Just as they are at every practice and jet-setting for international competitions, they were also present for the night of the engagement. as well as Gribble's family and even LeDuc, who knew about
Gribble's plans a year prior.
"I think the amazing thing about that night was my whole family was there, and so was [Gribble's]," Cain said. "We wanted to be surrounded by our families, and Dalton was able to make that happen. He put so much work into the proposal. From building the gazebo with twinkling lantern lights, to having all of our families there. It was truly incredible!"
The engagement took place on March 31, 2018, just over three years after they officially started dating. The couple had their first date at a local rink right after the U.S. Championships in January 2015.
"I remember that it was a Sunday, it was pouring rain outside, and it was super busy at the rink," Cain said. "I remember telling my mom before I left the house that I was going to go skate with my 'friend!' It's really fun to think back to that day and how much we have grown up together in the last 4 years."
Gribble and Cain lived roughly an hour and a half away from each other in the early dating days, but the two have made it work since schedules have changed and life has called for even more weeks apart. But come June 2019, Cain is eager for their travel to be together finally.
"The week [after the wedding], we will be going on our honeymoon, which will be the first time I've gone on a trip without my skates in
years!"
For now, Cain is making sure to check all of the boxes on wedding necessities, but it's been a little harder than it looks.
"I'm a very relaxed bride, which is why I need people keeping me on a schedule. I'm the person who loves to just go with the flow, but I'm also the type to want to have everything planned out," Cain said. "We just want everyone to enjoy themselves and dance the night away."
Cain will be dancing the night away in a dress created by her and LeDuc's costume designer, Denyse Frey, but with a special twist. Following tradition, Frey will be using something old and something new, by adding the train of Cain's mother's wedding dress to the final product.
Cain took the suggestion from her mother, but found that the moment was more meaningful that she originally imagined.
"It was a very special moment to walk out of the room and see my mom's face when I had the dress on," Cain said. "Our wedding day will be filled with so many stories and moments like that, and that's what I think will make the day so special."
The couple also recently picked out a location for the celebration: a large white barn with tall windows and roaming greenery. Until their wedding photos are released post-celebration, the couple will be posting new shots around every two months to lead up to the event.
"We have a different theme for every shoot and we will be including our dog Mylo," Cain shared.
Photo Credit: Walter Melvin, Afalla Studios
Their first round with photographer, Walter Melvin from Afalla Studios, who is a former figure skating coach and choreographer, was filled with fun for the couple.
"Dalton and I had never done anything like that before, so we were laughing and joking around a lot, which I feel captured some really great moments," Cain said.
Aside from all of the little details that have come up along the way, the guest list has also been one of the main focuses for Cain, especially those who have never met Dalton - or never will.
"Sadly, my grandparents on my mom's side and my grandfather on my dad's side have passed away," Cain said. "I would love to share this day with them, as it was a day that we talked about all the time when I was young. But I know on the day, they will be with me in my heart and watching over me."
But her extended family from Australia and Canada will be headed to Texas to celebrate, as well as plenty of their friends and family, and for that she is grateful.
June may be just over seven months away, but Cain will be competing around the world with LeDuc while continuing to plan her big day. The pair is set to compete at their second Grand Prix event of the season at Rostelecom Cup in Russia, Nov. 16-18.
Photo Credit: Walter Melvin, Afalla Studios
