Music is an integral part of any wedding or celebration. For newlyweds Alex and Lisa Gaskarth, that couldn’t be more true.
For the past ten years, Alex has serenaded fans around the world at the helm of Towson-based pop-punk band, All Time Low. Between months-long North American tours to short festival stints in Australia, it was Lisa, an event planner at Union3 Event Productions, that Alex always came home to.
During one of those homecomings in February 2015, Alex surprised Lisa with a question and a ring:
Now, fast-forward just over a year after the engagement to the couple’s April 9 nuptials at Space 2640 in Charles Village. Lisa wowed in a gown by Inbal Dror while Alex looked dashing in a bespoke suit by Christopher Schafer Clothier. Post vows, guests celebrated with the Gaskarths at a reception catered by Copper Kitchen. The reception was complete with a custom wine selection, a wedding band tailored for the couple’s taste and a Snapchat filter designed just for their big day.
[From Danny Kurily’s snapchat “dannykurls”]
In the midst of a month of traveling, the pair chatted about their relationship, their nuptials and the influence music had on their big day.
Tell us about the beginnings of your relationship.
Lisa Gaskarth: We met in the fall of 2004 in high school. I was a senior and Alex was a junior. Our school had a yearly barbeque for the senior class to kick off their last year of high school. Alex’s band played along with one other band. My friend Samantha and I were friends with some of the guys in the other band, and that’s how I met Alex. We became close friends very quickly and not long after, realized we were more than friends.
Lisa, when did you know Alex was “the one?”
LG: It’s funny, people always say, “When you know you know,” and before you get to that point, you’re like, “Yeah, okay, sure!” It’s like all the sudden, you wake up one morning and you’re ready. We’re lucky we were ready at the same time so neither of us was waiting around for too long!
Alex Gaskarth: Our hearts were always in it, but I think we had some growing up to do. We both reached a point in our lives where we were ready to take that next step! Some people grow up and grow apart. We only grew closer.
How did Alex propose?
LG: I had told him at one point over the years that I didn’t care if he proposed on a random Tuesday on our couch and sure enough, that’s what happened! He popped the question over a cheese and charcuterie board at our house, surrounded by our pups, right before we watched an episode of “The Flash.” I wouldn’t have it any other way!
[Photos by B.O.B. Photography]
Was it important for you two to wed in Baltimore?
LG: Absolutely, and for many reasons. This is where we met and built our life together. Alex travels for a living so coming home to say our “I Do’s” was the only way to do it! Not to mention, I’m an event planner in Baltimore and my most trusted vendors and industry friends are based in the area. Of course I wanted to bring them into the fold to help make our day perfect.
That sounds amazing! Alex, what made you choose Seth Schafer to create your tuxedo?
AG: Christopher Schafer Clothier makes great suits and I’ve always been a big fan! Seth and Chris have become friends of ours and were kind enough to work with me on making something unique and special for the wedding. I didn’t have a lot of time home before the wedding so knowing they had it covered was a big relief.
Music plays a pretty big role in your lives. Was it important for you to have a band as opposed to a DJ?
AG: As a musician, having live music was very important to me, and to Lisa, coming from a family of musicians. What I didn’t want was a corny wedding band.
So tell us about your wedding band, Millennium.
AG: Lisa knew about Millennium from her work as an event planner. The lead singer of the band, Travis Tucker, was on “American Idol” in 2004 and is a true performer. This isn’t a wedding band that stands in the background. They’re all really talented and had everyone up on the dance floor.
What song did you choose for your first dance?
LG: We chose “Forever” by The Beach Boys because when we were much, much younger and talking about getting married, we decided that would be our song. If it’s good enough for Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky, it’s good enough for us!
Are there any other songs that were a special part of your big day?
AG: I really wanted our recessional song to be “When I’m Sixty Four” by The Beatles so we had a string trio play that right as our ceremony ended!
What’s changed about your relationship since getting married?
LG: Honestly, we’ve been together for so long that it doesn’t feel like much has changed! We already felt like family. The one big change is my name! I’m still getting used to being Lisa Gaskarth.
Describe your wedding day in one sentence.
AG: To be surrounded by family and friends in a beautiful place, marrying your best friend, is the ultimate dream come true – as cheesy as it sounds!
