Real Wedding | Lauren + Herb | November 11, 2023

Last fall, Lauren and Herb exchanged vows in a breathtaking outdoor ceremony at The Laurel.
Join us as we revisit the timeless beauty and romance of their unforgettable day, filled with stunning details and heartfelt moments!

We met in the 7th grade (everyone’s peak). We had absolutely no romantic interest in one another through junior high and high school but reconnected after college through a mutual friend’s birthday party. We ended up hanging out a few weeks later, largely out of summer boredom, but were surprised when our friendship was shifting into something more. We decided to take a leap and start dating soon after!

We wanted a venue that had a ceremony space and reception space so our guests would not have to drive multiple places. We fell in love with the gorgeous ceremony space at The Laurel and it was the icing on the cake that they provided catering, bar service and day of coordinators as well!

From the Bride:

I had the most relaxed morning. Of course, I was nervous, but I had all my girls around me in the bridal suite getting ready and jamming out. We had plenty of time for all of us to do our hair and make-up, eat and get dressed.

From the Groom:

Emotions were running high all day. I was lucky enough to spend the day with my best friends and male side of the family. Thankfully the grooms party was allowed on-site early in the day which allowed plenty of time for everyone to get ready and looking sharp.

We took most of our photos in the grassy space on the right side of the building. We were so lucky with the weather and fall backdrop, the pictures turned out stunning.

I think through everything we wanted our wedding to feel really joyful. We wanted people to feel comfortable and let loose!

Looking back, what words would you use to describe the day?

Joyful, exuberant, unforgettable!

We had at least 30 people tell us how delicious the bread at the pasta station was. They went on and on about it.

From the Bride:

There are certain moments that will always stick in our minds, but the most memorable part of the day is how we felt. We felt simply celebratory and in-love!

From the Groom:

Our entrance into the reception is one of my personal highlights. I remember the rush and excitement of being able to “show-off” my wife while dancing to some of our favorite music.

From the Bride:

Not to brag, but we have had several people tell us that ours was the best wedding they had ever been to.

From the Groom:

“Several” is being humble. We had a great turnout of my fraternity brothers and they were ecstatic to be at the wedding.

Music is very important to both of us, so we made sure our DJ played things that we both love, but also music that we knew our guests would love—we had him play everything from 80 classics to 2010s rock anthems.

At the very end of the reception, as a complete surprise to us, everyone at the wedding formed a giant circle around us. While we danced in the middle of the circle, everyone else arm in arm sang Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”. It was a beautiful moment where we truly experienced all of the love being shared in the room from family and friends.