April 30, 2022 – Montevallo
“Growing up, I’ve always heard that you can’t expect someone to just ‘show up’ at your doorstep. But just a month into new homeownership when I was experiencing an AC issue, that’s just what Cole did! Thankfully, he had to come back the next day, where we were offered more time for conversation and connection. Two days later, Cole asked me out on our first date to the upcoming Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers concert in late February of 2020. Two days following that, he didn’t skip a beat or miss the opportunity to ask me to be his valentine. We quickly met each others parents and our relationship has been marked by openness, intentionality, honesty, and making quality time with one another the top priority from the beginning. Little did we know what the rest of 2020 would have in store, but the pandemic and so much time at home offered us a fruitful season to invest in each other and plenty of ‘ordinary days’ to build our relationship on a strong foundation. In September of 2021, Cole proposed in my kitchen, where so much of our time has been shared, in the most seemingly ordinary, yet extraordinary, of ways. It all comes back to ‘home.’ In January of 2020, I took a leap of faith as a young, single adult purchasing my first home and not wanting to put my life on pause any longer, with no clue of what was waiting around the corner and just 20 months later, home now embodied not just a place but a person to share the rest of my days with.” – Lauren
Advice from the Bride
“It’s so easy to get caught up in all the details of wedding planning and sidelined by the constant stress, but keep in perspective that it is all about getting to join your life with the one you love. With regard to your guests, remember that they want to feel welcome more than they want to be impressed. Do what you can to help cultivate the feeling of welcomeness for your guests. While I longed for a traditional wedding, I broke tradition in not having a bridal party. This offered me special, calm, relaxed time with my mom the morning of the wedding and helped me to be more present throughout the day. I think knowing yourself and building your day to best suit your personality will help you to be more present and make the day to feel a little bit less like a blur!” – Lauren
The Creatives
Bridal Gown: Bella’s Bridal & Formal. Cakes: Ashlyn’s Cake Cottage. Caterer: Joe’s Italian. Floral Design: Mary Burge. Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear. Hair Stylist: Ashley Harrison Hair. Makeup Artist: Annelyn Veal. Invitations: Minted. Linens: Decor to Adore. Music/Entertainment: Emerald Empire Band. Photographer: Eleanor Stenner. Wedding Day-of Coordinator: Elle Events by Lauren.
