I always ask my clients how they met and how they proposed. I love hearing these crazy and unique stories, and Lauren and Matt’s was too adorable not to share! Here is what happened:
Once Matt and Lauren had discussed the possiblity that they would move from Chicago to San Diego, they started making a list of the things they wanted to do before leaving the city they had both called home for the past six years. On the list was watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan.On Saturday, May 10th, they got up at 4:30am and biked from their apartment to Montrose Beach to catch the 5:36am sunrise. It was a chilly morning but very clear, and the sunrise was beautiful! They were alone on the beach, except for a guy with seven dogs who came and ran all over our blanket (the dogs, not the guy), and a young group up partying from the night before who jumped into the freezing cold lake with their clothes on!They were laughing about everything going on around them, when Matt started to tell Lauren how much he loved her and all kinds of other sweet things. She was still completely unsuspecting until Matt went completely pale – “What is wrong with him?”, Lauren was thinking! Then, Matt pulled a box out of his backpack and proposed! He proposed with a beautiful ring given to him by his grandmother “Maga”.After Lauren got over the shock (and of course said yes!), Matt also pulled two glasses, a bottle of orange juice and a bottle of champagne out of his backpack. And they had mimosas on the beach before 6am!After they biked back home, Matt took a nap and Lauren sat around like a crazy person waiting until it was a reasonable hour so that she could start calling everyone to share the exciting news. They spent the rest of their day hanging out with friends, which was the best way to celebrate!
One thing I loved about Lauren and Matt’s wedding was how involved they were in the designing and decorating. They truly put their heart and soul into it. Matt even took up carpentry to make the altar! He also made the table numbers and various signs around the venue. Lauren put a lot of work into the bouquets. My personal favorite touch were the wedding favors for the guests to take home. Lauren and Matt made their own hot sauce and seasoning salt for gift bags! The entire wedding was so sweet. The reception turned into a crazy dance party, thanks to Uncle Pete and his family to start things off in their leopard robes! Congrats to Lauren and Matt!!
Venue: Martin Johnson House
Coordinator: Thomas Lewis Weddings
Make-up: Kendall Schmidt
Hair: Rebecca Lisenbury
Cake: Ranch Catering
Catering: Culinary Concepts
Rentals: Abbey Party Rentals
DJ/Entertainment: Eric Starr Entertainment
DIY Projects: All floral arrangements were done by the Bride and Groom (with help with friends and family!). All wood work (table numbers, alter, and various signs around wedding venue) were done my Matt. Some desserts were also done by family members. Lauren and Matt also handmade their wedding favors, which was hot sauce and seasoning salt.