There are a million and one reasons that I am completely obsessed with this wedding, but let me just start out by saying this: this bride and groom are amazing. They are amazingly sweet, and cute and have an amazingly adorable love story that will leave you smiling for days.
The kind of love story that seems bound for the big screen and all culminates in one seriously breathtaking Vizcaya Museum wedding that features the fab stylings of Anje Soirees, vibrant florals from Parrish Designs and simply breathtaking images from Jeff Kolodny Photography, Inc. See Lauren & Aaron and their cute dogs below!
From the Bride:
How did you meet?
Lauren grew up in Medina, Ohio and Aaron grew up in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Lauren graduated from Ohio University where she played soccer and Aaron graduated from the University of South Carolina, Beaufort, staying close to his hometown of Hilton Head to improve his golf game!
After graduation, both Aaron and Lauren made the spontaneous decision to move to Orlando, FL, where they would meet! Lauren moved to Florida to follow her family (parents in the Keys and sister at the University of Florida) and Aaron moved for a job – which lead them both to the company they started working for in Orlando.
Aaron was already working at the company when Lauren arrived at the same company in the spring of 2013. They immediately discovered they had a lot in common – They both love their families, dogs (especially their own – shout out to Dexter & Briggs), being on the water, sports and really enjoy good
food!
Turns out, the company they were working for has a policy where internal employees are discouraged from dating each other…. Because why would anything be easy?!? They both tried to fight off the obvious connection (those charming blue eyes and perfectly groomed beard of Aaron’s didn’t help?
Once they realized this was not a fight either of them would win, they were ready to take the next step. After a lot of stress and a year of keeping their dating a secret, they finally mustered up the courage to tell their boss. Luckily (!!!), everything worked out and they were able to finally tell their friends… And go out together in public ?. (Chinese at home was getting pretty old).
What did you think of each other when you first met?
Lauren and Aaron both tried to fight the initial “click” they both felt as they knew there would be obstacles to overcome if they chose to be in a relationship due to the “no dating policy” at work. They both went back and forth about how they should proceed, but ultimately, Aaron made the first move and there was no turning back! Both Aaron and Lauren had an instant connection and had a feeling this would be worth the adventure and were up to the challenges that could lie ahead. The obviously both love a challenge and this one was the best adventure yet for both of them.
Describe the proposal:
Aaron and Lauren’s favorite place in the world is Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. Lauren has been visiting Ocean Reef for years with her family. Living in Orlando, they try to make the four-hour trip as often as possible, but ALWAYS make sure they’re in the keys for New Year’s Eve. New Years 2016 was their 4th year celebrating together.
Five days into Lauren and Aaron’s vacation visiting family at Ocean Reef, Lauren’s sister, Taylor, and her boyfriend, Robert, arrived. Now the fun was really about to begin! One of their favorite activities while visiting Ocean Reef (ok fine, it’s one of LAUREN’S favorite activities) is to take a sunset cruise on the boat where they have a few drinks, appetizers and most importantly, take really cute sunset pictures.
Following the cocktail party on the South Terrace of Vizcaya, the guests moved into the sparkling reception on the East Terrace overlooking the Biscayne Bay. The reception decor was in full “bloom” with exquisite florals and candlelight and gold sparkle. The band never stopped playing and was very interactive with the dancing guests that never left the dance floor unless it was to enjoy the fantastic display of food on hand.
What was the overall feeling of your big day?
Despite the last minute change of venue and basically re-planning the event in a very short period of time. WE never lost focus of what mattered the most, we just wanted to be married! We feel so fortunate to have been able to relocate our wedding and still have all of our family and friends join us in Miami.
The week of the wedding we made the best of it. We were able to invite the bridal party and a few friends to Ocean Reef to enjoy the sunsets on the boat and enjoy an incredible dinner on the “dock” with lunch at Alabama Jacks where we celebrated the 87th birthday of the cutest grandma ever!!
Magic Makers:
Photographer: Jeff Kolodny Photography, Inc
Cake Designer: Todo Dulces everything sweet
Caterer: Aaron’s Catering
Cinema and Video: Jeff Kolodny Photography Inc.
Band: Private Stock Band
Pre Ceremony Location: SLS Brickell
Floral Designer: Parrish Designs
Event Planner: Anje Soirees
Museum: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens