We had the joy of hosting Lauren and Chad at the Trinity River Audubon Center on October 7, 2023. We are so thrilled to share all the special details of their union. Enjoy!

What was it like for both of you getting ready that day?

It was a combination of excitement and nervousness. None having to do with the actual thought of getting married and everything having to do with all your friends and family looking exclusively at you…all day long.

What were your favorite moments/what do you remember most about your wedding day?

The first look. We cannot recommend enough doing a first look with your partner. It was such a surreal and special moment that we will never forget. You spend every day with your partner prior to the wedding only to be separated all day on the most important day of your lives. Having the first look was so special to be able to see each other privately and have a special moment together.

While we would love to share a meet-cute story of bumping into each other while walking our dogs, their leashes becoming entangled until they pulled two strangers closer together, we can not. That's because our story happens in the 21st century, where swiping is far easier than having to speak with a stranger.
We met on a dating app called Hinge. For those of you unfamiliar with the dating app world, Hinge lets you swipe left (bad) or swipe right (good) on peoples dating profiles. While I wish there were more to the story, generally that is as complex as it gets.
Our first date consisted of meeting at a local Mexican restaurant called Jose’s. We shared margaritas and chips & salsa on what can only be described as a pretty solid first date. For those who have not gone on a first date with someone from the internet, "pretty solid" is about as good as it can get.
What is always amazing to think back on is that simple date has led to our wedding. From a first date perspective, it’s a standard and low-risk date. To think that one night was the first night of the rest of our lives together is surreal.

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

One word: Perfect. Everything about that day was exactly how we envisioned it.

What did you want the theme or overarching feeling of your wedding to be?

Sophistication, warmth, and memorable. We wanted it to be a delicate balance of a formal affair and unforgettable evening. Our goal was to have a wedding that people would distinctly remember, be it for the location or the festivities, rather than becoming just another wedding they attended.

For us, it was the intentionality around the details and our guest list. Knowing that the people attending our wedding are the ones we truly cared about and were close to make the day that much more special. Then knowing that the day was running smoothly because of all the hard work we put in to planning the big day meant a lot. I think just knowing that our guests were enjoying themselves made our day feel that much more special.

What were your favorite location to take photos at Trinity River Audubon Center?

Everywhere. It is such a photogenetic location that literally anywhere we took a photo they came out beautiful.

We wanted someplace that had unique charm, was not over utilized by our social circle, and could incorporate both an inside and outside component. Trinity River Audubon Center exceeded our needs in every category. Being able to have our ceremony on the scissortail deck, surrounded by nature, and then followed up with an amazing party inside was the exact wedding scenario we were hoping for.

Our guests absolutely LOVED every aspect of the day. We truly have not heard a single complaint and we even tried pulling some from people. The wedding was run perfectly, the food was delicious and served in a timely manner, the bar was well staffed, everyone genuinely had a great time and we have yet to hear anything negative about the day.

· The food was incredible! The 3 things people could not stop complimenting about that day (other than how beautiful my amazing wife looked), were the ceremony, the DJ, and the food. We have been to countless weddings and there is only one (maybe 2) where we can remember what we ate. The food that was served was so delicious and we were so happy.

Are there any vendors you felt were instrumental in making your day special?

Every single one of them. Jeremiah from Its Your Night Entertainment was crucial to ensuring the dance floor was always packed. Two Pair Photography took amazing photos and were just an absolute joy to work with. Mika Ellen made the most beautiful wedding video that we cannot stop watching. We tear up literally every time we view it, but it so perfectly encapsulated our day. Adrianna from Events by Adrianna ensured everything was set up and disassembled properly and was so so important to make the day run smooth. Finally, the entire staff at TRAC was so incredible and helpful. We cannot thank you enough for helping us have a day that is truly unforgettable.

Our DJ was truly incredible. Shout out to Jeremiah at Its Your Night Entertainment! We were debating between band and DJ for a while, Jeremiah delivered both. During our first dances and all through dinner, Jeremiah performed acoustic versions of our song choices and he has the most incredible voice. Then when it was time for the party to start, he went straight into DJ mode. Almost every single guest that we invited have talked about how amazing he was. He truly made our reception something to remember.

Wedding planning can be stressful. There are a million decisions to make and, depending on your family, a million opinions being offered about your day. All that matters is getting to marry your person. If you start with that and view everything else as a bonus, you will be in a great spot. So as you’re planning the wedding and when things start to get stressful, stop planning your wedding. Go out on a date or take a small trip. Do something to remind yourselves that your relationship is not about one day, it is about all the days that come after.
Live in the moment. The day goes by so quickly and you are going to be pulled in 1000 directions for photos and to say hi to certain guests. Take some intentional time with you and your new spouse. Take a moment and soak in all your hard work planning the event and all the guest who have come to celebrate with you. Remember the day though your eyes, not solely through photographs. Finally, enjoy it! You worked so hard to ensure all the details were thought out, now is the time to celebrate you on this amazing day of your life! The best quote I say prior to the wedding day was “You are the guest of honor, not the host”. Couples spend so much time planning the wedding that they forget to enjoy it on the actual day.

Lauren and Chad, thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with us at the Trinity River Audubon Center! Every moment was perfect! We wish you nothing but the absolute best in the years to come!

Vendors:

Catering: Boxwood Catering

Photographer: Two Pair Photography

Rentals: CoHost Event Rentals

DJ/Photo Booth: It's Your Night Entertainment

Florist: Kate McLeod Studio

Baker: Panini Bakery

Cocktail Hour Music: The Waits Group

Tux: Suit Supply

HMUA: Beauty By Yari

Videographer: Mika Ellen Films

Officiant: Ryan Sulak