The theme of Lauren and Justin’s story is “expect the unexpected.” In the way of many modern romances today, the couple met on their phones via the popular dating app, Bumble. Location-matching can be tricky though; Justin was only in town visiting his parents and, according to Lauren, things “lost a bit of steam when we found out we lived 90 miles away from one another.” But they stayed in touch, and eventually met up when Justin came back to town to celebrate his mom’s birthday. Says Lauren, “Neither of us thought anything would come of it, but lo and behold we met, sparks flew, and that was that.”
Some might assume that the relationship would take a while to gestate into marriage-proposal stage, but we all know what happens when you assume. According to Lauren, “We are both impulsive, emotionally charged people, so naturally we waited a whole two months before realizing that this was it.”
The proposal was unexpected and delightfully quirky (very on-brand for our lovely couple). After spending the day in Portland being tourists and enjoying some of the local breweries, Lauren recalls, “Justin had the idea to go for a walk along the river, and eventually we came across a small beach. Once we got down near the water, Justin asked to borrow one of the rings I was wearing, and then with the Columbia River as a backdrop he got down on one knee and went for it.”
They were married one year later to the day at The Firehouse. The ceremony celebrated their unique and fun-loving personalities and included some “interactive” moments. Says Lauren, “We ended up writing our own vows. These included some personal flair on each of our parts, including the mention of deep-seated sports rivalries. Justin even received some ‘boos’ from my side of the family.” Nothing says love like a bit of in-family heckling!
Unexpected moments run in the family: Lauren’s sister and aunt sang the first dance song, and her dad won the day by opting for a poem instead of a traditional speech. Says the bride, “It was completely unexpected and had everyone in stitches.”
The entire wedding day, and their relationship, was unexpected, explains Lauren. “Never would I have thought that I would meet the love of my life on a dating app, least of all us getting engaged a few months later. We wouldn’t have it any other way though. But if we’re talking specifically about the wedding, then I’d say the most unexpected thing was that nothing went wrong. Literally nothing. All the lost sleep and stress planning: this thing really paid off!”
—Sharon Penny
First Dance Song
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley (sang by my little sister, Casey Borghesi and aunt, Leanne Borghesi)
Father/Daughter Dance Song
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Jasmine Thompson
Mother/Son Dance Song
“Lean on Me” by The Tenors
Bouquet Toss Song
“One Way or Another” by Blonde
Garter Toss Song
“Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen
Details about the cake
Each tier had a different flavor:
1st tier was a chocolate cake with a peanut butter hazelnut mousse, 2nd tier was a vanilla cake with chocolate ganache, and 3rd tier was lemon poppy seed cake with a lemon curd filling and buttercream frosting (the brides favorite); we also had a ¼ sheet cake of red velvet and cheesecake frosting.
Details about the flowers
We used a lot of fresh greenery on the table tops; bouquets were lots of greenery with budding blush roses, calendulas, some texture flowers, deep red colors as well…very romantic.
Details about the favors
We gave away bottles of 10 Barrel Brewing IPA and a little bottle opener with a thank you attached to it.
We decided to do this because earlier we had decided to take a road trip up to Bend, Oregon and then to Portland, Oregon. Our last night in Portland we went to the top of 10 Barrel Brewing where we sipped on those IPAs, and that is when Justin decided that he was going to propose to me that night (sunset and beautiful string lights overhead). After leaving the brewery to head back closer to our hotel, we walked along the Hudson River with all the bridges lit up in the dark sky, and Justin proposed down at the water. IT WAS AMAZING!
Anything else you’d like to share about your wedding?
I would say that the entire night marrying my best friend was the highlight of my overall wedding, but it really did go off without a hitch; no wedding drama, very smooth. A couple of things stick out to me when I think of memorable:
• Our first dance sang my little sister and aunt; made it that much more special coming from them and their beautiful voices
• Our maid of honor/best man speeches- played off of each other comedy really well
• My dad’s poem speech—one for the books (I have it and it is HILARIOUS!!)
• Our vows—I think getting married in front of your friends and family is really special, but really letting each other know what you will stand for in your marriage and professing that among your loved ones is so much more intimate! I think this is a wedding MUST DO!
Any tips you’d give brides and grooms planning their wedding today?
I would say our saving grace was our wedding planner that came included with the Firehouse. It made the day of less stressful and really just fun! I was excited and nervous to become a Mrs. And not worried about being a bridezilla with all of the details.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Taken more time for ourselves! There are so many people that want your attention…..don’t forget that this day is about you and your groom! We loved every moment we spent together though…especially our time alone to do photos after the ceremony.
Vendors
Ceremony Site:
The Firehouse Officiant:
Tim Sires, family friend Photographer:
Shoop's Photography Wedding Planner:
Randy Bowman at The Firehouse Wedding Designer:
The Bride with Rhonda Piper of Forever Vintage Rentals Reception Site:
The Firehouse Bridal Hair:
Amanda Bowen at Tribe Salon & Spa Bridal Make-up:
Summer Brazell Makeup Artist Bridal Attire:Mikaela at Bride To Be Couture Bridal Veil:
Bride To Be Couture Bridesmaids' Attire:
David's Bridal Groom’s Attire:
Men's Wearhouse Groomsmen's Attire:
Men's Wearhouse Bride's Rings Jeweler:
Kenny G & Company Groom's Rings Jeweler:
Kenny G & Company Save the Date Cards:
Shoop's Photography Invitations:
Basic Invite Place Cards:
DIY by the Bride Menu Cards:
The Firehouse Thank You Cards:
Basic Invite Wedding Party Flowers:
Bella Bloom Ceremony Flowers:
Bella Bloom Reception Flowers:
Bella Bloom Caterer:
The Firehouse Bar Service:
The Firehouse Cake:
Freeport Bakery Desserts:
The Firehouse Desserts:
Freeport Bakery DJ/Entertainment:
Sharon Bogg, Bride's aunt Live Band/Musicians:
Bride's sister, Casey Borghesi and aunt, Leanne Borghesi Favors:
10 Barrel Brewing IPA beer Photo Booth:
Soundworks Photo Booth Decor Rentals:
Forever Vintage Rentals Decor Signage:
Forever Vintage Rentals Table Rentals:
Forever Vintage Rentals Chair Rentals:
Forever Vintage Rentals Linens:
Forever Vintage Rentals