Isn’t this bride such a beaut. Her surroundings and backdrop are ethereal and picturesque but she really is the subject of these photos. With her beautiful gown, brooch bouquet, and charming self, it’s no brainer why we’re a fan of this bridal shoot. Anyway, did you know that behind these pictures lie an amazing proposal story? Lauren and David probably has one of the most awesome proposal stories to ever tell. After auditioning back-to-back in X-Factor, David entered the stage during Lauren’s turn and stopped the show by getting on one knee (video’s in the post!). What an amazing moment and for the whole country and world to be a part of. Congratulations David & Lauren!
Oh and if you haven’t watched the video yet, the title is in reference to the song playing in background after our beautiful bride says Yes to David’s proposal.
Bride
What is your story as a couple, how did you meet & fall in love?
I (Lauren) graduated from college on a Friday and moved home from 3 hours away on Saturday. I went out that night with my girlfriends to celebrate being home for a little while before I planned on making another move somewhere. David was out with a good friend that knows my parents very well. When his friend saw me, he knew I was what David had been searching for and introduced us right away. We were inseparable from that moment on.
What makes the two of you a perfect match?
We are truly best friends. We equal each other out. We make each other better people than we ever thought we could be. We are a power couple. Our families loooooove each other and are interested in the same activities. We have the same goals and push each other to achieve them.
How did he (or you) propose?
David and I went and auditioned for a show called “The X Factor” on Fox and got all the way through 3 rounds of auditions. During that last audition, we were told that we needed to wait a month for a call to come to the final televised round of auditions in front of Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, and Paulina Rubio. David knew that if we got the call back, he would propose on national television somehow. Well, we got the call. We got the New Orleans Arena and I had no clue for the entire day of shooting. It was audition time, and David went first. He is not a singer, but went on the show for me. He did not get through but was not upset because he did this for another reason. I went on next and didn’t have the greatest audition, but after I sang, David busted on stage and asked me to be his wife. I said yes, the judges said no, and we now live happily every after. Here is the link for the youtube video of the proposal:
How long was the planning process? Did you think it was enough time?
The wedding planning took almost an entire year and it really was just enough time. I could not imagine less or more time. What was the best advice you received when you were planning your wedding? Spreadsheets!!!! haha Just keeping track of everything and being organized because it can be overwhelming. Also, to remember its about you and him. NOTHING else.
What tips & tricks (can we use “hacks”?) can you share future brides that you yourself have learned during and after your wedding?
Put all of your contacts in an excel spreadsheet and merge it onto labels. It saves you hours on invitations and thank you notes. What were some challenges you faced planning your wedding & what would you have done differently to avoid them? I only hired my wedding planner for the 2 weeks before and day of…which is highly recommended…but I would have used one for the entire planning if I knew what I know now.
What inspired your wedding decor? Why did you choose the things that you did?
I really didn’t have to decorate too much, the venue itself was decor. It was rustic, colorful, had the feel of elegance, and was stunning as the background for our big day.
What was the wedding budget?
The budget was $30,000
What was the biggest expense?
The biggest expense was the photographer. But you should never go cheap on photographer for your wedding. Besides the memories, its the only thing you have left to look back at.
How many guests were invited in your wedding and what was the final guest count?
250 were invited and about 200 showed up.
How did you narrow down your list?
I just tried to remember that I could not invite everyone and thought about the people I really hadn’t talked to in a while and would understand that I couldn’t invite everyone.
What songs did you use during the ceremony?
My aunt started off the ceremony by singing “When I say I do” by Matthew West. I used an acoustic version of Train’s “Marry Me” for the bridal party, and I walked down to “Turning Page” by Sleeping at Last (Twilight)
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We went to Riviera Maya in Mexico.
What are you most excited about for the future?
We are most excited about our just remodeled home in a historic neighborhood, and starting a family. Baby Gray is on his or her way right now so we cannot wait to be parents and spend the rest of lives enjoying life with each other.
Do you have advice for couples still in the planning process?
HAVE FUN! Make the ceremony very special and elegant but let loose with the decor, food, and reception details. Remember it is about you are your partner only. And don’t forget to thank the people that helped make it happen.
What was your favorite part of the day?
My favorite moments were getting ready with my bridesmaids and building up the anticipation to walk down the aisle and see David’s face for the first time. It was the most special moment of my life.
Vendors
Photographer: Eye Wander Photo