Lauren and William’s wedding day brought luxury and quintessential Winter aesthetics to life. Lauren brought all the glam with her long sleeved ball gown paired with William’s dapper velvet tuxedo. Their light grey, white and gold color palette evoked a relaxed luxury that was remarkably romantic thanks to Faith Flowers. From their beautiful ceremony with string musicians and candlelight to their elaborate place settings for over 200 guests, this was one stunning wedding held at The Ritz Carlton Atlanta. Picture luxurious furs, floor length gowns, black tuxedos and magnificent white florals with the magic of Winter in the air and you’ll have found their wedding day.
Thank you Lauren and Will for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!
Cake & Catering - The Ritz-Carlton, Musicians - Me Me Me Trio, Videographer - Watson Wedding Videography , Hair Stylist - Amber Gross, Officiant - Sensational Ceremonies, Band - The Celebrity All Stars Band, Tuxedo and Mens Attire - The Black Tux, Florist - Faith Flowers, Bridesmaid Dresses - Weddington Way, Wedding Dress - Bridals By Lori Wedding Venue - The Ritz-Carlton, Photographer - Laura Stone
How they met: We actually met in high school - so crazy! We dated for a bit during our teenage years, there are pictures and they are hilarious! We went our separate ways, dated other people, and were drawn back to each other a few years later. He proposed Memorial Day Weekend 2017 at his favorite beach near Ponte Vedra. He grew up going there with his family and it holds such a special place in his heart (and now mine). We were hunting for sharks teeth on the beach early one morning, and he was trying to get me to see that he had placed a ring in the sand. Of course, I did not see it for a good 30 minutes. So, he finally drew a giant box in the sand, placed a ring in it and told me to find a 'giant sharks tooth' in that specific box. When I saw the ring he had placed in the sand, it was not my real engagement ring. It was the ring that he 'fake' proposed to me with asking me to be his girlfriend in my best friends basement when we were in high school. I was blown away that he kept the ring for all of those years! When he dropped to one knee, all I remember him saying was, "It has always been you". When he opened the ring box, the ring was his Mother's engagement ring. His mom, Caroline Bartels, passed away of breast cancer when he was young. Again, blown away by this priceless family heirloom, tears squirted from my eyes as I said yes to forever with my thoughtful and caring best friend!
What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day? There were many moments that I looked forward to on our wedding day. I couldn't wait to open the door of my suite on that morning and see all of my best friends come in to get ready and drink mimosas with me. I couldn't wait to put on my dress, having my mom, step-mom, mother-in-law, and grandma all help zip me up, buckle my shoes, and put on my earrings. I couldn't wait to see my dad (we did a first look), one of the most important and special people in my life. And of course, I couldn't wait to see my husband waiting for me at the end of the aisle with tears in my eyes knowing that November 17th was the start to our forever.
Do you have any wedding planning advice? RELAX. It is so much easier said than done, but seriously soak up every single moment with each other and with your family and friends. Surround yourself with great vendors - huge shout out to all of mine (Karen Gramlich, Laura Stone - the photos are unreal, Nancy Resman, Richard Smith, Josh Watson, Amber Oberley, etc). Without all of you, the day wouldn't have been possible (Special shout out to my wedding angel, Adam Tidd at The Ritz-Carlton, you outdid yourself) . For those that don't want a big wedding like we had, that is fine as everyone is different, but I would encourage you to at least have a moment with your family and closest friends. Let them celebrate you and your partner because so often in life we get together with loved ones when bad things happen. This is a moment in life that is joyous and happy, so soak it in and just have fun!
