“I need someone. I need to hold somebody close. And I need more than this holding. I need someone to understand how I feel at a time like now. And the understanding must be part of the holding.” ― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Today I want to tell you the story of Amanda and Lauren’s gorgeous autumn wedding at Walker’s Overlook in Walkersville, Maryland. Amanda and Lauren have an extraordinary connection, and the warmth and deep love that they share is so strong that when you’re in their presence, you can feel it too. Being in their presence is inspiring, and you can easily see that they have the same effect on everyone in these photos. In the short time that I have known them, I have come to adore them.
Amanda and Lauren have been together for six years, having met during their first year of student teaching in Mississippi. Amanda says, “We knew pretty immediately that this was it for both of us, but the very first time I ever remember consciously knowing that I would marry Lauren was just about two months after we started dating. We were at a big party with a bunch of friends, and it was the first time we were out together as a couple where our friends knew about us. Lauren had lost her voice that week, and could barely speak. Even still, she lit up the room and managed to make everyone around us laugh the whole night. I remember seeing her across the room at some point, her eyes sparkling, and I remember her turning to look at me, and find me in the crowd. And I wanted to be the person she looked at like that for the rest of my life.”
And so, standing beneath a giant oak tree with their closest family and friends gathered to witness, in a ceremony led by their dear friend Vanessa (who is amazing in her own right), they spoke the vows that Lauren wrote and promised to spend all the rest of their days loving and supporting each other. Because that’s what you do when you find your true love.
Amanda and Lauren’s Creative Team
Venue: Walker’s Overlook – Walkersville, MD
Florist: Anne Krieg Callen (NaturDesign) – Dunnsville, VA
DJ: Shew-sical Entertainment – Frederick, MD
Amanda’s Dress: It’s my mom’s but it was lovingly re-done and re-constructed by Pattrapon Bridal – Kensington, MD
Lauren’s dress: ModCloth (Maria Bonita label)
Catering: P.I.G.S. (Pork Is Good Stuff) – Frederick, MD
Dessert: Captain Cookie and the Milkman – Washington, DC
Booze: Ye Olde Liquor Shoppe – Frederick, MD
Hair: RoseBrook Studios – Frederick, MD