Proposal Story: Little did Lauren know that Jake had been planning the proposal and nearly all her close friends and family knew about it. With the help of Lauren’s daughter, Jillian, Jake planned the proposal to occur on Christmas day with any of her family and friends present. Jake asked Lauren to pour him a glass of scotch, so off to the kitchen she went. Jillian soon came to her and asked for her to come to the living to look at something, but as Lauren walked in the living room, her Nana said she needed help taking the turkey out of the oven. Lauren saw Jake kneeling on one knee, but in her focus to help her Nana, she did not realize what was happening and walked back to the kitchen to help. Knowing what was occurring, Lauren’s best friend, Jennifer, helped with getting one of the men to take the turkey out of the oven to make sure Lauren could leave the kitchen and focus on what was happening right in front of her. When Lauren returned to the living room and saw Jake still kneeling, she paused and slowly approached Jake with a smile on her face. Jake told Lauren that he loved her very much and that he loved Jillian and all of Lauren’s family. He asked Lauren to marry him, and she responded with a resounding yes!

I always love getting to know my couples and their unique love stories. Most of the time this happens through our planning process + I learn a lot more about the couple from their friends and family on the day of. I knew that Jake and Lauren met online, but I didn’t realize to the extent. I heard their story downplayed by Lauren “I (the bride) was playing Elder Scrolls Online on my PlayStation4 and needed help defeating a world boss. Jake came along and helped. We decided to go kill more world bosses and were pretty much inseparable ever since.” But it wasn’t until hearing her father give a speech I soon realized they literally fell in love because of video games. The theme was subtly [place in their day by having champagne flutes that say “player 1 and player 2” Lauren made sure to add plenty of personality throughout the day, which was just 1 day shy of their year anniversary I might add. By having Godzilla surprise Jake walking down the aisle, custom cocktails named after their dogs and awesome table games to keep the guests who aren’t dancers entertained!

I’m not going to lie, watching these two exchange vows and interact all day proved their love for one another. But my favorite was watching Jake interact + exchange vows with Jillian the day of. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room when he exchanged vows to her as well. They shared an awesome father-daughter dance they choreographed to a Parks and Rec song. I can’t wait to see what the future has to hold for this new family of 3! Keep playing on Lauren + Jake!

   

Ceremony/Reception: Desert Shores Clubhouse 

Photography: Karissa Russ & Co

Catering: Bella Note 

Floral Design: Sams Club, Nomad Glitter, The Blue Byrd Boutique 

Cake Topper: LVLYxxx

Tuxedos/Suits: Fair Tux

Bridesmaids Gowns: Davids Bridal 

Stationary: Vine Wedding. Shadow Paper

Custom Glassware: Mason Mountain 

Custom Games: Down In The Boondocks  

Grooms Wedding Ring: Origin HG 

Groomsmen Gifts: My Personal Memories

Bride & Daughter Rings: Perfect Lover Ring

Grooms Undergarments: 78 Magnolia Lane 

Wedding Officiant Gift: Great Gifts Centra USA 

Grooms Gift: Sienar Customs 

Father of the Bride Gift: HJV Design 

Mother of the Bride Gift: Be Wished 

Photo Memorials for Bouquet: Photo Charm Shoppe 

Wedding Arch:  Fancytastic Crafts

Wine Labels: Studio B Labels

Signature Pet Drink Sign: Sugar Spice Invitation