Lauren & Connor | Springtime River Club Wedding

     Lauren and Connor's relationship is one of the most joyful and laughter-filled I've seen. Connor brings out Lauren's contagious smile, and as a bride her smile was shining all day long. I'm so thankful that I got to be a part of their day. It was full of anticipation, thoughtful details, and lots of dancing! From the soft purple florals and powder blue bridesmaid's gowns, to the mac n cheese bar station this event was could be on the cover of a magazine. Take look below to see the gorgeous images The Happy Everything Co. captured on this May evening at the River Club!

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Lauren began the morning at her venue with a bridesmaids' luncheon. One thing brides often forget to do day-of: eat! With a luncheon to kickstart the day, Lauren and her maids had fuel for the festivities ahead, and they also had chance to sit down and spend focused time together before the hustle and bustle got started. After the luncheon, the ladies posted up in the bridal suite to begin hair and makeup. Each bridesmaid was gifted a flannel robe to wear as they were getting ready. It's a gift they can continue to use long after wedding day. 

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When the girls were all dressed and ready, Lauren's dad came by the bridal suite for a Father's first look. It was such a touching moment. I've known Lauren's family for a while now as our parents are neighbors, so it was especially sweet for me to see them enjoy this day together. After the first look with her dad, Lauren sat down to read a letter written by her groom. 

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Across the venue, Connor was enjoying time with his groomsmen and suiting up for photos. I love that he chose a tux with a little texture while keeping his guys sleek and classic. 

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Rain was showing up on the radar, so we watched the weather forecast like hawks all day long. As the outdoor ceremony grew closer, it looked like we would just beat the rain. We decided to go ahead and keep the ceremony outside, and I am so glad we did! The lightest, most romantic rain began to fall moments into their ceremony. Just enough to create a a soft shimmer in the sunlight, but not so much that anyone's makeup smudged. It was breathtaking! 

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How magical are these raindrops in the sun?

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Connor and Lauren chose not to have a first look, so immediately following the ceremony they posed for photos with family members and then got away with their photographer to utilize some of the other pretty locations on the property.  It was a great way for them to take a breather and focus on each other before diving into the craziness of the reception. And what's more- the light rain started to clear up after the ceremony, making these beautiful outdoor portraits possible. 

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The rest of the evening was spent under the stars laughing, eating delicious food (& cake), and dancing with friends and family. At the end of the night they ducked into a vintage car and headed off to get ready for their honeymoon: Turks and Caicos. What a special event to be a part of. Thank you for allowing me to be your planner Lauren and Connor! 

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Lauren and Connor's day celebrated their commitment to one another, but it also honored their friendships and the love they share with their families. All while reflecting their fun-loving personalities. Some insight from our bride below:

Describe your wedding in three words: A Flippin Dream!!!!!!

What was your favorite part about wedding planning? Getting to completely customize how everything was going to look.

What was the toughest part about wedding planning? Trying to please everyone.

What advice would you give to a newly engaged bride embarking on the planning journey? Do what makes YOU happiest! Don't worry about what everyone else wants FOR you.

How many guests were present? About 185.

What's something that you splurged on? Flowers and the venue for SURE.

What's something you saved on? Unity candle ceremony and decorations.

What is your favorite memory from the wedding day? Connor's and my ceremony was wonderful from the little sprinkle to the "Here Comes the Sun" recessional.

Venue: The River Club
Catering/Bar: The River Club
Planning: Slauer Events & Design 
Photography: The Happy Everything Co. 
Videography: DP Weddings
Floral design: Chuck Milne Productions
Cake: Alpine Bakery
Ceremony musicians: After Five String Quartet
DJ: Mike Jones Entertainment
Vintage getaway car: Atlantic Limo
Hair and Makeup: Image Salon
Gown designer: Rosa Clara - Soft
Bridesmaid gowns: Azazie - Dusty Blue
Groom's tux: Savvi Formal

Rachel Slauer

Hello! My name is Rachel Slauer and I am the planner behind Slauer Events & Design, a luxury wedding design, planning, and coordination firm with locations in Raleigh - Durham, NC and Atlanta, GA.

http://www.slauerevents.com
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