When Lauren moved to New York for an internship, her twin sister, Kaley, struggled a little bit (or maybe a lot). It was the twins’ first time in different cities, let alone different states. However, it was in New York where Lauren met Ben at church, the guy who would win her sister’s heart and promise to love her forever.
Lauren is my second Camp Lone Star bride for this year!! I used to work at church camp—Lutheran Camp Chrysalis—and I seem to be giving out the church camp vibes! Clearly, Lauren’s spirituality is important to her, and once she moved to New York, she was eager to find a home church.
It just so happens that the church Lauren went to was Ben’s church. It was a new church, and Ben came early and stayed late each Sunday to help set up and break down. On Lauren’s first visit, Ben immediately noticed Lauren’s enthusiasm to help after the church service. When they were gathering sound cables, she jumped on stage, held her arms out like a tree, and commanded, “Load me up!” As a teacher for children and families who are deaf, it is easy to be impressed with Lauren’s kind heart. While Lauren was moved by Ben’s giving spirit, she also happened to notice that Ben was “super dreamy.” The guy has a stunning smile and such a kind demeanor. And when he agreed to watch Dr. Who episodes with her, Lauren knew he was a keeper. Lauren and Ben decided to continue their adventures together and made their move to Austin.
Last September, Ben planned an intimate proposal for Lauren. Lauren happens to LOVE Christmas lights, so he strung lights all over the room and set up a camera to film the special moment. He was going to propose to Lauren after she returned from a conference in Fort Worth. Ben knew Lauren would be headed to his apartment when she came home because he was watching her beloved black lab. The plan went awry when, on her way home, an eighteen-wheeler carting beer tipped on the highway and set fire, causing I-35 to be completely shut down. Ben guided Lauren through back roads, and after a three and a half hour journey home to Austin, Lauren finally arrived exhausted in Ben’s apartment. When Lauren saw the perfectly strewn Christmas lights, her initial thought was that Ben was trying to cheer her up after a rough journey. However, she noticed that Ben was dressed up. So she froze. In the doorway. She was able to actually enter the apartment after the initial show wore off. After sweet, sweet words of how much he loves Lauren, he got on one knee and Lauren agree to marry him.
To know Lauren and Ben is to 100%, whole-heartedly love them. They are both incredibly giving, thoughtful, cheerful people. Lauren has supported her sister through her noble journey as a foster mother. Ben is incredibly close with his siblings, Peter and Emily, and had Whitney as a “groomswoman” in the wedding party. Their family and friends surrounded them with so much love. It was a stunning day at Vintage Villas, and I feel so honored they chose me to capture their love that day.
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