In the early Spring of 2010, University of Maryland’s annual on-campus housing lottery was about to begin, and Lauren was interested in living in a quad in her current residence hall. One day, Lauren and her current roommate wandered over to check out the guys’ quad on the other side of the floor, where Kyle and one of his roommates were there at the time. Kyle was shocked that such a beautiful girl would just walk into his room! Smitten, he was determined to see her again. Kyle finagled a “chance encounter” through a mutual friend, and “casually bumped into” Lauren. A date, first kiss, and happily ever after followed.
Every year, Kyle’s old college roommates have a large tailgate for a Maryland football game. For the Homecoming 2014 tailgate, Kyle planned an even bigger celebration. He designed and purchased a beautiful ring over the summer, and then invited both Lauren’s and his own parents to the tailgate. After arriving at the tailgate and mingling for an hour or so, he brought her to the location of their first kiss, got down on one knee and made her the happiest girl at the game (and in the world). They both went back to the tailgate after the proposal and champagne and toasts ensued. And to top it off – Maryland won the football game!
The Venue: The Mansion at Valley Country Club
Lauren and Kyle loved The Mansion at Valley Country Club at their first glance. It was elegant and beautiful inside out. However, the sports-memorabilia bar was the one that sealed the deal for them because they were both sports fans. It perfectly reflected their interests and personalities!
Lauren was wearing pearl earrings, a gift from Kyle. The matching exquisite pearl necklace were her Mother’s.
The first look of Father of the Bride and his daughter was a very touching moment for everyone.
Meanwhile the Groom, the Best Man, and the Groomsmen were all having fun!
Of course the Bride, along with her Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids, got a chance to have fun too afterwards during the photo shoot as soon as they arrived at the venue.
Lauren held a beautiful bouquet decorated with a brooch from her grandmother designed by Radebaugh Florist and Greenhouse.
Some of the eye-catching features of this beautiful historic Victorian mansion were the gorgeous classic architecture and elements.
I adore what they did to the ceiling in the ballroom, the string lights covered by sheer fabrics.
Really loved seeing Kyle’s reaction as he saw his Bride for the first time, as she walked down the aisle escorted by her Father.
For some reason it was hard for Lauren to put in Kyle’s wedding band. Even Kyle was having a hard time getting it in!
Succeed! Phew!
This wedding cake designed by Mary Elliott featured a unique cake topper. Both were football fans but the Bride was Ravens fan, while Kyle was Giants. 🙂
Another exquisite feature of the mansion was the beautiful wooden staircase with the antique chandelier.
So the Father and Daughter dance actually started with a typical slow song. Then about halfway through the DJ “screwed” up the song making it seemed that he had a technical difficulty, but suddenly the music changed. Lauren and her Dad then wore sunglasses and danced to a more upbeat song! It was a surprise for everyone including the Groom!
Meanwhile for the Mother and Son dance, it was a beautifully choreographed dance of Kyle and his Mom.
Usually the Bride was the one who mostly dance, so I always get delighted when the Groom also loved to dance. They really made it fun for me to keep snapping away!
For the garter removal, Ray the DJ, suggested that Kyle had to crawl to his wife. 😀
What a super fun night!
Congratulations Lauren and Kyle!
May you live happily ever after! 🙂
Leo Dj
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Vendors
Venue and Catering: The Mansion at Valley Country Club | Hotel: Embassy Suites Baltimore Hunt Valley | Officiant: Pastor Paul Austin | Hair and Makeup: Amanda Ritchey Bridal and Beauty | Bride’s Dress: By Casablanca at Amanda Ritchey Bridal and Beauty | Tuxedo/Suit: By Calvin Klein at Men’s Wearhouse | Florist: Radebaugh Florist and Greenhouse | Cake: Mary Elliott | DJ: Ray Der from AJ Productions | Wedding favors: Berger Cookies | Videographer: Chris Liberto from The Pros