A Romantic, Storybook Wedding at the Aria Wedding and Banquet Facility in Prospect, Connecticut

Lauren Branche (30 and a medical student) and Therence “TJ” James Jr. (27 and a public health researcher) mark their love with words. The pair started dating after TJ wrote Lauren a poem confessing his feelings. “As a fan of spoken word and TJ’s smile, I realized I was in love,” Lauren says. Later, TJ proposed with another poem, and the couple planned a wedding straight out of a storybook. “I wanted a day of classic, royal elegance,” Lauren says. An ornate gazebo and a cake complete with gold ribbon did just that. Plus, handwritten vows completed the day. Lauren topped her ball gown with a crown—and no, a tiara wouldn’t have done the trick. “I wanted to feel like a queen,” she says. “It took months to find the right full crown.” Not to be outdone, TJ chose a custom tux. The couple filled the Aria with glam gold and ivory touches, which took on a greater meaning. “The color palette symbolized royalty, as well as the richness of our heritages,” Lauren says. Gold candelabras, mirrored vases and white hydrangeas dressed tables. TJ’s only reception request: a chocolate fountain. The newlyweds said goodbye under the archway, the same spot where they said their vows, and marked their happily-ever-after-style exit with sparklers.