1. Real Weddings

Lauren & Kellan: An Outdoor Wedding in Columbus, OH

Lauren and Kellan may be young, but they’ve already spent more years together than most newlyweds. “We’ve known each other since we were babies,” Laur

Lauren and Kellan may be young, but they’ve already spent more years together than most newlyweds. “We’ve known each other since we were babies,” Lauren explains. “His sister and I were best friends growing up, and I would always sleep over at their house. Kellan and I both grew up having crushes on one another, and when we look back on it now, we knew then that we would someday end up happy together.” Two years ago, the couple finally connected on a romantic level, and they’ve been together ever since. The Bride Lauren Talbott, 20 The Groom Kellan Williams, 21 The Date May 29 Although Lauren may have figured they'd wind up married one day, nothing could have prepared her for Kellan's over-the-top proposal. One evening, Lauren went home to find her entryway full of white lilies (her favorite flower), lit candles, and a huge sign reading I Love You, Baby Girl. In the background, John Lennon's Love played as Kellan got down on one knee and proposed.

The cake was a sweet simple, two-tiered confection tied with a green ribbon around the middle of each tier and topped with soft pink peonies.
The Couple
Lauren and Kellan's flower girl carried a pearl-laced pomander. It was made of soft pink peonies.
The dinner tables had centerpieces of pink peonies and balls of hydrangeas and roses.
Because Lauren’s parents own a flower shop in Westerville, she had free rein in floral design, and the dozens of lush blooms proved to be the highlight of the day. Lauren and her bridesmaid carried soft pink and white peonies.
The Couple
In addition to two cakes -- one white buttercream, one deep chocolate -- dessert included the bride’s favorite: chocolate-covered strawberries.
The couple exchanged vows at sunset to the strains of a string quartet. Making the ceremony even more personal, Lauren’s father married the childhood friends.
Kellan and his groomsmen wore boutonnieres made out of white freesia.
The Reception Decor
After a range of unique appetizers, from blueberry Stilton tartlets to chilled mango puree with a Cajun rim, guests chose an entree of chicken breast studded with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbed goat cheese or alderwood-smoked pork with jerk seasoning and light sauce.
Lauren personalized her bouquet by wrapping a bracelet around the stems.
Lauren and Kellan chose classic love songs from days past to create an unmistakably romantic atmosphere. Their first dance was, naturally, to John Lennon’s “Love.”
The goal when planning the affair was to create a garden wedding with a soft, romantic palette of pinks, ivories, and greens. I would not change anything about having a small wedding, says Lauren, I was able to converse with my guests -- every single one of them. And that's what it's all about -- celebrating together!