Lauren and Colin met at a friend’s party one evening in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, felt an instant connection, and as they say, the rest is history.

In January, the couple decided to go cross-country skiing at Falcon Lake, something they both loved. They packed a picnic of sandwiches and hot chocolate and headed out. They went for a short ski and then decided to ski out to a little island called Picnic Island in the middle of the lake to have their lunch. As they got up to leave, Colin dropped to one knee and asked Lauren to marry him. Her immediate response was “yes, yes of course!” followed by, “are you serious?” Thus began the planning.

After much deliberation, they decided to have their wedding in Austin; mainly because “no one wants to come to Winnipeg in December,” laughs Lauren. The young couple had also had fallen in love with the One World Theatre, decided that this was the place for them. “It is the most beautiful venue that I’ve ever seen,’ said Lauren. Their wedding was pretty much taken care of over the phone, and with the help of the Internet and magazines. “We found our absolutely amazing photographer, Travis Gagnon from Rebel with a Camera, as well as the hair and make-up artists from Rochelle Rae’s studio by using the Austin WeddingDay magazine,” said Lauren. “The photographers were incredible,” said Lauren. “Travis and his wife, Christina were with us from the time I started getting ready until the wedding ended.” They did, however, run into a few problems during the planning stage. The florist Lauren had originally hired, backed out one month before the wedding, but luckily they found Floral Renaissance and were amazed with their outstanding work. They also had an additional cancellation from the caterer, but again, ended up being extremely fortunate to work with Jonathan from Creative Creations Catering.

The wedding was perfect, says Lauren. It was held in the theatre section of One World Theatre, which had the perfect ambiance of romance and warmth. Lauren and Colin had chosen an exceptional officiant, Spike Gillespie, that helped them design/write their own ceremony. He also made everyone feel at ease and a part of the ceremony. Lauren and Colin both have very talented families; therefore, they provided much of the music and even the special readings during the ceremony. The wedding was very personal and held a great deal of meaning for all. “By the end of the ceremony there wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre,” said Lauren. “We designed our ceremony to include elements of both our cultures and personalities (Jewish and French) with being religious,” she said.

The newly married couple made their entrance to the reception through huge wooden doors surrounded by guests with brightly lit sparklers. Lauren and Colin were extremely touched that their family had driven through all types of bad weather just to get to the celebration. The guests were provided wonderful appetizers, and a delectable dinner and desert. Members of their family, and the bridal party gave heart warming and humorous toasts before the “real partying began.” The first dance was played by Lauren’s uncle, and sung and written by her Aunt, followed by the Father/Daughter song. Lauren and Colon had hired a band, Big Time, which got everyone dancing and having fun. The band surprised everyone by playing a hora (a traditional Jewish dance) where the bride and groom are lifted up in chairs and joined in a circle dance. During a break, the bouquet and garter were thrown off the Romeo and Juliet balcony above the stage, added a very romantic ending. The dancing and festivities continued all night. “People are always telling us that our wedding was the best wedding that they have ever been to,” said Lauren. “We think so too!”

Austin Resources

Venue:
One World Theatre

Cake:
Whole Foods Bakery

Wedding Dress:
7th Avenue

Caterer:
Creative Creations Catering

Flowers:
Floral Renaissance

Officiant:
Spike Gillespie

Tux:
Tuxedo Junction

Photographer:
Travis Gagnon with Rebel with a Camera

Invitations:
Now & Forever

Guests Accommodations:
Staybridge Suites Arboretum

Band Music:
The Big Time

Ceremony/Reception Music:
Provided by various family members