Check out videos from both the 2020 backyard wedding and the 2021 Ashley Castle wedding on the “Links” page!

The Ashley Castle 1300 South Price Road Chandler, Arizona 85286

It all began at the most romantic of places... Starbucks Coffee. Lauren was simply looking for an enjoyable time, going on her first online date ever. Brad, after years of never finding the right match, was hoping that this would finally be the start of something real. They had “swiped right” on each other a week earlier on November 6th, but this proved not to be just an ordinary meet and greet. They both arrived at 11:00 AM to chat with one another. They didn’t leave until 4:00 PM! In that time together, they found that they had so much in common and could have easily talked for even longer. It was such a remarkably long first date that Lauren’s parents became concerned and her dad was sent to go check on her! But when he got there, he was happy to see his daughter comfortably having a fun conversation hours into their date. Fortunately, neither Lauren nor Brad noticed his little spying presence there (that would have been a really awkward way to end the first date!) The first date may have ended due to family plans, but within the hour, they went right off to texting one other again to keep the conversation going. Brad was talking to his parents about the first date that actually went right for once, while Lauren told hers about how much fun she had with the “Gentle Giant” (her family’s nickname for Brad before they met).

The fun didn’t stop there, and quickly Lauren and Brad’s bond grew into something much more. The first big adventure together was a surprise Valentine’s Day gift from Brad, a romantic getaway to scenic Sedona the following weekend. That trip proved to be a special moment for both of them, and the memories will last a lifetime. Memories like spending time together at their special hidden spot on Bell Rock, cuddling up together by the fireplace, and having the car be attacked by a tumbleweed in a huge wind storm! Sedona became a symbolic place, marking a transition of the relationship into something long-lasting. For that reason, they have since returned to their special place, and selected Sedona as the site for their engagement photo shoot. It was shortly after that trip that Brad had to go out of state for several days to see family, marking the first time the two had extended time apart since the relationship became more serious. During that separation is when Brad became thoroughly convinced that he could not stay separated from Lauren any longer, so upon his return, he floated a big idea to her — it was time to move in together! She happily agreed and that set the stage for getting their own apartment in July. Moving in together was such an exciting time! They enjoyed decorating their new place with Disney memorabilia and a shrine dedicated to their “heated” rivalry between ASU (Brad’s school) and U of A (Lauren’s school). Very shortly after moving into their new apartment, they went on their first international trip to Washington state and Canada! This was a great way to start off their time living together! They have since continued to share their love for traveling and their passion for adventure! But the biggest adventures were still yet to come...

On New Year’s 2019, Lauren and Brad first came up with the idea to embark on a fun adventure together to Walt Disney World. Secretly, Brad knew that this would become much more — a magical proposal for the huge Disney fan! He tried on multiple occassions to bring up his intentions to her parents, but it turned out that the only time he had a chance without her noticing was when she was sick on Brad’s birthday. Her parents came by with soup for Lauren and birthday cake for Brad, so Brad “walked them to their car” and got to finally spill his heart out. Lauren was wondering where her man was! While they were planning the trip, Lauren’s parents kept asking her if Brad might pop the question. Constantly. But all of a sudden, it seemed to strangely stop after Brad’s birthday. As the trip got nearer, Lauren got anxious about what was to happen, but her dad kept the secret going with a little white lie that Brad would probably wait to propose until the holiday season. Meanwhile, Brad had privately sized Lauren’s finger and worked with both of their moms to find the perfect ring of a lifetime. So at long last, the day came on May 4th to fly to Orlando. Brad chose the movie “Up” to watch on the plane as they were about to go on their own adventure. But basically nothing else for the rest of the day went according to Brad’s plan, which kept things exciting! The plane was delayed by a few hours to mess up reservations, the hotel delivered the celebratory engagement basket before the proposal (it was supposed to be the next day!), there was a big thunderstorm over the beach where it would all happen, the fireworks didn’t start on time due to the weather, and Lauren kept pawing at the bag that held the ring and a special written note. In the end, though, none of that mattered because she said that magical word: “Yes!!” Amazingly, a friendly bystander happened to capture the actual moment on camera! After a fun evening, they got to enjoy that engagement basket right away!

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, and in this case, it has altered the initial wedding plan. In the best interest of guests’ safety, Lauren and Brad have postponed the ceremony and reception until December 4, 2021. The venue and other vendors have graciously extended the bookings so the celebration will be just as magical as envisioned. The date of November 21, 2020 has held special meaning for several months during the engagement, and fortunately the wedding can still be held on that date, but with a much smaller audience of immediate family only. This way, Lauren and Brad can still celebrate and join their lives on this personal special day, and the larger body of guests can join in on the celebration and vow renewal at the later date.

With a limited guest list of immediate family only, Lauren and Brad held a small, intimate ceremony in the backyard of our new house. It was truly magical, and even though it was different than planned, it was more special and memorable than they could have imagined. Lauren and Brad had just recently moved in a couple of months earlier. The sellers of the house actually selected their offer - not the highest one - because they loved the wedding story about wanting to get married in the yard! This location will always hold a very special place in their hearts. On this website, there is a page with links to videos including where the 2020 wedding stream can be rewatched.

As this exciting time approaches, both Lauren and Brad know that this is just a stepping stone on the pathway to a bright, loving bond in the future. But, it is important to both of them to mark the wedding as a symbol of the tightness of this bond. The couple appreciates all of your well-wishes and is thankful for all of your support along the way. Lauren and Brad are both proud to add these days to the ever-growing list of special days in their lives. Beyond that, there will be many more special days to come!