Lauren & James's Winter Carmel Wedding at Bash

We had an incredible weekend celebrating Lauren and James’s winter Carmel wedding at BASH! After their ceremony where they shared the most heartfelt vows and exchanged rings from a Poké Ball, James and Lauren are officially husband and wife!

bride and groom hold hands while walking before their wedding at BASH in Carmel Indiana

From the start, Lauren and James focused on the parts of their wedding day that were most important to them – venue, food, drinks, and photographer – and prioritized their day to be focused on having a blast with those they love. Looking through their photos, I can say: mission accomplished!

Lauren and James first met at Indiana State University, when Lauren interviewed for an internship as a strength and conditioning coach. James’s dad shared in his toast at the reception that James quickly fell in love with Lauren the more he got to know her. Lauren and James went on their first date on December 10, 2016 – making their wedding date their 6th dating anniversary! – and the rest is history.

In June 2021, Lauren and James planned a trip to Michigan, where Lauren’s parents lived, and James’s parents joined since they hadn’t met Lauren’s parents. They visited Lauren’s alma mater, University of Michigan, during their trip, and while Lauren was busy playing tour guide, James surprised her by proposing with their parents there to celebrate.

Having their wedding at BASH allowed them to host everything all in one place without requiring a lot of travel for their friends and family. In fact, because of the mild weather, we were able to utilize the outdoor spaces around BASH for all of their portraits. I love that they were able to customize the setup of the venue for both their ceremony and reception, while staying close by for portraits in case they were needed before the ceremony.

Both Lauren and James got ready on site in the suites available to the couple, then we headed outside for the couple’s first look. James had already seen Lauren’s dress, as they opted to not keep much a secret about the big day, but I loved that he still was blown away when he saw her for the first time, looking stunning as ever.

Their wedding party was so much fun, and they provided so much encouragement and support throughout the entire day. It was very clear that these two are loved by many! Even James’s parents’ dogs were a part of the big day, in the role of ring bearer and flower dog!

Lauren and James chose to write and exchange their own vows during the ceremony. It was hard to find a dry eye in the room while Lauren read her vows; I won’t lie – it was hard for me to hold back the tears myself! James admitted that he had planned to speak from the heart for his, but he also hadn’t planned on Lauren making him completely speechless.

For their ring exchange, James pulled out a Poké Ball, holding their rings – just another little touch of their shared interests. I loved that they incorporated so many details in their day of things they love; it truly made their wedding unique to them, as every wedding should be!

I remember when I first met with Lauren and James, and they shared how much James was looking forward to the reception because he’s a party animal. I certainly wasn’t disappointed! Lauren and James kicked off the reception with an amazing grand entrance, and after dinner, toasts, and special dances, they spent much of their night on the dance floor with their guests.

It was so apparent throughout the entire day that they are truly meant for one another. As their family shared during toasts at the reception, they have so many common unique interests and Lauren shared during her vows she didn’t expect to ever find someone who shared all of her interests the way James does. But they just bring so much joy to one another, and they spend so much of their time together laughing. They are just an amazing pair, and I’m so excited for them to start their next adventure as husband and wife!

Lauren and James, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this incredible day. I wish you nothing but joy and happiness in the years to come, which I’m sure will not be in short supply with the other by your side. Enjoy your sneak peeks!