Lauren and Mike are having a spring wedding at the Omni Grove Park Inn, and I could not be happier for them.  I really love what I do, because I get to know some amazing people, and Lauren and Mike are no exception.  They have been together for 2 and a half years, and were engaged in February of 2013.  So honored to be a part of their special day.  Read more about them…
How did you meet each other?
Our best friends were dating and they organized a night out for several friends.  They are no longer together but both are in our wedding party!
When did you get engaged, and how did he ask?
Mike sent me on a 3 day scavenger hunt taking me back through all of the spots we’d been to on our first dates. It ended “at the place where we ate hot cheesecake on our first date” which happens to be at a restaurant attached to a hotel. When I arrived he texted me and told me to go to reception and they had a room key waiting for me. I walked into a room filled with rose petals, candlelight, my favorite French champagne, and Mike waiting for me with a spectacular ring!

What do you two do for a living?
Mike- Surgery Resident Duke University
Lauren- Sales- Cisco
What are some of the activities that you like to do together as a couple?
Family time is very important to us. Lauren has a daughter from a previous marriage and we adore being with her and our 10 month old yellow lab! Outdoor activities, traveling, cooking, and working out together are some of our favorites.

Why did you choose the Grove Park Inn as your wedding location?
The majestic views create an atmosphere that no amount of decoration could ever achieve. When you step into the Grove Park Inn you feel as if you’ve entered another era, and we love the old world luxury of this beautiful resort in the middle of an extraordinary town! Mike did a rotation at a hospital in Asheville last year and we got the chance to explore the area frequently. As a destination for us and our guests there is truly something for everyone and we just love the artistic, laid-back vibe.
When you think about your wedding, what are you most excited about?
Marrying the love of my life, surrounded by those who mean the most to us, in a setting that will be as close to perfect as we could imagine. You don’t get many chances in life to have everyone you love surround you for a joyous occasion, and then eat, drink, and dance and have fun for a whole evening! We want time to stand still!

What do you love about each other?
Lauren: What I love about Michael is…
He is thoughtful, tender-hearted, and strong all at once. I love the way he so naturally became a father to my daughter, who was 4 years old when we met.
Michael: What I love about Lauren is… she is compassionate and generous to those she loves. I fell in love with her even more when I saw what a great mom she is!

Anything else you would want people to know?
WE LOVE TARA ☺ We couldn’t have gotten married and had such a wonderful wedding planning experience without her help!
THANK YOU! 🙂 This made me smile…I LOVE YOU!