Lauren + Patrick

First Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Lauren and Patrick celebrated their love twice with us here at Up the Creek Farms! The first was a small, intimate gathering to bring together their lives and families. The second was a first wedding anniversary celebration with all of the supportive people who lift them up. They wanted to commemorate their marriage and also make their loved ones feel appreciated and loved.

Tell us about your ceremony.

We had our wedding ceremony at Up The Creek Farms on May 12th, 2017. Then one year later, we renewed our vows in the same place at almost the same time. It was our first wedding anniversary! We spent 10 out of 12 months of our first year of marriage apart. Our ceremonies felt like the front and back cover of a book – the beginning and end of a difficult first year. Also, we wrote our own vows this time, which was a nice surprise!

At cocktail hour did you have any unique experiences for your guests?

A vintage gold frame was hung from a tree, which the wedding party loved. We also had a Jenga game instead of a guestbook with the pieces covered in writing! We boxed it up that night and plan to read them all as we play this year on our anniversary. There were lawn games of course but the mini chicken pot pies and shrimp and grits shooters had everyone’s attention the most.

Tell us about the special moments from the reception.

The reception was a time to finally celebrate and have our first dance! The most special moment hands down was Pat dancing with his grandmother. We spent hours searching for her and pat’s grandfather’s song (who passed away years ago) in a format the DJ could play. Pat asked her to dance with him to the song which surprised everyone!

What advice would you give to future Up the Creek Couples?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t stress if the plan doesn’t go exactly as planned. In the end, what happens, happens. Our wedding didn’t go as originally planned. But you know what? It was better. It was exactly how it was supposed to be and it was us. Don’t forget: you and me are becoming we. What a beautiful thing in and of itself. That’s what matters, so celebrate that!

Thank you to the vendors who made this day possible:

Harmony Lynn Photography || Two Chicks and a Pot || Coastal Bloom Florals || Blue Skies Entertainment || In 2 Your Beauty Makeup || Hair by Megan Dickman ||Bridesmaids Dresses – Lilly Pulitzer || Groomsmen’s ties – Vineyard Vines || Macaroons – House of Pastel ||Paper goods (table numbers, vow stationery) – Rifle Paper Company || Cake Topper – Etsy || Cake – Publix || Crowne Plaza Oceanfront||