Laura’s Love-Filled Backyard Wedding
Some love stories unfold in a straight line. Others, like Laura’s, take the scenic route. From high school classrooms to college breakups and long-distance stretches, Laura and her husband eventually made their way to saying “I do.” At RashawnRose Bridal, we feel deeply honored every time a bride chooses to make us part of her journey. Laura’s story is one we absolutely adore: it’s equal parts romantic, funny, and beautifully real.
Today we’re sharing how fate kept nudging Laura and her husband back together, how she found “the one” (her dress) at our boutique, and what made her intimate backyard ceremony so unforgettable.
A Love Story Years in the Making
The third time was the charm for fate trying to push Laura and her husband together. They went to the same high school, had friends in common, and they were even in the same calculus class. Laura recounts that she still never noticed him.
Their paths crossed again in college, and this time, there was a spark. They went out briefly before breaking up, and just like that, they slipped out of each other’s lives once more. Years went by with no contact.
One ordinary day, her now-husband liked a picture she took of a lion at the zoo on Instagram. A single tap on a screen turned into a plan to meet for a drink. From that moment on, they dated, even when long-distance meant being in different cities and countries. Their experiences in different countries and cultures didn’t stop them from being alike in so many ways.
When the time came to take the next step, Laura didn’t just ask her boyfriend to move in, she turned it into a meaningful moment. Inspired by the TV show “The Big Bang Theory,” because she would always joke that he was her very own Sheldon, she drafted a full “business proposal” styled like Sheldon’s roommate agreement. Of course, he thought it was hilarious and amazing.
Finding “The One” (Dress!) at RashawnRose
Laura describes herself as someone who likes to know all her options. True to form, she approached wedding dress shopping with a plan: she booked seven bridal appointments at different boutiques. She wanted to be thorough, to explore silhouettes, fabrics, and designers before committing. But sometimes, when you know, you just know.
Her very first appointment was at RashawnRose Bridal. Laura knew what she didn't want, but she didn't really know what she did want. Her only clear desires were that the dress be lightweight and have an open back. Beyond that, she was open-minded, curious, and ready to explore.
Our team guided her through styles that would flatter her figure while matching her personality and practical needs. As she tried on gowns, she started to refine her taste in real time. Then came the third dress, Calla Blanche’s Dani Rose.
The moment she slipped into it, Laura couldn’t believe that she didn’t want to get out of it. Still, being a diligent researcher at heart, she did what any modern bride would do: she video-called her friends. They agreed that the dress looked like it was made for her, and she canceled all of her other appointments.
For us at RashawnRose, that’s what it’s all about. We don’t just want to sell a beautiful gown; we want to see the bride's whole face light up when she sees her reflection and whispers, “This is the one.”
A Backyard Ceremony Full of Heart
Laura and her husband’s wedding was a backyard ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Their ceremony was officiated by her sister-in-law, which added a special and personal touch. Instead of standing before a stranger, they stood before someone who truly understood them and their love story.
One of Laura’s favorite moments from the big day was when they played rock-paper-scissors at the altar to determine who would read their vows first. They wrote their own vows that were funny, cheesy, romantic, sentimental, and filled with inside jokes.
Today, Laura still has those vow papers tucked safely in a keepsake box. They are more than just pieces of paper; they’re little time capsules, preserving how they felt on that day and the promises they made to each other, surrounded by the people who loved them most.
Laura’s Advice for Future Brides
Laura’s guidance for brides-to-be is simple, refreshing, and grounded in experience: on the day of your wedding, don’t worry about the things that go “wrong.”
There might be small hiccups like timing issues, décor details that don’t go exactly as planned, or a song that doesn’t play at the perfect moment. But as Laura so wisely points out, no one is going to remember those tiny imperfections. What they will remember is how the day felt.
They’ll remember the love between you and your partner, the laughter shared around the tables, the warmth of your vows, and the fun they had celebrating with you. The little things that feel huge in the planning process often fade into the background when held up against the glow of the bigger picture.
Her story is a beautiful reminder to brides everywhere to release perfection and embrace presence. Choose a dress that makes you feel like yourself. Plan a day that reflects your relationship. And when the day finally arrives, allow yourself to let go of stress and fully step into the joy of marrying your person.
Laura and her husband’s love story began with nearly missed connections in high school and college. After an Instagram reintroduction, a playful roommate proposal, and a heartfelt backyard “I do,” they are a testament to the magic of timing, authenticity, and trusting your instincts.