Photography by Ivan Garcia Studios
Their engagement story is romantic, thoughtful and centered around love, God, and family. Rob and Lauren’s best friends are married to each other; they had heard about each other for years, and never met. They both believe they met when the time was right.
Rob proposed during the Christmas holidays. The evening started at Trulucks in The Woodlands, the location of their first date and their go to for date nights.Then, they headed to Rob’s father’s home for a family party. It was a rainy evening but the rain cleared just as they approached a small bridge at his dad’s front door. This bridge is special to Rob because it is where he used to play growing up and it was one of his mother’s favorite elements about his childhood home. Rob lost his mother to cancer when he was just 17 years old.
Rob said he felt his mom helped make the rain stop so they could get inside without getting wet. He stopped directly on top of the bridge and expressed his love. Rob began, “As we stand on something that brings two elements together, something that represents love and family, I want to ask you a very important question, it’s really the only question left to ask you.” He got down on one knee and asked, “Lauren, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Underneath the cool night sky, with not one drop of rain, standing on this symbolic bridge, Lauren froze, then started to sink to the ground and said “yes!” Then he said, “we walked on this bridge as two people and tonight we walk off this bridge as one.”
They opened the door to family waiting with cameras and champagne. It was not a holiday party; it was an engagement party and Rob thought of every detail. He made sure Lauren’s two children were front and center of the room when they walked in.They were officially becoming a family of four and he wanted the children’s blessing as well.
A bridge will now symbolize something very different for this couple moving forward.Love is the bridge between two souls causing two hearts to beat as one.
The PhotoShoot
After seeing the winner of the billboard bride, Ivan Garcia, photographer and owner of Ivan Garcia Studio, felt Lauren was so elegant and sophisticated, he envisioned the shoot at an upscale downtown location. “I wanted to showcase the kind of work we can provide in a downtown location,” he says. The Crystal Ballroom, a 1913 historic ballroom located in the heart of downtown Houston’s Rice Hotel was selected.
“We have a lot of Texas and US History here. The chandeliers, murals and unique hand-crafted carvings are all original,” says Emily Conroe of the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice. “This is the perfect venue for the bride who is looking for elevated glamour,” she says.
Stacie Holyoak and Christy Pascavis are co-owners of Holyoak Floral Designs. Their passion for their work is evidenced in this shoot. “Everyone needs something referencing, so we stuck with light and airy – pinks, pastels,” says Stacie. “We like brides who like to design. We like to do things that are out of the box. If it hasn’t been done, we’ll do it,” says Christy.
Mayra Malik from Simple Beauty Artistry chose a soft, effortless up-do as the first style of the day. “An updo is the perfect way to to highlight the neckline of the gown,” says Mayra. For makeup, a natural, organic look was applied to highlight Lauren’s eyes. “Makeup should enhance the brides beauty, not over power her,” she says.
The gown will always take centerstage and this is certainly the case at the Billboard Bride photo shoot. Disney Fairy Tale Weddings selected Ventura’s Bridal Fashions as one of the exclusive locations to carry this line. We all remember the story of Cinderella who dreamed of going to the ball and finding her prince. This famous fairy tale begins with a single wish, an exquisite dress, and the dream of a lifetime.Today, the timeless Cinderella tale comes alive with classic glamour. This gown features airy, ethereal ice blue tulle ruched across the bodice and waist line and framed by linear sequin and bead clusters.
The second gown from Allure Bridals, features luxurious stretch crepe with lace and crystals covering the plunging low back. Covered buttons detail the entire scalloped, lace train. Side lace panels peek out on the side.
“Today was magical,” said Lauren.“This is unbelievably exciting. I’m just thrilled to have this experience.”
To learn more about the Billboard Bride winners check out BillboardBride.com