Eric and I are high school sweethearts, we met in 9th grade and swam together (2009). We went to different high schools but our schools had a joint swimming program. After swim season we started to become friends and we were in the same life guarding class. We have been inseparable since! (Started dating in 2010) Eric would come over to my parents restaurant for dinner, to look over our life guarding stuff then we always would be at my house or his. Our relationship developed fast and our families like each other as well.
My parents sold their business and 9 years later, Eric proposed at my parents old restaurant in front of the meaningful cherry blossom tree. We both went to Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA, and that’s where we got our engagement photos taken.
We legally got married on 10.02.20 at the courthouse and on our one year anniversary we celebrated with our family and friends at Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens with a reception and heart felt vows that we wrote. Even though we were married legally, Eric never saw my dress for our wedding on 10.02.21. I did something casual for our legal ceremony and my Paloma for the big wedding. Our wedding day was beyond perfect. It started with a beautiful fall day, not a single cloud in the sky, a beautiful soft breeze, and an overall joy that was in the air. We both got ready without seeing each other that morning, just like the year before. I remember telling everyone to hurry up with the first looks because I just wanted Eric to see me in my dress already!
Eric first saw Lauren at their first look, and Eric was speechless. He first said “Wow, turn around let me get the full picture.” We both had a smile on our faces the entire day. We were overwhelmed with emotions but we never stopped laughing or smiling. It couldn’t have been a better day. I remember peeking through the barn doors just anxiously waiting for everyone to get down the isle. When those barn doors opened, the suspense and emotions were unreal. It was so exciting and seeing everyone smile was priceless, including my husband, smiling again seeing me be given away. We truly were on cloud nine. We are living happily ever after! We have been together for 11.5 years.
Dress shopping for me (Lauren) was very difficult. I never liked tight fitting outfits, so I always thought I would have a ballgown style wedding dress. I was 100% wrong when I walked into Dressed In Love Bridal Suite. The wedding dress I purchased was the very first dress I tried on. I got emotional and no other dress could compare. I had to think about it because of the price. I tried to find something different, however, nothing came close. Every time I looked at a dress, I would think of my Paloma dress. Well little did I know, that was MY dress. I felt beautiful and like a true princess. Everyone’s reaction to my dress was priceless, it was truly breathtaking.
Our godson, Journey, was also our ring bearer! He was so crazy during rehearsal, he’s only 3. Lol but he did such a great job and was a fan favorite right behind the bride and groom. My husband also has his doctorate in physical therapy. So we were pronounce Dr and Mrs Linderman! He hates being called a doctor so it was funny lol. But we are just proud of him! My sister was my maid of honor and Journey’s mom was my matron of honor. Eric’s brother was his best man! Our bridal party included our closest friends we all have known for many years!
