Lauren and Darryl met in the most organic way. The two were introduced through a mutual friend at a local bar. Although the meeting was as natural as can be, their relationship is nothing short of cosmic. When Lauren saw Hempstead House, she knew it was the perfect place for their magical wedding.
A Forest Engagement
Lauren had always wanted to be proposed to outside. So, naturally, Darryl proposed while the two were out for a trail walk. “I asked my brother to pretend he’d dropped his wallet on the trail and needed help looking for it. While we were searching, our friend who is a photographer was actually in the bushes! When I hit my mark, I got down on one knee, and they hopped out with the camera!”
The Hempstead House Castle
When Lauren and Darryl saw the Hempstead House in Sands Point, NY, they knew it was perfect. From the layout to the view overlooking the water – it was all breathtaking. The Hempstead House is one of four mansions on the grounds of the Guggenheim Estate built in 1912.
Lauren and Darryl opted to have their ceremony on the lawn facing the Long Island Sound. Lauren’s bridesmaids walked down the aisle in beautiful blue velvet dresses from Jenny Yoo. Adorned in a gold crown she purchased from Etsy, wearing a Justin Alexander gown, Lauren was escorted down the aisle arm in arm with her father. The pastor who married the couple has been Darryl’s pastor for many years. When the two said “I do,” doves were released. Regal, or what?!
The Reception
After the nuptials, the newly married couple and their guests headed in for the cocktail hour. They had popsicle cocktail drinks and a violinist playing on the stunning lawn of the castle. Dinner was a beautiful buffet, so everyone could choose what they wanted to eat. Soon after, the couple and their guests enjoyed a stunning almond wedding cake with buttercream cheese frosting. Everyone agreed it was delicious.
So what was the highlight?
Lauren: “My favorite moment was our first dance.”
Darryl: “My favorite moment was the garter toss. Two guys ended up diving on the floor for it.”
Lauren and Darryl’s wedding was featured in The Knot New York magazine! See the print feature here.
