We had such a gorgeous June day for Lauren and Conner’s wedding! They both love being outside and “everything outdoors!” So the lodge at Eagle Point Park in Clinton, Iowa was a perfect choice for them. It’s in the forest, overlooking the Mississippi River, and the park has a gorgeous old limestone bridge and castle. It was a sunny day, but we found lots of shade among the trees and the breeze was amazing. By evening, the temperatures cooled to an almost-fall feel which was perfect for guests to enjoy the outdoor space and games.

Lauren and Conner went to the same high school and hung out with the same group of friends during their senior year. They got to know each other as friends during that time, and started dating the summer after graduation. They both went to DMACC to get their associate’s degrees and then transferred to Iowa State for their bachelor’s degrees. Conner got a bachelor’s in Child, Adult and Family Services, and Lauren double majored in Forestry and Environmental Science. 

“After graduation from college, we moved to the Quad Cities where I worked as a forester and then a geographer for the US Army Corps of Engineers,” Lauren said. “Conner had a dream of working with elementary age kids, and after a couple of years of working as a respite service provider for special needs adults, he landed a job as a Behavior Interventionist Para Educator at an elementary school in Bettendorf. From there, he decided he wanted to pursue a master’s degree in special education with the ultimate goal of being a special education teacher with a focus on behavioral issues. Conner was able to graduate this year with his degree, and is currently in his first year teaching as a special education teacher at the same elementary school where he worked as a Para.

“Through all of these life changes, we have grown together as a couple and best friends and are excited to continue our life together as a married couple.”

They celebrated their 10 year dating anniversary in June 2021. They had talked about getting married for a while, but Conner still successfully surprised her with his proposal. “A few of our friends live in Colorado, so we planned a trip to visit them in November 2021. As we got closer to leaving for the trip, Conner revealed that some of our other friends from Iowa were by coincidence going to be in Colorado at the same time. So we all decided to meet up for a hike at Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado on one of the days.

“After we made it to the top of the mountain (and almost blowing off because it was so windy), Conner surprised me with a proposal in front of our friends. I, of course, said yes, and after that our friends revealed they had carried 2 bottles of champagne up the mountain for all of us to enjoy.

“After making our way back down the mountain, we decided to go to a local beer hall/restaurant to celebrate. As we were waiting in line to get a table, a lady out of nowhere bumped me from behind. I turned around, and it was Conner’s sister and mom there to celebrate with us! They had both come all the way from Iowa just to celebrate there with us. The rest of the day and trip was awesome! Now that all the friends and family were revealed, we were all able to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.”

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Venue: Eagle Point Park Lodge

Hair & Makeup: Frankie’s Salon & Barbershop

Bridal & Maids’ Gowns: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Suit: Express

Rings: Riddle’s Jewelry

Catering: Creative Catering Caravan

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