Fountain of Life Lutheran Church and Preschool

Wedding Day

The Longhouse

Wedding After Party

RSVP by 05/01/2026

Our Wedding

How We MetThey met “at the library” — or at least that’s what they like to say. In all seriousness, they met on the Hinge dating app. After matching with each other, Laren sent Alex the first message, which read: “I’m not great at these opening liners. But here’s my best cheesy pick-up line:🧀🛻🧀🛻🧀🛻🧀” Alex was hooked by Laren’s unPUNlievable skills. A few days later, he asked her out on their first date. They went to the Brewer’s Kettle in Kernersville on October 23, 2023, and talked the night away. Their date was briefly interrupted by Alex’s friend and mentor, Sergio, who quickly realized it was a first date and came over to embarrass him. Sergio lovingly teased, roasted, and told stories about Alex as a kid. Laren thought, “If a cool guy like Sergio is picking on Alex in such a loving way, there must be something special about him.” Their deep conversations continued, and they enjoyed each other’s company so much that they didn’t want the night to end. In fact, they closed the bar down and were kindly asked to leave so the staff could go home. They exchanged phone numbers, curious to see where things might lead — and both left knowing this was the start of something amazing. The AdventuresOver the past two years, Alex and Laren have shared so much love and adventure together. From joyful trips to Texas and beyond, to the heartache of losing loved ones, they’ve leaned on each other every step of the way. Their journey has been full of laughter, late-night conversations, and a deepening love that continues to grow stronger every day. The ProposalOn September 20, 2025, Alex told Laren to wear cute and comfy clothes. He had planned a hike and picnic at Flat Rock in Boone, NC. What Laren didn’t know was that he was planning to propose. That morning, Alex made beignets for breakfast while she got ready and packed snacks for the day. He had spent weeks restoring and learning to drive his grandfather’s 1957 Thunderbird convertible in preparation for the big moment.But as every great love story goes — a few surprises awaited them. The car broke down in North Wilkesboro, and Alex’s grandparents and mom came to the rescue (and to discreetly help save the proposal plans). Seven hours later, the car was running again. Still determined, Alex insisted on continuing their journey. The car could only manage 25–35 mph up the mountain, but their spirits stayed high. After all, they were together — and that’s what mattered most. They finally reached Boone (with his grandparents and mom following close behind), but the car broke down again. After a quick fix, Alex decided to head home. Even then, he was still determined to propose — he just needed a new plan. They arrived back at Laren’s house around 1 a.m. While she went through her nighttime routine, Alex set up the picnic spread in her backyard under the stars. He led her outside to the scene and opened the picnic basket he had lovingly restored. Inside was a bouquet of LEGO roses he had built himself. Hidden inside one of the roses was a custom ring box. He opened it, got down on one knee, and asked, “Laren, will you marry me?” Her response: “Absolutely, YES!” The Next ChapterAlex and Laren are overjoyed to begin this next chapter together and to celebrate with all of you who have been part of their story so far. Thank you for the love, laughter, and memories you’ve shared — and for joining in the joy of what’s to come.

Our Story

Bride's Family

Tina Craddock

Joseph W. Evans

Mark Craddock

Lelia Johnson

Michelle  Boush

Paul Boush

Groom's Family 

Tammy Caudill

Jeff Baum

Sam Caudill

Frances Caudill

Jake Baum 

Linda Baum

Bridesmaids

Lienn Jernigan 

Nicole Wright

Candace Noah

Calli Brown

Cierra Smith

Groomsmen

Chris Underdal

Nathen Smith

Logan Lonsdale

Patrick Bourque

Will Smith

Honorary Family 

Justin Bulla

Justin Hall-Swann

Jeremy Goins

Angela Crabtree

In Memoriam

Bill Johnson

Joseph E. Evans 

Elizabeth Evans

Gary "Sergio" Ward

Wedding Party

Ceremony Info

The after party will be cocktail-style, so there will not be a formal sit-down meal. Instead, we will have the following options to easily munch on while socializing and dancing the night away. MAINS1) Layered macaroni and cheese with pulled pork cup, topped with onion straws and BBQ sauce drizzle2)Layered baked beans with smoked sausage cup, topped with jalapenos and BBQ sauce drizzle3)Layered pineapple and chicken cup, topped with bacon and pickled onion with BBQ sauce drizzle4) Sausage dog topped with peppers and onions SIDES1) Macaroni Salad2) Potato Salad3) Slaw DESERT1) Banana Pudding2) Strawberry Cobbler

After Party Info

2:00-2:30Guests Arrive3:00Welcome/Opening Remarks3:05Processional3:10Officiant's Speech3:15Vows3:30Exchange of Rings3:35Pronouncement of Marriage3:40Closing Remarks3:45Recessional4:00-5:00Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall

Wedding Ceremony Schedule

5:30-6:30Cocktail Hour6:30-7:00Introductions and First Dances7:00-8:00Welcome/Blessings/Food and Drink Stations Open8:00-8:30Toasts and Cake Cutting8:30-10:30PARTY10:00Food and Drink Stations Close 10:30-10:45Prepare for Send-Off/Couple's Private Final Dance 10:45-11:00Couple's Send Off11:00End of Event

After Party Schedule 

Hampton Inn Kernersville

Best Western Kernersville

Accommodation Recommendations 

Registry

Our Story in Photographs

Photos

Our Day Would Not Be Possible Without:

Justin Bulla- Wedding DirectorPastor Elliot Lutz- OfficiantCalli Brown- Bride’s MakeupCierra Smith- Bride’s HairBlondie's BBQ- CatererBert Reed- PhotographyEffortless Entertainment- Music Our family and friends for their unconditional love and support of us our entire lives.

Special Thanks

If you have further questions, please email us at wearethebaums2026@gmail.com

Contact Information

Laren & Alex

Laren & Alex

Photos

Our Story in Photographs