Ethereal Gardens

Wedding: Ceremony and Reception

Ceremony

Reception

Lauren and Austin

Fall

Our Wedding

Our Story

For those of you who don’t know.. they LITERALLY bumped into each other at a bar. Legend has it that Lauren gave Austin a sturdy shoulder check and they’ve been in love ever since. They talked for a long time at the bar ending with Austin asking Lauren for her number, he pulled out his phone but it was dead so he put his number in Lauren’s phone. Lauren may or may not have had one too many tequilas and said “I won’t remember what you look like” and Austin responded with “well let’s take a photo”. So here it is! Still to this day they do not know who this man is but Austin refers to him as our “vibe fairy”.

The First Day 12.03.21

This was Laurens first time celebrating Austin’s birthday. This was also the first time she met Austin’s best friend and best man, Grady (he took this photo). Clearly they got comfortable with each other quickly, this was only 27 days after they first met!

The First Birthday 12.30.21

Aw! Their first of infinite amount of Valentine’s Day celebrations. This was spent in Orange County at a restaurant in Newport Beach called “Tacos and Tequila”… fitting. 

The First Valentines Day 02.14.22

That was fast! These two knew eachother for a few months and said “Hey! Let’s go to a foreign country!”. In the first month of them knowing each other Austin said “If you play your cards right, I’ll take ya to Mexico.” Welp, Lauren must have had a Royal Flush.

The First Trip To Mexico 06.10.22

Any excuse to see Gwen Stefani, am I right? 

The First (Of Many) Wonderfront Music Festivals 11.19.22

Lauren took Austin to where she spent her favorite memories in college. South Lake Tahoe! You’d think they went snowboarding and enjoyed the outdoors, you’d be wrong! We gambled! 

The First Snow Day 12.31.22

Although they lived in a fully carpeted, 600 square foot studio apartment with no yard, they decided to get a puppy! Daisy was and is the most perfect dog who has changed their lives forever. She taught them patience, compromise, and unconditional love. Our perfect ‘Tijuana Special’. 

The First Baby 04.25.23

You may be asking yourself, didn’t they just get a puppy 2 months ago and they abandoned her for a vacation!? Yes! But that’s what Grandma’s are for (thanks mom - Lauren). Pura Vida?

The First Costa Rica Trip 06.26.23

These two had such a good time at the first Wonderfront that when they heard it was coming back they bought tickets immediately! The festival kind of became their thing, so did this pose under the same tree. I know they’ll be attending every Wonderfront in the future and they can’t wait to have this photo to look back on at their 10th Wonderfront.

The First Second Annual Wonderfront 05.11.24

Austin booked a surprise trip to Valle De Guadalupe, they had a private romantic villa on a winery. Wine, baths, perfect scenery, and even more perfect weather…. GREAT PLACE FOR A PROPOSAL….. RIGHT!? ONE WOULD THINK. Needless to say, Lauren was ready for it. However, that moment did not come. Still a beautiful trip with even better company. (:

The First Valle De Guadalupe 05.24.24

It happened! Austin proposed in front of a fountain at Waterfront Park in San Diego on July 3rd 2025. Two years prior the pair shared New Years Eve watching fireworks at this very fountain. Austin said that moment two years ago is when he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. 

THE FIRST PROPOSAL 07.03.24

Photos

I first met Lauren at the infamous Mitchell house next to Sonoma State. We bonded while surviving a revolving door of roommates, Hot Cheeto burritos for breakfast, and the occasional cow chase through the Sonoma hills.

Our friendship turned into a highlight reel of ridiculous adventures: devouring burgers as big as our faces, chucking lemons out of bedroom windows at unsuspecting roommates, multi day birthday extravaganzas, and all night dance parties, never forgetting the plug in dj light.

Then came Austin. The very first day I met him, I knew he was the end-all, be-all for Lauren. After bottomless mimosas, and casually bench pressing his future wife, we capped the night with a 3 a.m. “wedding” in my carport- complete with dramatic vows that made it obvious they were soulmates. In that ridiculous, freezing cold, raining, middle of the night moment, I realized he matched Lauren’s energy and enormous heart perfectly. So here I am humbled to stand beside them as Lauren’s Maid of Honor, ready to celebrate the beginning of an amazing adventure and here to help keep the chaos-and-laughter streak alive for a lifetime.

Haley Novarina

I met Austin in 2018, right after I moved to Santa Barbara following college and started working at Bank of America. We hit it off immediately and what started as a solid friendship quickly grew into one of the most meaningful relationships in my life. From late nights out, endless rounds of beer die, and unforgettable memories, to making fried chicken, eating chocolate cake, and playing 2K during lockdown—we’ve been through it all. After Austin moved to San Diego, he met Lauren, and the moment I met her (she showed up with two bottles of tequila), I knew she was the one for him. I eventually followed them down to San Diego and proudly took on the role of third wheel, but honestly, it was always a blast. Life got even better when I met my own Lauren, and the four of us have been an inseparable crew ever since. Being Austin’s best man as he marries the love of his life is an honor I’ll never take for granted.

Grady Smith 

My names Conor and I am Lauren's brother. I've known her for her entire life. I live in San Francisco and work as a Muay Thai instructor. I knew the second Lauren told me about Austin that this was something special. I've always been somewhat critical of and some might say “mean to” Laurens boyfriends so when I've been around them my guard is up. Austin never gave me a reason to be mean to him. When I saw them together I knew they were meant for each-other. I had never seen my sister be as comfortable with anyone before, she was able to be her full, unfiltered, life-of-the-party self that all her friends and family know and love. My sister has always lit up every room she's in and Austin helps her to shine even brighter. I was honored when Austin asked me to be a groomsman and I'm so excited to be part of this beautiful wedding.


Conor Bracken

Hiii! My name is Olivia and I actually met Lauren before she met me. One Christmas, my brother Austin came home to visit and was unusually giddy. Come to find out it was because of a new girl, Lauren! He was so excited and told me all about her, and from the moment I met her I was so proud of my brother's taste! Since then, Lauren has always treated me like a real friend. We've had so many laughs and so many memories, and I can proudly say that there is no one I'd want to be my sister more than Lauren!! I'm so excited for her and Austin, and so honored to be a bridesmaid! Woohoo SISLA!

Olivia Hugh

By way of introduction my name is Justyn and I currently live up in the Bay Area. I enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like finding a new great restaurant or finding a great show to binge.  I first met Austin down in Santa Barbara and he has since grown into one of closest friends.  Austin invited me into his family and I have since cherished all the memories that we have made and will make.  I first met Lauren last year and I am truly grateful for how welcoming and hospital both of them have been to keep me as a part of their journey.  I wish them the absolute best on this journey they are embarking on together and look forward to all the new memories that we will share in the future.

Justyn Cheung

Lauren,
We’ll probably never agree on the exact details of how we met or when certain moments in our friendship happened, but I guess that's what happens when you've been friends for almost 20 years. The way I remember it, it was third grade, and the teacher asked us to pick partners for a lesson. We ended up choosing each other, and from that moment, I just knew you were someone I needed in my life.
From dancing in the rain to willingly subjecting ourselves to sleepless nights watching some of the worst horror movies imaginable, every second of our friendship is a memory I cherish deeply. I’m so grateful for you, and I’m so excited to continue making memories with you in this new chapter of your life.

Emma Curran 

Ricky, a 6-foot, 200-pound Pacific Northwesterner, first heard about Austin back in 2019—thanks to Grady—where they met in Santa Barbara. After graduating from Washington State University, Austin landed Ricky his first tech job at LogicMonitor. That role eventually brought him to Texas, where he now lives.

Since then, Ricky and Austin have shared a rowdy friendship full of Wingstop runs, competitive golf matches, + unforgettable moments at events like Mardi Gras and Pride

Ricky Santa Ana

Hi my name is KP. When I met Lauren I was just a first year in college. At the time, College life was new, and terrifying. But when Lauren came into my life, all my doubts and fears went away.  I felt like I was the chosen one when she took me in as a friend. She taught me how to be strong, confident, funny, and authentically myself. We went through our hardest years together, and watched each other grow. Now, it’s been six years, and I’m watching my incredible friend marry the love of her life. When she first told me about Austin, I knew in her eyes this was the one. Watching them grow as a couple and live life together has been the biggest blessing. There is no better feeling than watching your best friend find pure happiness with someone. I cannot wait to celebrate their special day. 

KP Purcell 

Austin and I initially met in Isla Vista during my second year in Santa Barbara. Over the years we became close friends and I started to realize what an outstanding person he is. Austin is genuinely one of the most intelligent and considerate people I know, and I am lucky to count myself as one of his friends. When I first met Lauren I knew they were a match made in heaven, she is an extraordinarily genuine and welcoming person and her and Austin’s sense of humor complement each other perfectly. They truly bring out the best in one another and I couldn’t be happier to have the privilege of celebrating this day with them!

Ben Beir

Hi I’m CJ! Lauren and I met at the freshman orientation for Sonoma State in 2016. This was a couple weeks before school even started. Everyone was put into groups of about 6 people that you’ve never met and even spent the night on campus together in the dorms, sort of like a taste of what college would be like for us. I was incredibly nervous coming in as a small town kid, not knowing what to expect. As we found our groups and went through all of the ice breakers, the first impression I had of Lauren was “oh this girl is got jokes!” She was so confident and hilarious that everyone just gravitated towards her. We immediately clicked from that first day together. It felt like we were the two kids in class who can’t be near each other because they can shut up or that feeling when you go to summer camp and meet your bestie. We had a blast! I’ve always had such a huge admiration for Lauren since that weekend. She has such an infectious energy to her that makes you feel seen and safe. A lot of people told us that the first few people you meet in college you might never see or speak to again, but look at us now! I have the honor of being one of her bridesmaids. We’ve had a lot of core memories together, but this is one that will hold a very special place in my heart. 

CJ johnson 

Hi! I’m Lauren, the other half of Lauren squared! Lauren and I were introduced by our fiancés, Austin and Grady, who are best friends and now each other’s best men in both of our weddings this year. From the moment the guys brought us together, Lauren and I instantly clicked, and the rest is pretty much history! While Lauren and I may be the newest of friends, in just a year she has become one of my closest, and I’m truly honored to stand by her as a bridesmaid on her special day🩷. We love the Bracken-Hugh’s!!!

Lauren Luhrs-Smith

My name is Lauren but I'm better known as Slots. I met Lauren in college at Sonoma State in 2018 when she was the president of Snow Club and I was a Sophomore. We met at a sloshball event but we didn't become close friends until a few months later. Together we have gotten ourselves into a lot of mischief and shenanigans over the years and every memory is full of laughter. I got to hear about Austin shortly after they met. It was obvious from the beginning they were meant for each other and I can't wait to celebrate their love! 

Lauren Slotsve

Arvind Dhananjayan - Senior Consultant, Hospital Finance, UCSF / UCLA / SCVMC.

Extremely lucky enough to meet Austin during the pandemic through Grady, and immediately ended up gaining a best friend. Spent many summer days tossing die together, discussing philosophies, and countless adventures around the country. And I am thrilled to have to been there the night Austin met Lauren!

Arvind Dhananjayan

Chase Hugh

Wedding Party

Q + A

Nearby Hotel Recommendations 

This resort is less than a 10 minute drive from our venue!

Pala Mesa Resort

This hotel is a 5 minute drive to our venue! Very close to the freeway as well for easy travel access.

Quality Inn Fallbrook I-15

Nearby Airports

For guests flying to our event (thank you so much!) we would recommend you fly into San Diego for the quickest travel from the airport to Escondido!

San Diego International Airport

This airport is a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from our venue!

John Wayne Airport

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Welcome Party

Wednesday 10.22.25 at 5:00pm

Bubba's Kitchen, Tap &amp; Sports Bar136 West Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA, 92025, United States

We're so excited to kick off our wedding weekend and would love for you to join us for a relaxed evening of BBQ, drinks, and good company! Come hang out, meet friends and family, and help us start the celebrations early.

Lauren & Austin