Lauren Sparks & Chris Livingston
Our Story
Chris and I knew of one another and had met years before dating through mutual friends. We connected again over 4th of July weekend at the river 3 years ago. He had a cast but still shook it on the dance floor. If you have not seen Chris' moves- well then you are in for a serious treat at the wedding :) His current favorite is the "stanky leg". I fell in love with Chris' humor, his family and his heart.
Chris asked me to marry him on September 29, 2010. He popped the question on a cliff overlooking La Jolla. Just a few days before, we spent the weekend with my family in Seattle, Washington. I had a feeling he was going to do it then, and when he didn't...I figured he was not ready yet. (Turns out, he was ready- it was the ring which was not!) So imagine my surprise when only 3 days after returning home- he got down on one knee. While in Seattle, Chris asked my Dad his permission, which he gave. Thanks Dad :) Chris custom designed my wedding ring himself. It is perfect.
On the day he proposed...Chris made up some story about visiting our friends, Cameron and Myla, who live in La Jolla. After a few 'fake' phone calls to them about being on our way, we parked the car and got out. We walked to the cliff and waited for Cameron and his son to meet us. (Though they were never really coming).
I sometimes spoil surprises for myself. I just get so excited and can hardly wait for it!
So when Chris looked out across the horizon and said "Isn't this beautiful?"...I knew something was up. I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh, is he going to propose?!" He hugged me and I felt in his pockets for a ring :) But I didn't feel any box! I thought I did it discreetly, but Chris knew exactly what I had just done. Turns out I just hadn't felt low enough because the box was there.
So here I am, feeling a little let down again that this was not the moment either. Chris then pointed behind me to my right and said, "Isn't that La Jolla shores?". (This is a trick I fall for every time. Another one is "Hey is that your brother?" as he steals food from my plate.) As usual, I turned to look and when I flipped back around- Chris was down on one knee holding an opened box. He asked me to marry him and I will never know exactly what he said because I was so shocked and overwhelmed with happiness! I pulled him up and hugged him and I cried. "Well, yes then???", he said. I had forgotten to say yes!
Then we drove to have dinner at the same restaurant we had our first date at; The Green Flash in Pacific Beach. After dinner we walked to the same bench we sat on after our first date. We have history with this bench. When we sat there for the first time on our very first date, I told Chris why it would never work out with us. "You are too quiet", I said. Chris told me then that once I got to know him, I would feel differently. He was so right. He is more perfect than anyone else in this entire world and quiet is the last word to describe him. To be marrying him means all of my dreams are coming true.
Our Wedding
Our Ceremony and reception are being held at a custom estate in Indio, outside of Palm Springs. The bridal party will be staying onsite as the estate can accommodate us all. The boys will spend a couple of days leading up to the wedding riding dirt bikes, jumping bmx bikes into the private lake, and shooting paintball guns at one another at the home's paintball course. The girls will just lounge by the pool and try to relax!
Our Reception
Same site as the ceremony! No travel necessary!
Travel Arrangements
Chris and I have blocked hotel rooms at the following hotels:
Ask for the Livingston/Sparks wedding rate. Chris and I have arranged for a complimentary shuttle service to transport you to and from the wedding venue if you stay at one of these hotels. The shuttle schedule is as follows:
If you would like to bring a motorhome, you are welcome to park it at the estate. No hotel room necessary!
Complimentary valet service will also be provided.
A Special Message From Us
Chris and I are so honored that you will be spending this very special day with us! We look forward to seeing you and begining the rest of our lives as husband and wife together with you.