A Winter Wonderland Wedding: Tara & Trevor at St. Ambrose & Williams on the Lake

Stories Forever Weddings

Feb 3, 2025

4 min read

Updated: Oct 29

Tara & Trevor, now Mr. & Mrs. Lauten, met at Disney World, and their story led them to a Christmas wedding in Ohio: a ceremony at St. Ambrose Church in Brunswick, where Tara grew up, blue-hour portraits on Medina Square, and a reception at Williams on the Lake in Medina. It was a cold, clear winter day, and one we were honored to photograph and film.

Watch Tara & Trevor's Wedding Film

Getting Ready at St. Ambrose Church

The wedding day began at St. Ambrose, a place deeply special to Tara, having grown up there and spent so much time in its community. Starting her day surrounded by family and friends in such a meaningful setting made it all the more unforgettable, as the church was a cornerstone of her life and memories.

A First Look with Their Parents

The couple’s decision to share a first look with their parents at St. Ambrose was a deeply emotional moment, one brimming with love, gratitude, and a profound sense of connection. Filled with joy and tears, those precious moments will forever be treasured, growing even more meaningful in the years to come as a testament to the deep, unbreakable bond they share with their families.

The Ceremony at St. Ambrose

Their wedding ceremony was beautiful and full of heartfelt moments. Father Bob played a special role, bringing a personal touch to the occasion with his words. He spoke warmly about his years of knowing Tara, sharing cherished memories and how he had witnessed her growth. It was clear that his connection to the couple ran deep, and as he gave his blessing, it felt as though he was not only officiating the ceremony but also offering his own heartfelt support and love to the couple, marking the day with a sense of spiritual warmth and personal meaning.

A First Touch Through the Door

Before the ceremony, Tara & Trevor shared a touching first touch, standing on opposite sides of a door, their hands reaching out to connect. With their hands clasped through the door, they read their vows to each other, their words full of love, hope, and promise. This intimate moment, held just between the two of them, allowed them to share their most personal feelings and deepen their bond before stepping into the ceremony. It was a beautiful, quiet exchange that set the tone for the rest of their special day.

Tara & Trevor at the altar during their ceremony at St. Ambrose Church in Brunswick, Ohio

Looking down the aisle of St. Ambrose Church during Tara & Trevor's ceremony

Tara & Trevor at the altar of St. Ambrose Church, seen past their guests in the pews — One of our favorite photos. The wedding ceremony from the perspective of Tara's parents.

Tara & Trevor with their bridal party in red dresses outside St. Ambrose Church beside a Christmas tree

The Bridal Party Meets an Ohio Winter

Tara & Trevor’s bridal party braved the freezing cold with grace and excitement. Many of them were from Florida, so they got a true introduction to Ohio winter, and despite the chill, they embraced the moment with smiles and laughter.

Tara & Trevor's bridal party raising their arms around the couple outside the church

Blue Hour on Medina Square

After the ceremony, Tara & Trevor made their way to the Medina Square, where the magic of winter surrounded them. The crisp air and soft glow of the season created the perfect backdrop for their love story. They had thoughtfully planned their photos to capture the beauty of blue hour, that special time just before dusk when the sky is painted in deep blues. The winter chill didn’t dampen the warmth between them; instead, it added a touch of magic to every shot.

Tara & Trevor under the lit gazebo on Medina Square at blue hour

Trevor kissing Tara under the Christmas-lit gazebo on Medina Square

Tara & Trevor kissing beneath the lit gazebo on Medina Square at dusk

Tara & Trevor at blue hour on Medina Square with a lit historic building behind them

The Reception at Williams on the Lake

Tara & Trevor’s reception was at Williams on the Lake in Medina. They brought an incredible energy to it, filling the room with fun and excitement from start to finish. Their enthusiasm made everyone feel like part of the celebration. Whether they were on the dance floor, laughing with guests, or sharing a quiet moment together, their joy was easy to see. The evening was a reflection of their playful spirits and love for life, and it had everyone smiling and dancing late into the night.

Tara & Trevor with family on the dance floor at Williams on the Lake in Medina

A Dance with All Their Parents

Tara & Trevor shared a special dance with all of their parents, and it was one of the most fun moments of the night!

Tara & Trevor dancing with their parents at their reception at Williams on the Lake

Trevor dipping Tara on the dance floor at Williams on the Lake

Guests filling the dance floor around Tara & Trevor at Williams on the Lake

A Dream Winter Wedding

Tara lived her dream winter wedding, surrounded by love, laughter, and the magic of the season. As the night went on, she and Trevor danced the night away, celebrating the start of their forever. We are so grateful to have gotten to know this incredible couple and to have had the honor of telling their love story through our photos and videos. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony: St. Ambrose Church, Brunswick, Ohio

Reception: Williams on the Lake, Medina, Ohio (@williamsonthelake)

Blue-hour portraits: Medina Square, Medina, Ohio

Photography & Film: Stories Forever Weddings (@storiesforeverweddings)

Planning Your Own Winter Wedding in Ohio?

Your wedding day happens once, and capturing it is what we do. If you're dreaming of a wedding film or photography that tells your love story, Stories Forever Weddings is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us to learn more about our photo and video coverage, and let’s create something you'll keep forever.

See our photo + video packages, browse the venues we've worked at, read what wedding photo and video costs in Ohio, or check your date. Planning a fall wedding instead? See Katie & Trent at Tudor House at Mason's Cove.