Welcome Party

Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar

Rehearsal Dinner

Hilton Columbus Downtown

Wedding Rehearsal

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Post-Wedding Brunch

Our Wedding

It Started with a Swipe

Exhausted with the Columbus dating scene, Lauren graciously replied back to Jake's Bumble message in late June 2023. Their mutual curiosity of the world was one of the first things they bonded over. After talking about their Bucket Lists and a shared desire of visiting Asia, Jake invited Lauren out to Min-Ga, a local Korean restaurant. Their first date was on July 1, 2023. After that night, Jake &amp; Lauren have been inseparable. In their time together, Jake and Lauren have started a home, travelled across the country multiple times, been to three continents, six countries, and have kissed in two oceans. Jake even got Lauren to try fish... once... on the promise he'd never do it again. As we look to our upcoming ceremony and the life we'll build together, we can't tell you how thrilled we are to have you with us. Even if you are unable to attend, we look forward to having you in our lives now and always. We felt it was appropriate for each of us to write a personal note about when we knew we knew we loved one another:

Jake's Story

I knew I loved Lauren back on one of our first dates at Barcelona. She was taking her time describing her former commute to Hudson Yards when she worked in New York, complete with rearranging the salt, pepper, and sugar on the table to make a crude map of the High Line. Up until that point, I had never met a woman that was not only so strong-willed, but passionate about where she's been and where she wants to go. Lauren's drive, intellect, and desire to get out of her comfort zone and do new things were intoxicating. I saved my first and only "I Love You" for the woman I wanted to marry. On December 13th, 2023, I told Lauren I loved her and, in a way, that I already knew she was The One. As we continue to learn and grow together, I cannot be more excited for the things to come. Through the good times and the bad, you've always been there for me and have endlessly supported me. I used to hear this growing up, but never really understood the phrase "You'll know when you've met the right person" until I met you. From the Northern Lights to Taiwanese jungles, temples, and, unfortunately, an overnight stay on the floor of Terminal 4 at JFK, we've already seen and done so much. I can't be happier than when I proposed, you were so excited you didn't even let me finish asking for your hand in marriage before you shouted "Yes!". I love you so much, baby. Here's to the rest of the world and the rest of our lives. Together.

Lauren’s Story

A few weeks after the date at Barcelona, Jake left to go to Mexico for a week and a half to celebrate his brother, David, passing the Bar. As they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder and that was certainly true for me. On top of missing him while he was gone, Jake had just passed a test he didn’t know was coming with flying colors. Despite me not telling my family that we were dating, they had secretly known about his existence since the beginning. He was shockingly calm and not phased when I told him they had been tracking my location and knew about every date we had been on in addition to his voting record, work history, and phone number.&nbsp; Between being able to handle the curveballs from my family and leaving to go on a vacation without me, I knew I had found the one. Once I knew, I had to jump straight into logistics and ask Jake to move in with me, giving him almost six months’ notice before his lease was up. Amongst many other traits, I am very grateful that I found someone more romantic than me.&nbsp; I am so thankful how compatible we are living together and as travel partners. You’re always able to calm me down and make me feel better. You constantly spoil me whether it’s bringing home flowers or cooking me dinner. I look forward to all the major milestones that lie ahead with you and can’t wait to see what the future brings. I love you!

Our Story

Our Engagement

Under the Northern Lights

Hafnarfjörður, Iceland

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Photos

Jake's best (and only) brother. The only person in the world Jake refuses to argue with.

David Kramer

Lauren's younger sister who grew up always wanting to do or wear whatever her big sister did. While Lauren can't say she felt the same way growing up, she will look to her younger sister for advice on how to throw one hell of a wedding celebration!

Alicia Tamarkin

Jake's best friend since the fifth grade. Incredibly kind, welcoming, and dependable. Just make sure you keep an eye on him when he's playing a board game.

Byron Buonamici

Lauren’s cousin and exploring, Broadway going, restaurant trying, and celebrity spotting partner during their time living in New York City. 

Sarah Tamarkin 

Jake's friend since the fifth grade. Always center of the party, Marko's kindness shows through in taking in stray cats off the street. He's so dedicated to cats even his wife is named Cat.

Marko Skugor

Lauren's friend since fourth grade. Annie was Lauren's first travel partner before she met Jake. Together they've traveled throughout Europe and to Hawaii and Japan. 

Annie Carruthers 

Jake's friend since the ninth grade. Known for his laugh and his love of Adidas tracksuits. Jake and Chris also met in the fifth grade, but Jake didn't like sharing a music stand with him in Band. Jake got over it.... eventually.

Chris Kuhlow

Lauren and Kristie bonded as the two varsity field hockey goalies in high school. After discovering a mutual love of Disney movies, they "starred" in their school's production of High School Musical together and then were roommates as they both worked at Disney World.

Kristie Bennett

Jake's friend since high school. Father of a small zoo of animals and lead singer of a local heavy metal band. Will always duet with you in karaoke.

Paul Kahan

After years of knowing of each other through middle school dances and driver's ed classes, Lauren and Kate became friends their freshman year of college. They attribute their years of friendship for their parents' now years of friendship. 

Kate Vorys 

David's partner for over 15 years now, which is quite a feat when you're barely 30. Jay's been a part of the family for almost as long as David has.

Jay Lee

Lauren and Abi met at orientation before starting their freshman year. They loved living in New York City at the same time in their 20s and have a special ability to convince the other one that any weird idea is actually a really good one.

Abi Imperati 

Jake's sister he never had. Jake and Michelle grew up on the same street together and have been in each other's lives since Arthur Road Kindergarten.

Michelle Robertson

Lauren and Alice met as hall mates their freshman year of college. They've quickly bonded over their love of reality tv and their ability to sleep in well past the AM hours. At least they still enjoy one of those things.

Alice Wang 

Jake's soon to be brother-in-law and husband of Alicia Tamarkin. Rick paved the way for Jake to join the Tamarkin family, something Jake will forever be grateful for. Jake didn't get nearly the interrogation Rick did.

Rick McKenney

As of April, Maria is the newest member of the Tamarkin family having married Matt. Lauren is thrilled Matt found someone who can convince him to try vegetables and doesn't wait on him hand and foot. 

Maria Tamarkin

Lauren's brother and Jake's soon to be brother-in-law. Matt was the first person Jake told about his intentions to marry Lauren and sought his guidance on how to do it. Considering we're here right now, Matt gives some great advice.

Matt Tamarkin

Wedding Party

Q + A

Everything will be centrally located at or around the hotel. Columbus lacks major public transit, so expect to rideshare if you won't have a car. The link below is to book the hotel through the room block. If you prefer to call to book the hotel, the number is&nbsp;1-855-217-8251 and the group code is TKWED.

For those of you coming a long way, we couldn't be happier you're making the trip to join us.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Travel

The Short North Arts District is a pretty cool place full of local galleries, busy restaurants, and local shops. If you wish to brave the Ohio winter, this place has some great places just to hang out. You can also meet Lauren's first love, Sweetgreen, at the address provided in the description.

Short North Arts District

One of our favorite places in the city, especially for date night. The Franklin Park Conservatory is a brief drive (10-15 minutes), but well worth it if you get in early.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Another brief drive (5-10 minutes) away from the hotel, the Columbus Museum of Art has travelling exhibitions and some good exhibits.

Columbus Museum of Art

If you want something truly unique, COSI is our local science museum. Very fun to get lost in the day in and 100% inside.

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Columbus's world-famous food hall. If you're looking for a good lunch a couple of blocks away, this is your place. We both recommend Hoya's (Somali) and Momo Ghar (Nepalese).

North Market Downtown

The location of Jake &amp; Lauren's first date. They have a recurring date there every July First.

Min-Ga Korean Restaurant

If you read Our Story, this is one of our favorite restaurants in Columbus. If you find yourself in Columbus when it's nice out, definitely wait for the patio, it's worth it.

J&L

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception