From eighth-grade science class to senior prom and a LDR spanning their college years, Lauren Almonte and Khalil Johnson orbited each other inexorably until Khalil won her hand with an elaborate scheme to propose on a wooded trail surrounded by their families.
Two years' worth of perfect plans went out the window when COVID hit, but they chose to seize the day. Living in California, they turned the trip across country from a single day's travel to a safer road trip. Their micro fairy-tale wedding in the Pocono mountains accommodated a blended family with a bilingual ceremony, and boxed to-go dinners made feasting safe as well as special. Despite the tweaks, the soul of the event was unchanged, and Khalil and Lauren danced their first dance to the same song they swayed to at senior prom, thankful for such a beautiful experience in the midst of tragic times.
Photography: Dearly Beloved Weddings
Venue: Promise Ridge, Stroudsburg
Catering: Chef Kara Snyder, Stroudsburg
Cake: Nutmeg Cake Design, Manayunk
Dresses/Tuxes: Le Bella Donna Bridal & Formalwear Boutique, Jenkintown
Hair & Makeup: Cheers 2 U Events, Warminster
Rings: Helzberg Diamonds, Roseville, CA
Flowers: Fabufloras Design, Philadelphia
Videographer: Dearly Beloved Weddings, Bethlehem
