We eloped!
On November 14, 2024, we married in a quaint and joy-filled service, witnessed by our parents, on the edge of the Willamette River. While we may have gotten married in a small way, we know we are generously supported by a wider community of wonderful people. Each of you has helped us grow into the individuals we are today and have played an integral role in the development of our relationship.
We’ve created this website to tell our story (thus far) and to show you how we deepened our commitment to Love on our wedding day.
Our Story
Meeting
One day in October of 2015, Lauren went to Revival Market in Houston to grab some lunch and get work done before hopping into a meeting with her clients from Blackwood Educational Land Institute. Michael sat in a corner seat eating a chili cheese dog and smiling.
After their eyes met several times, Michael leaned across the empty tables to ask Lauren for the wifi password.
“I don’t have it,” she said, “But I’d be willing to get it for you.”
Michael likes to say that after that day, he had “full access,” to her heart.
Dating?
The first three years of our relationship were a whirlwind of events, weddings, gatherings, shows and more. It’s hard to call it “dating.” It felt more like, from the start, we made an unspoken commitment to be there with and for each other as much as we could.
The three years after that were more of a test of our faith in ourselves and each other. We grappled with our fears when we faced addictions, low bank accounts and jobs we didn’t feel fulfilled by. We lived through a pandemic, a traumatic car accident and a subsequent move across the country. All of this made us a stronger couple and more sure of the Love we had for each other and the Love we were blessed with from God.
Engaging
For Thanksgiving 2021, we visited a friend in Bend, Oregon and ate a fabulous meal at her friend’s house. A friend who, it just so happened, sold estate jewelry on Etsy. Of course, the ladies all wanted to have a jewelry party, and Lauren found an opal ring that dazzled her.
After pulling a few tricks, Michael obtained the coveted ring. The next day on a hike on the Deschutes River, he got down on one knee and asked Lauren to marry him. She said yes!
It wasn’t until three more years had passed, with more joy and sorrow and transformations in between, that we were able to get to the…
Wedding Day
We held our wedding on the morning of November 14 at Oaks Pioneer Church in our neighborhood. We started our day at home and walked to the chapel together through the last leaves of fall; under a forgiving sky. (It had rained heavily every day up until our wedding!) At the chapel, we were greeted by our family and then sobbed our way through Celtic vows to each other. Afterward, we celebrated with sweetness at a neighborhood restaurant — Papa Haydn - and long, luxurious naps.
Gifts
We have lived together for about 8 years now and have more material things to support our lives than we probably need. A traditional registry just isn’t for us.
If you feel inclined to give us a gift to celebrate our union, would you be willing to send us funds for our first home purchase? We are building up an account that we can use for a down payment, renovations and any other expenses that come with our first house. We envision a property where we can invite you to take respite, eat good food, adventure and nourish your connection to the Earth. Your contributions to making this dream a reality are received with great humility and thanks.
1
Mail a check to:
Michael Perkins and Lauren Tennet
1415 SE Tacoma St.
Portland, OR 97202
2
Paypal us.
3
Venmo us.