Real Weddings: Loren & Mark

Loren and Mark’s love story started like many modern romances do — through a dating app. Although Mark was nearly two weeks shy of falling out of Loren’s dating age range in her match criteria on Coffee Meets Bagel, destiny had other plans After a few days of messaging, both decided to give it a shot and they met for dinner. Their connection was immediate, and Loren, who does communications and public relations for Olay Skincare at Proctor & Gamble, and Mark, an operating engineer for Sam Adams Brewery, spent the next hours getting to know each other, leaving a lasting impression. For their second date, Loren, an alumna of the University of Michigan, went above and beyond for the man she already felt drawn to. Mark’s birthday was near, and Loren, who loves birthdays, planned a surprise for him. She took Mark, who attended St. Olaf College for his undergraduate degree, to the famous Cincinnati Italian restaurant, Sotto, for their renowned ricotta donuts and wine. It was on this special evening that they shared their first kiss, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Three years later, Mark proposed on a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in December of 2021. With a private, romantic setting overlooking the ocean, he got down on one knee and proposed whilst the sun was setting over the horizon. The couple celebrated with an intimate candlelit dinner. Loren and Mark planned a detail-oriented wedding in June 2023 in Cincinnati. Their hotel ballroom ceremony was officiated by a close friend, and Loren was walked down the aisle by her father. By the end of the reception the couple and their 97 guests were bringing down the house to Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” a song befitting of their origin story, having found love in a way that truly exceeded each of their expectations.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Cincinnati, OH

TIME OF YEAR: Summer

WEDDING STYLE: thoughtful,

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown

MENU: For the cocktail hour options included a cheese display, spanakopita, mini crab cakes, parmesan artichoke hearts, prosciutto & gorgonzola crostini with balsamic glaze, vegetable crudité and an assortment of dips. To begin the main course a mixed green salad with crumbled feta, dried cranberries along with a fresh roll, then the filet topped with merlot demi or a mushroom ravioli with brown butter sauce, sides served broccolini and mashed potatoes. Late night snacks were beef sliders and Impossible Burger sliders each with truffle fries, and complete with to-go boxes. Signature drinks in honor of Mark was an old fashioned while Loren’s drink was a mango margarita.

DESSERT: Wedding cake made of layers of lemon cake with lemon mousse filling and white cake with raspberry mousse filling all topped with white buttercream frosting.

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Kina Grannis

INSPIRATION: The couple wanted a vibe that felt classic and romantic

SPECIAL FEATURES: Live string quartet played; Loren had two roses embroidered on the overskirt of her gown in honor of her late grandma whose name was Rose, which is also Loren’s middle name; the couple’s dear friend served as the officiant; customized cocktail napkins featuring the couple’s dog Cooper; groom wore cufflinks that the bride gifted him for the wedding; guests received welcome bags; Loren wore personalized Air Force Ones for the reception

HONEYMOON: Bali, Indonesia

COLORS: