A Love Story Better Than Fiction | Maren + Joe

Maren and Joe’s love story is better than any storybook! These two met on a dating app and combined their love of books, food, and quirkiness for a bright and memorable wedding.

Maren + Joe

Maren and Joe were married on July 26, 2018, in the Provo City Center Utah Temple.

We met on Mutual, even though we had been in the same stake for years. I knew I was going to date him before we ever met. I knew I was going to marry him on the third date because he took me to the bookstore. I know, it’s totally typical Utah Mormon. But we are both a little bit older and I think we have things figured out I guess?

What did it mean for you to be married in the temple?

I have family who had been excommunicated and rebaptized, so having them there was wonderful. That was something that I wasn’t sure was going to happen. I always knew that I was going to get married in the temple anyway, but having important family members there was awesome. Repentance is a real and amazing thing.

What was wedding planning like for you?

I am not someone who has always had an ongoing Pinterest board of wedding plans, so when we got engaged I tried to make a list. I got overwhelmed really quickly. Then I panicked. Then my amazing fiance, now husband said he would do everything if I wanted him to. After that, I was able to calm down a lot, even though he did not do everything. Things went really well, but we didn’t do anything extravagant. The venue made that easy.

What were your wedding colors and/or theme?

Book wedding, with Coral and Aqua.

Describe your wedding style.

Super super simple.

LOOKING BACK, WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY ABOUT YOUR WEDDING PLANNING AND/OR WEDDING?

I would set a much more solid budget. We didn’t “go over” our budget, but I am not 100% sure how much we spent.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE LDS COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

1. Pick one thing you want to focus on for your planning, or one thing each. For example, I cared about photos, so that was my focus. I found a photographer I really liked and made sure to send her photos I wanted to emulate before our engagements, bridals and wedding day. This can also help you focus on your budget. My husband cared about food. He was in charge of finding a caterer. That way, we both had our thing that was most important, and we couldn’t blame one another if something wasn’t perfect, and if other things like flowers or centerpieces weren’t perfect, it wasn’t a big deal.

2. People will volunteer to help. Accept it. Even if it’s just saying “We could use some help taking things down at the end of the reception.” or “Wanna go with me and the other bridesmaids and get snow cones?”

3. Don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to. If you don’t want to throw a bouquet or have a cake, bridesmaids, favors, or even a reception, don’t. Have a taco truck if you want. We had a kid’s table with coloring pages and fruit snacks. Grown-ups sat there too. IT’S YOUR WEDDING. DO IT YOUR WAY.