How did you meet?
We met in October of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic on a dating app called Coffee Meets Bagel.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
When getting to know each other (aka playing Jewish geography), it didn’t seem like we had too many friends or acquaintances in common, but it became apparent we had so much overlap in our lives. For example, I (Lauren) went on USY on Wheels the summer of 2005, and Garret went the following summer. Another funny instance was Garret always had his birthday celebration (which is three days after mine) at a bar called Drexler’s. One year when trying to rent out space for his birthday, they said it wasn’t available. Guess who had rented the space for their birthday already? Yes, me. Our lives somehow were always circling around one another but it took an app to actually get us together.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
Three-and-a-half years
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Lauren: I don’t have an exact moment in time, but I just knew as we progressed in our relationship that this was the person I wanted to be with. We share similar values, we both want to have a Jewish household and we are always laughing together. I knew he was going to be a great longterm partner and eventually father.
Garret: While there were many little moments that made me know she was the one, I knew I loved her only a few months into dating. Specifically, one night after we had dinner, I was cleaning the dishes in the kitchen, and managed to badly cut myself while cleaning my knife and needed to go to the ER ASAP. It was already late at night and just before this, Lauren was getting ready to go home, but insisted she take me to the ER to stay and help me – and even offered to hold my hand during stitches. I remember thinking how even though we had only known each other for such a short time, her willingness to be there with me, show support and even sacrifice a good night’s sleep revealed so much of her character and who she was. From then, I knew she would be someone I could always rely on and be there in times of need. That’s exactly what I wanted in my partner in life.
What was the best part of wedding planning?
We loved exploring all the different venues Cleveland has to offer. While we ultimately decided on the Cleveland Museum of Art, which was incredible, it was amazing to see just how many special venues there were around the city. Also, we’d be remiss not mentioning the tasting – who doesn’t love that?
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
We wanted everything to go perfectly. However, we were told there was always going to be something – it was never going to be 100% perfect, and to just relish in the moment. We both adhered to that advice and had the best night of our lives.
Were there any conflicts between the two of you or your families in the planning process? Did either of you have to make any sacrifices?
No conflicts, and we appreciated all of Garret’s family making the trip from New Jersey and New York to Cleveland for the big day.
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding or partnership?
We kept our ceremony traditionally conservative, which was important to us. However, we incorporated a lot of family heirlooms, like my great-grandmother’s handkerchief, which has been carried down the aisle by 90 brides previously (Lauren was the 91st) as well as Garret’s grandfathers tallis. It made our ceremony that much more special.
What else was unique about your wedding?
The Cleveland Museum of Art was absolutely fantastic and is such a big, breathtaking space. While we had a sizable (200-plus people) wedding, it was important for us to make the night feel intimate and communal. We chose to have long tables only for the reception, which was a first for the museum and allowed for people who may not know one another to meet and make new connections. We received a ton of feedback from our friends that they made new friends throughout the weekend, which was incredible since we always love bringing people together.
“With many friends coming in from out of town, we wanted to highlight the unique charm of Cleveland, and what better way to do that than by having your wedding at the Cleveland Museum of Art. From Lauren’s grand entrance down the museum stairs to the striking room configuration featuring long tables – a first for the museum’s event team – to the food and the band, it was a night to remember with all the out-of-town guests left loving The Land.”
– Lauren & Garret
Lauren Borsetin & Garret Ohringer
Wedding Day
June 9, 2024
Cleveland Museum of Art
Today
Ages: 34 & 33
Residence: New York City
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Planning
Engagement: June 16, 2023
Officiant: Rabbi Sharon Young Marcus of Park Synagogue
Wedding colors: Black, bone, gray, white
Dress/veil: KYHA Studios
Wedding rings: Mark Matusoff, Stanley & Son
Jewelry: Patty Chaitoff
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Hair: Shannon Hammond and Katie Denigris, HoneyRose Beauty Co.
Makeup: Chrissy Hart, Cleveland Beauty Collective
Groom’s formalwear: Knot Standard
Bouquet/flowers/chuppah: Plantscaping & Blooms
Ketubah: Ketubah.com
Photographer: David Swidrak, SWIDRAK & CO.
Videographer: Studio 213 Films
Planner/consultant: Allison Miller, Allison Cross Weddings & Events
Reception: Cleveland Museum of Art
Cake/Sweets: By Cenza Cake Studio
Catering: Bon Appetit
Rehearsal dinner: Bartleby in Cleveland
Invitations/stationery: Jodi Kennedy, Plume & Paper
Music/entertainment: Opulence Band
Rentals: Event Source and All Occasions Party Rental
Accommodations: Westin, Ritz-Carlton and Hilton hotels
Registries: Bloomingdale’s, Amazon and La Bella Vita
Honeymoon: New Zealand and Australia
Extras: Oil painter Grace Schlea captured the first dance in real-time