LOVE & LAUR

Days after her cover shoot, Riihimaki had another wedding occasion to look forward to: her engagement party. “This is my first foray into planning any kind of formal gathering, to be honest. Even with birthdays, it’s been like, ‘Hey, we’re playing beer pong in our backyard by our pool—come!’” she laughs. “This is a totally different thing. It’s been really exciting picking out the so much beauty in nature, plus it’s easy to have that backdrop of palm trees against string lights.” There will be fewer than 100 guests. “We both have small families,” she says. “That’s the advice everyone has given me: 100 is the perfect number in terms of being able to enjoy yourself and say hello to every guest.”

The dogs, “100 percent,” will have a role in the wedding. “I’ve already ordered four different colors of bow ties for Moose that hopefully will match the outfits for my cover shoot,” she says. “I’ve also seen these new companies pop up, like wedding dog concierge services…Honestly, we have so many friends and family members who would love to be the Moose and Diggy dogsitters of the wedding, but we want our guests to be as present as possible. We also want our dogs to be there. What’s the happy medium?”

Running a business has taught Riihimaki to be certain about her nos. “I did a video reacting to an old wedding Pinterest board and it was pretty cringey. It was relevant in the times of doughnut walls and Mason jars. It was very timely for what was trending at that time.” She will also skip the bridal shower and garter toss. (“Thinking about having to do that in front of my soon-to-be mother-in-law makes me want to put my head through a wall,” she deadpans.) “But I saw the viral video of a bride who tossed the cat plushie and the recipient had to adopt an animal. That obviously has more commitment to it, but there’s something fun we can incorporate that embraces customs and tradition, that has a more personal spin on it.” drink stirrers, finding a photo booth, working through florals and choosing a venue. It really does feel like a mini version of what the wedding will be.”

The Vendors

Venue: Eveleigh, Los Angeles Photographer: Sydney Jackson

Planner: Harlow Planning

Dress: Kim Kassas, Kinsley James, Los Angeles

She has a big announcement toward the end of our conversation. “I’m committing to color, 100 percent,” Riihimaki says. “I’m not someone who wears a ton of color, but I think about what my office looks like and there’s color everywhere. It’s spilling with color…Pouring over this decision of color or no color, color or neutral colors, or neutral tones [put it all into perspective]. My friends were like, ‘Lauren, look around. Look at your house. Look at your office and immediate spaces: There’s so much color and so much life breathed into every room through bright vibrant colors.’” Even if she hasn’t processed the connection, her proposed wedding palette of pinks, oranges, blues and purples is an extension of the sunset hues from Lewis’ proposal.

Creativity will be a common theme in Riihimaki’s wedding content, but it’s the power of being present that will shine on the day she exchanges vows. “I’m really excited about making DIY wedding and engagement content over the next year. I would love to be a source of inspiration,” she reflects. “Just having been a wedding guest and seeing my friends go through the wedding planning process, I’ve seen how emotionally and physically draining it can be. I am in a place where I’m able to have the luxury of having a planner who can help me through a lot of it. I plan on being really involved in the planning process and being a part of it. Very hands-on.”

In true LaurDIY fashion, she adds, “But I would love to be able to have little DIY moments.”

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STORY BY HANNAH NOWACK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE CHUNG

CREATIVE DIRECTION BY SARAH EVANS

STYLING BY SARAH SMART

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I N Bloom

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Colorful Cart

Every detail, even the transportation, matched the fun aesthetic. The couple arrived at the reception on a teal golf cart decked out with painted tin cans.