Date: July 30

Her story: Lauren Saval, 26, was born and raised in Baltimore. After two years in social work, she is now employed in her family's business, Saval Foodservice. Her parents, Jeffrey and Cindy Saval, live in Baltimore.

His story: Steve Soloduk, 26, was born in Vancouver, Wash., and raised in Herndon, Va. He works as a paramedic and firefighter for Prince William County, Va. His parents, Warren and Judith Soloduk, live in Herndon.

Their story: Lauren and Steve met in September 2008 as students at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va.

At first, the two were just friends — although there was an attraction.

“Initially I thought that [was] as far as the relationship would go, but it quickly flourished once we got to know each other better,” she said.

Their first date was in March 2010; they went to Outback Steakhouse.

“It was right around the corner from his apartment, and he absolutely loves their cheese fries,” Lauren said.

The couple live in Laurel.

The proposal: Steve proposed to Lauren on Oct. 10.

Lauren's siblings (her brother, Kevin, is in the Air Force in Texas and her sister, Cara, is a junior at the University of Richmond) were in town for the weekend. Steve knew the importance of family to Lauren, so he chose that weekend to pop the question.

Steve set up the proposal while Lauren was out of the house for the day with her family.

He carved a pumpkin with the words “Will You Marry Me?” He also adorned the home with rose petals and candles.

When Lauren returned home, Steve proposed. Both Lauren's and Steve's families were there to celebrate.

The venue: About 235 guests attended the wedding and reception at Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville.

Flowers and decor: The flowers were provided by Blue Vanda Designs. Blondell's Accent on Events handled the lighting.

Her dress: Lauren wore an ivory princess-cut dress made of tulle by Watters Bridal from Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection.

Bridesmaid dresses: The bridesmaids wore pewter gray dresses designed by Wtoo from Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection.

Men's attire: Steve and his groomsman wore traditional black tuxedos from Tuxedo House.

Music: Nocturne, a New York City band, provided the music. The couple's first dance was to “Stay With You” by John Legend.

Food and dessert: Woodholme Country Club catered the event. During the cocktail hour, guests ate lobster risotto and lamb chops. There was also a tequila bar. For dinner, guests chose from fish, steak or chicken, as well as a vegetarian dish.

Desserts included black-bottom Nutella-swirl cheesecake bites, salted caramel bars, mini hazelnut creme brulee, mini ice cream “chipwiches,” assorted cookies, and strawberry shortcakes in mini Mason jars. Debi's Cake Studio made the cake — a strawberry, lemon and yellow cake with buttercream icing.

Favors: The couple had a candy bar at the end of the reception.

Special touches: The couple plan to honeymoon in Italy.