How to Make Your Day and Dance Authentically Yours - Connor & Laura's Wedding at the University of Oregon

September 18, 2025

How to Make Your Day and Dance Authentically Yours - Connor & Laura's Wedding at the University of Oregon

Bride and groom pose with Oregon Duck at Wedding Reception

When I started working with Connor and Laura, I knew nothing about them. Laura booked with me uncharacteristically early which I now believe is due to her love of dancing. Even though neither bride nor groom had previous formal dance experience, I would later find out that they both loved to get down on the dance floor.

We hit it off right away and had many things in common. The big ones being that they were both graduates from the University of Oregon (also my alma mater - Go Ducks!) and had similar interests in music. They chose to dance their first dance to "Diamonds and Gasoline" by the Turnpike Troubadours and when I heard they were dancing to this song I immediately thought of my husband, who's a big fan of this band. Then, knowing that they were fans of this style of music, I said "hey, did you hear about the Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan concert that's happening this spring?" They had tickets already, they said, and so did we - but at different venues. But the venue they were going to I had been at the spring before, and saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers play. "We were there too" they said.

Having all these similar interests meant that our lessons were relaxed and filled with great conversation. But on top of that I really admired how true all the wedding details were to Connor & Laura. They were actually already married, but threw this huge party to say their vows once again in front of family and friends and to celebrate their nuptials with the ones they love the most. So amongst all the traditions, expectations and pressures that often come along with a wedding, how do you stay true to yourself? Here are some tips for keeping your wedding day (and dance) authentic:

1. Choose a venue/location for your wedding that reflects who you are. Really into camping and nature? Say "I do" at a camp or lodge. Love art? Get hitched at a museum. I even saw a wedding this summer that happened during the Rose Festival Parade (you can watch a video from it here ). No matter your jam, make sure your venue feels like YOU in a space where you feel most comfortable and at home.

2. Really examine every aspect of your wedding day and ask yourself "do I like this?" or more importantly "do we like this?" For example for my wedding we had cupcakes instead of a cake, and my husband chose one flavor that was his favorite and I chose the other one. Maybe ice cream is more of your thing? Or pie? Attending a wedding where a couple's preferences are on display isn't being picky - it's incorporating your personalities into your special day and that makes the day even more about you.

3.And saving the best for last - your first dance song! It's obvious to say you should pick a song you like, but let's go one step further than that. Maybe pick a song or artist that brings up a feeling from a certain moment or memory in your relationship. Think about the song tempo you're choosing and ask yourself: "does this tempo reflect who were are?" Anytime I get a couple coming in to take lessons from me who chooses a fast song, for example, I often find myself saying before I meet them "gee, I sure hope they're fun". Because if you're a mellow, laid back couple trying to do a super fast song then it's not going to be a fit. Also choose a song you're ok with listening to A LOT, because if you're practicing your dance as much as you should be you might get sick of it as you approach your wedding date, but then you'll fall in love with it all over again in the moment.

Connor & Laura held nothing back when it came to their fiesta - including their first dance, which they performed the best time ever. Loved working with these two. Enjoy some more pics of their dance (and killer reception dance party!) below