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Weddings: Tamara and Austin: All thanks to a seating plan

A CAREER CENTER teacher saw the sparks when two of his students, Tamara Aunchman and Austin Brown, met in his classroom. Their relationship progressed over nine years, and it culminated Aug. 31 in this — a wedding in West Addison where they became Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Photo by Lilianne Hillsgrove/LPH Photography

Photo by Lilianne Hillsgrove/LPH Photography

Tamara Aunchman was a senior at Vergennes Union High School when she met a junior named Austin Brown in an engineering class at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center.

“We didn’t know each other at all beforehand but got seated next to each other,” Tamara recalled. “I think Jake (our teacher at the time) saw something, because we were then put in every single group project together. As the semester moved on, we began to date.

“And the rest is history. We’ve been together for nine years.”

Tamara admitted that she would be lying if she said she didn’t expect a proposal, when it came on Aug. 26, 2022, because they had been talking about it for a while.

Nevertheless, “It was definitely a surprise when it happened,” Tamara said. “Austin did say he was planning something at the end of the summer and to make sure I didn’t book anything on a certain weekend. I thought it may happen…”

Austin took Tamara to a Scotty McCreery concert, one of her favorite country singers.

“I figured that was my surprise,” she said. “I definitely didn’t expect him to propose too!”

While some couples find planning a wedding overwhelming, Tamara and Austin found it exciting.

“Don’t fret about all the small details. In the end, it’s your wedding day and it’s going to be the best day ever regardless if you have the perfect party favors or if something goes wrong the day of,” Tamara assured.

They originally planned to get married on a family farm in New Hampshire. But after going to visit and trying to make all the plans, Tamara and Austin realized it just wasn’t going to work because they had too many guests. So on a whim, nine months before the wedding and a year of planning, they pivoted and started looking for local places.

“That’s when we reached out to An Affair by The Lake,” Tamara said. “It was definitely meant to be, because they had our desired date available. When we went to visit it was a no brainer. Such a stunning location!”

One thing they made sure to do was to incorporate Tamara’s mom in the reception piece, since the father of the bride and mother of the groom already get special dances with their children during that phase of the day.

“So I dedicated my bouquet to my mother with a little speech,” Tamara said. “It was really special and I hope that others carry on the tradition.”

Family also came into play in another key moment.

The biggest surprise of the day was when Tamara’s brother Jacob was being introduced to the wedding party. The newly wedded Mr. and Mrs. Brown were introduced first at the reception, so that they could see the others’ entrances into the reception.

“Jacob came out wearing my bridesmaid’s dress and my bridesmaid in his tux,” Tamara said. “It was definitely the funniest surprise!”

One memory that Tamara and Austin will never forget is their special vows together.

“We opted to do them privately, which was so special,” Tamara said. “To do them alone, and really be present with each other.”

But also it was kind of funny because Austin ended up with laryngitis that morning. Probably from the lack of sleep and the excitement of everything going on. Maybe that made it more special when he soldiered on and delivered his promises aloud to Tamara.

“We won’t forget how horrible his voice sounded and we laugh about it,” Tamar said. “He actually was super thankful we did it privately, that way he didn’t have to strain or sound funny in front of 150 people — just me!

“The day goes by so fast — just cherish the moment and the memories!” she added.

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