With gorgeous red hair and a laugh that lights up her entire face, Lauren began her wedding day in joyful anticipation of soon walking down the aisle to meet her future husband. With each detail carefully put in place, she was able to enjoy time with her sister/matron of honor, her niece, and her mom as the girls talked and laughed all morning.
Because Lauren and Andrew opted for a first look, they got to spend intimate time together before the ceremony - those are moments they never would have had otherwise, and they were both grateful to spend a few minutes alone. I always tell my couples to ignore the cameras for a few minutes, and they did just that. It takes a lot for me to tear up, but as both of them became emotional about what was coming that day, I wiped a few tears from my eyes just seeing their happiness together and love for each other.
From the beginning to the end, Lauren and Andrew's ceremony was about their faith in God and love for each other. When a rainstorm broke out in the middle of their day, there was no stress - just another moment stolen together for a sweet kiss in the rain.
Andrew and Lauren - how can I thank you for allowing me to witness the beginning of something so beautiful! You were both carefree, relaxed, and kind towards one another and towards me. Your wedding day was beautiful, and Lauren - you were a stunning bride. Yet I could tell none of that mattered as much as the marriage you were about to embark on. I'm so grateful to know you both, and I know your marriage will only gain strength each passing day.
Click here to see their sunrise engagement session at Christopher Newport University.
Lauren's bouquet of yellow sunflowers added such a bright pop to the day!
Lauren is a classically gorgeous bride!
And this is why I love first looks...Lauren and Andrew were both nervous, but all of the nerves went away when they were able to see each other just outside of the Mariner's Museum prior to the ceremony and spend a few moments alone together.
And because one kiss wasn't enough, Andrew and Lauren stopped on their way back down the aisle for a sweet moment together.
Their first dance as husband and wife...
...and then their friends joined them on the dance floor.
What do you do when it rains on your wedding day? If you're as easygoing and wonderful as Andrew and Lauren, you run out for a kiss in the midst of the stormy weather.
We stole a few minutes near the end of the day to capture more portraits for Andrew and Lauren. This is always one of my favorite parts of the day.
When it was time for them to leave, they broke out the sparklers...
...and Andrew and Lauren stopped for one final kiss on their way to their first days together as husband and wife.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to their big day!
Photography: Maria Grace Photography
Video: LNR Productions
Flowers: Pam Pollard's
Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal Boutique
Hair: Victoria's Day Spa
Ceremony/Reception: Mariner's Museum
Catering: Smoke BBQ
Cake/Cupcakes: The Fresh Market
DJ: Mixin Mike Productions
