John and Lauren Waage

The air buzzed with excitement and joy radiated from every face in the room as Lauren and her bridesmaids prepared for the day. Many more friends and family filled the rooms of the little home, eagerly anticipating all that was to come. This was a day long awaited and each moment was worth savoring.
Lauren slipped into her dress and everyone gathered around to watch the final details settled into place. A zip here, a smoothing over there, a beautiful necklace clasped around her neck, a moment of peace between preparation with friends and seeing her groom for the first time. She was ready.
Our brides and grooms see one another before the wedding so we are always sure to have a “first meeting”. We are very adamant about keeping this as private as possible, giving our couples the chance to really have a moment just the two of them. But we always photograph it so they can share that joyful moment with family and friends later. It is often one of my favorite parts of the whole day! John and Lauren’s first meeting was sweet and SO JOYFUL! I’m fairly certain these two never stopped smiling throughout the day.
When John turned around to see Lauren walking toward him he couldn’t keep himself in place, he was too excited! She wasn’t wasting anytime in getting to him but he still took a few steps toward her to close that gap as fast as possible. Adorable.
As the day marched forward and John and Lauren joined their bridal party for more photographs, the joy and laughter only multiplied. Each friend they had invited to stand with them was clearly thrilled for these two and were enjoying every minute of the day! Lots of joking and laughter from the guys and those girls were absolutely beautiful in their dresses, squishing in close to keep each other warm in the cooling temperatures. The rain drops started falling as the last few photos were taken and we all ran for cover, laughing and ducking through the sprinkles.
There is always a pause, a breath before the ceremony. Hair and makeup is checked, dresses adjusted, suits straightened. Anticipation builds as the moment of celebration draws near.
And then it happens. He stands at the front, waiting for his bride. She glides down the aisle on her father’s arm, and in just a short few minutes they step up together, ready to pledge their lives to one another, ready to become husband and wife.
Every part of the ceremony is special to me. Seeing how each couple incorporates things that are meaningful to them, holding on to some tradition and adding their own special moments, is so unique and exciting. But no matter what, I am always a gushy romantic when it comes to that first kiss and the presenting of the new Mr. and Mrs.
I suppose it’s my general desire to cheer and laugh and smile and let excitement just spill out, but I love that part!! And I love the pure joy on their faces as they turn to family and friends and hear themselves presented as one unit. AHH! I just love it!
And then on to the celebration. John and Lauren danced the night away (especially Lauren! She rarely left that dance floor!) and stepped out into their new life through a sea of bright sparklers.

Congratulations, John and Lauren. We are overjoyed for you both and the beautiful new chapter you’ve started.