Lauri and Mike : Wedding

The wedding dress. The moment she found it, Lauri was smitten with the lace, the beadwork, and the attention to detail. Everyone agreed it was the perfect accoutrement for such a perfect day, so Lauri ordered it and happily left the bridal store. A few short weeks before the wedding, the dress arrived, but when Lauri slipped into it, she could see her ankles. And a portion of her legs. Sort of like a bride waiting for a flood. Not panicked—Lauri employed deep breathing to remain calm—she ordered a new dress. A few short days before the wedding, the dress arrived with various colored lace—patches of beige, cream, vanilla—instead of the white she ordered. Deeper breaths ensued. Lauri’s aunt deconstructed the entire dress and dyed the pieces to match a couple days before the wedding and—much to Lauri’s delight—the wedding dress was perfect.

So perfect was the dress, tears fell from Mike’s face as he saw his bride for the first time. He choked sobs of joy and contentment as Lauri walked toward him, looking radiant and proudly beaming. The girl he met in college, the girl who stole his heart, the girl who makes him laugh, was the same girl walking toward him in a white dress. The perfect white dress.

The entire day was abuzz with happiness and rounds of lemoncello delight. Lauri and Mike spent the afternoon in each others’ arms and looked at each other only the way soul mates can. A look that pierces silence, the soul, and heart.

Lauri and Mike, thank you for inviting JD and me to experience your wedding—yes, truly experience your families, Philadelphia, and the love you both share. We were treated so well and felt like extended family member…thank you! I hope you’re enjoying the Mexican Riviera…there’s nothing like sipping on a frosted drink, on the beach, next to the person you love! Much Love and Appreciation…J*

While the girls were preparing at Lauri's house…

…JD was off with Mike and his father at the church…

I can't really remember, but I think Lauri may have been laughing at me when the priest motioned for me to sit down…as in, he lifted his hand at me and flicked it down a few times, as if motioning for me to turn off the hallway light. Bewildered, I sat down. East Coast priest don't play around with the Gospel! 🙂

The precious flower girl ready to ring in the newly married couple…

One thing I love about destination weddings is that I'm able to photograph in environments I'm not usually exposed to here in Orange County. Lauri made mention that Blue Bell, PA may not have as many backdrop choices as Southern California and I replied, You're Crazy! 🙂 JD and I loved shooting around the grounds of Byers Choice!

JD captured this shot…

When Lauri said she was willing to lay on the ground for pictures, I knew we were a perfect match! 🙂 On a sidenote, the dress was not damaged or ruined by laying down and I think Lauri and Mike look ultra fab!

A lemoncello bar…

The reception was held at Normandy Farm, and the reception hall is actually a refurbished silo…tres chic, no? 🙂

The First Dance…

And the reception would not be complete without an homage to Lauri and Mike's Italian heritage by singing That's Amore!

To view more of their wedding photos, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!