We had the most beautiful day with Nathan and Lauren this past weekend in Verona, PA! Nathan and Lauren are another one of my favorite couples who met in high-school. I have a special place in my heart for high-school sweethearts… My husband and I started dating when were 16 too! They shared their first date over a movie at Nathans parents house with his enormous family. He has many siblings! After 7 years of dating, Nathan surprised her on the beaches of Charleston, SC. He took her to a lighthouse at sunset, and set up 7 different roses on the beach for the 7 years they had been dating. When they got to the last rose, there was a beautiful lit up heart in the sand made out of flowers. He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him! So creative, and romantic. Good job Nathan! She immediately started crying, then he told her there was one more surprise. Her mom and sister jumped out of the bushes. He had invited them down without her knowing!
We started the day at Laurens parents house. Her mom had completely redone the getting ready room. The light was amazing, the walls were the perfect blush pink, and all of the decor and accents were so gorgeous. Just wait until you see the getting ready space! Light is absolutely everything in photography, so imagine how excited I was when I walked into this room. After everyone finished getting ready, Lauren and her dad shared their first look on the covered front porch. Lauren was crying instantly, and their moment together was so sweet.
We headed to the venue, (Shoutout to Laurens friends that gave us a ride, after some car troubles! I am happy to say, I am the proud owner of a new car after that craziness… Thank you ladies!) and arrived at the same time as the guys. Everyone got all of their finishing touches on, mascara, shoes, boutonnieres, and we set up Nathan for his first look with his bride. He waited on the stone patio in the back of the venue while she walked down the steps towards him. I can’t tell you enough how much I love first looks… Their time together was a breath of fresh air for both of them. Time to think, and enjoy a little quiet time before the ceremony. After we finished portrait time with the two of them, we headed to the ceremony site.
There was a flowing waterfall, thanks to all of the rain we’ve had! It was so stunning, I just stopped in my tracks when we walked up. Laurens father not only walked her down the aisle and gave her away, he also married the two of them. That was a first for me! What an amazing memory to have, your own father marrying you and your husband. This was just too sweet. He reminisced about his time at school seeing Lauren and Nathan first spending time with each other in the bustling halls between classes. After they exchanged vows and rings, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife! My favorite part!
As the guests headed to the venue, we took family portraits by the waterfall, and then bridal party portraits. After that, we got ready for their grand entrance down the steps of the back deck. They had an amazing reception space, and the table settings were absolutely stunning. There were so many people on the dance floor after dinner! The DJ was fantastic! He told me this was his last wedding, as he was handing the torch down to his son to take over the family business. So, he went out with a bang on his last wedding. He did a great job keeping guests dancing, and entertained!
All in all, we had an amazing day. The weather was perfect, it never rained, everyone was so sweet an accommodating. There was never an ounce of stress anywhere from anyone. Nathan and Lauren have 2 amazing families, and I was so honored to see them come together as one at this wedding!
Nathan and Lauren, I love how down to earth, committed, and all around amazing you two are. You are truly meant for each other, and you are both so blessed. I know you will have so many happy years ahead of you, and I can’t wait to see you grow as a couple! Congratulations, and thank you for letting me in on such an important day!
XO-Jaclyn
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: JACLYN ANDERSON, J.JAE PHOTOGRAPHY
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: KAREN PLATE, KAREN PLATE PHOTOGRAPHY
VENUE: SPRINGWOOD CONFERENCE CENTER, VERONA PA
DRESS DESIGNER: STELLA YORK | EXQUISITE BRIDE, PITTSBURGH, PA
TUXEDOS: TUXEDO JUNCTION, CRANBERRY, PA
FLORALS: SPRINGWOOD CONFERENCE CENTER | JOAN
CAKE: BETHEL BAKERY, BETHEL PARK, PA
HAIRSTYLIST: HAIR BY BRI, PITTSBURGH, PA
MAKEUP: MAKEUP BY CAROLINE | SISTER OF THE BRIDE
DJ: DJ MASTER GEE
Categories: Uncategorized, Weddings
