LAUREN + NICHOLAS MARRIED

This week has gone by in a New York minute.  I have been very excited to share this wedding with all of you for multiple reasons.  For starters, the bride and groom are both in the Air Force.  I have much respect for our military.  I also found out that Lauren’s sister Jennifer and brother Paul are both in the Air Force as well.  We got to hear a pretty great story about when Lauren first starting dating Nicholas from her sister’s toast.  Loved it!  I first spoke with Nicholas in February.  They were planning a wedding then suddenly Lauren was sent to Mississippi for work and was putting a bit of a dent in their planning.  As you can see from their wedding, all of their hard work paid off.  It was absolutely a wonderful day.

Lauren and her bridesmaids were easy breezy getting ready in the information center next to the Bella Donna Chapel.  Drinking mimosa’s and having a blast, getting their hair and makeup done by the wonderful WZ Beauty Studio.  Wendy and Montana are amazing at what they do.  We have actually worked together before so it was really awesome getting to see them again.  There was so much natural light coming in through the windows that overlooked a reservoir.  Have I ever told you how much I love the water?!  🙂  We were able to sneak away when everyone was ready for about 20 minutes to take bridal portraits before I headed over to meet the guys.  All the ladies and I walked down to the walkway beneath the street.  It was nice, shaded, and a beautiful backdrop for this fun group of girls.

The guys were just down the road in a reality space that is owned by Nicholas’s brother Raymond.  Which was perfectly located next to the reception location, The Sanctuary.  They arrived about an hour and a half before the ceremony and were having a ball when I got there.  They had me laughing quite a bit.  You can tell that they have much love for Nicholas.  A few portraits with them as well and we were headed to the chapel!

The ceremony was at the beautiful Bella Donna Chapel in McKinney, TX.  This was my first time here and it was amazing to see in person.  Again, just beautiful natural light pouring in and simply illuminating.  A photographers dream!  Lauren was walked down the aisle by her Uncle and her mom Janet, met them both at the center to give her away to Nicholas.  It was very sweet.   The Priest was such a character and had them both laughing a few times.  A perfect ceremony!  At the end of the ceremony, everyone gathered outside to watch Lauren + Nicholas ring the chapel bells.

Everyone headed over to the Sanctuary for cocktail hour while Lauren + Nicholas spend a few minutes with each other for a few portraits.  I love this time we get to spend with each other.  It’s the first moments they spend together without all the hustle.  I love love love this.

We walked over to the Sanctuary where their family and friends were ready for their return.  Prime Rib and Chicken were served as well as a fabulous salad.  The staff at the Sanctuary was on top of everything.  They made the guests feel well taken care of.

Toasts, tosses, cake, and dancing was had by all.  Of course, it all goes by so fast.  Before you knew it, Lauren + Nicholas were sharing their last dance of the night.  They were showered with bubbles as they walked to their Limo.  Congratulations to Lauren + Nicholas.  I was honored to be a part of their wedding day.  I truly am blessed to get to celebrate with couples for a living.

Ceremony Venue – Bella Donna Chapel – belladonnachapel.com
Reception Venue – The Sanctuary  – thesanctuarymckinney.com
Hair & Makeup Artists – WZ Beauty Studio – Wendy Zerrudo &  Montana Rae – makeupbywendyzerrudo.com
DJ – Frankee Bratcher – bustamovedjservice.com
Cake Artist – Sweet Art Bakery – sweetartbakery.com
Coordinator & Caterer – Starling Events & Catering – sterlingeventsmckinney.com
Tuxes – Men’s Warehouse – menswearhouse.com
Bridesmaid Dresses – Alfred Angelo – alfredangelo.com
Wedding Dress – Maggie Sottero – maggiesottero.com