Lauren Wakefield

I knelt down in the front to stay as hidden as possible. I didn’t want to interrupt anyone’s view of their day.  I watched Praveen make his way down the aisle with the biggest smile on his face.  Arm in arm with his mom and dad.  As sonja rounded the corner I could hear the sniffles of the bridesmaids behind me.  All crying tears of joy for their best friend.  I watched her father stare lovingly at her as they walked side by side.  Also letting a few tears of utter happiness fall for his little girl.  Finally…Sonja made her way to Praveen and he looked at her with this twinkle in his eye that was unmistakable.  The look of unconditional love.  As they walked up to the altar hand in hand, smiles and tears surrounded them.  And a few tears started to well up in my eyes.  Which if anyone knows me is very rare…but something about this day was different.  There was this happiness and love between them that could bring even the toughest to tears.  A happiness that was felt by every person there.  And a love that is and always will be absolutely beautiful.

 

Sonja and Praveen…I honestly don’t know how to put into words how thankful I am to have been a part of your day.  It was one of the most beautiful, moving, love-filled, fun days I have ever been a part of and it still gives me the warm and fuzzies when I think about it.  You are both such amazing and kind people and together you are truly the prefect couple.  Your families and friends are a testament to how exceptional you both are and I am SO grateful to have met you.  THANK YOU!  From the bottom of my heart.  Love you both!!!!!

 

A HUGE, ENORMOUS thank you to Tami Paige for driving to Iowa with me and completely rocking out this wedding!!!!!

And a giant thank you to all the vendors that made this day happen:

Venue: The RiverCenter  |  Hair/Makeup: Beauty ‘n the Bride  |  Florist: Milan Flower Shop – Damien  |  DJ: Shaadi Entertainment  |  Dress Brand: Modeca/Oriel

When I walked into Stefanie’s parent’s house…the girls weren’t back from the salon yet but all the little details screamed wedding.  The flowers waiting patiently on the table.  Her veil hung delicately on the door frame.  Every little corner and crevice was home to a little piece of the puzzle that made up Stefanie and Xan’s day.  And as the girl’s walked through the door I could feel the energy and excitement.  Stefanie was glowing from head to toe and I knew without a doubt that this wedding day was going to be nothing short of perfect.

 

Stefanie and Xan are the type of people that you just want to be around.  They are so thoughtful and kind…and know exactly how to have a great time.  They care so much about the people around them…and even more about each other.  There’s this sweetness between them that is so rare…and something that screams to the world just how perfect they are together.  And as all their family and friends gathered together to celebrate them…there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that their love was worth celebrating.

 

Stefanie and Xan…thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your big day.  You guys are so incredibly awesome and I feel so lucky to have gotten the chance to get to know you…and even more-so to document the happiest day of your life!  I wish you guys nothing but the absolute best…and know your life together is going to be nothing short of amazing.

 

As always, an ENORMOUS thanks to Tami Paige for second shooting with me!  I’m so lucky to have her!

And a big thanks to all the vendors that made this day happen:

Venue: Salvatore’s Chicago  |  Florist: A Stem Above  |  Hair: Thairapy Salon  |  Makeup: Emily Wolf  |  Cake: Cafe Selmarie |  DJ:  Style Matters