Lauren Wakefield

 

The ceremony was just wrapping up and all the guests were making their way outside for the grand exit.  It had been on the verge of raining all morning.  Drizzling on and off.  But everyone had high hopes that the rain would go away at the exact perfect time.  As everyone huddled under umbrellas and prepared their bubbles…behind us a beautiful rainbow appeared.  Arching all the way across the sky as if Mother Nature was saying…I saved this for just the exact perfect time.  As Meg and Martin ran through a sea of bubbles…the skies parted and the sunshine gave us a little high five.  Proving once again that what is meant to be will be…and making their day even more perfect than it already was.

 

Meg and Martin…thank you for including me in such an important day in you lives.  Rain or shine…it was truly an amazing day.  I love you guys to death and am so grateful to have gotten to know you!  Congrats again!!!!!!

 

A HUGE thank you to my second shooter, Audrey!

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

Florist: Rachel Wyffels – Life in Bloom  |  Venue: Butterfield Country Club  |  DJ/Band: Style Matters & Lisa Martirena and Mike Vanier  |  Dress brand: Hayley Paige  |  Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s  |  Makeup: Joey Claeyssen  |  Hair: Abbey Millard – Big Day by Abbey

 

 

I honestly can’t say enough great things about Shawn and Kevin.  From the first time we met over a few glasses of wine…to their insanely awesome engagement session in the middle of a full blown blizzard…I knew they were my kind of people.  Even in negative temps and snow swirling around us they never stopped laughing.  Up for anything and enjoying every second if it.  Because that’s just who they are.  They are the kind of people you want to be around.  They care so much about the people around them and have a heck of a lot of fun while doing it.  So it was no surprise to me that their wedding day was exactly that.  Full of so much love and laughter and a heck of a lot of fun.

 

Shawn and Kevin…thank you for being so awesome and making me feel so lucky to do what I do.  I am so grateful I got to be a part of your big day and have no doubt your life will be full of so much happiness!  Love you guys!!! 🙂

 

 

A HUGE thank you to my second shooter, Beth Decaluwe!  I couldn’t have done it without her!

And another big thank you to all the vendors that made this day possible:

Wedding Day of Coordinator: A Family Affair to Remember  |  Florist: Fasan Florist  |  Venue: The Westin River North  |  Band: Bluewater Kings Band  |  Dress brand: Katie May Bridal  |  Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s  |  Videographer: Imagination Designers  |  Hair & Makeup: Reiman Condron Beauty

 

Oh where do I even start…

I knew from the second I met her this was meant to be. Jenna is one of the kindest, more genuine people I know and she is just so incredibly beautiful on the inside and out.  And when I met Macey for the first time it just made sense. It was so very obvious how these two fit together perfectly in every single way.  It’s like being around them just reminds you what love is supposed to feel like.  And if you ask me…it’s incredibly inspiring.

 

Fast forward to their wedding day and it was pure magic.  It was forecasted to rain all day…which wasn’t ideal for their outdoor barn wedding. The morning was rainy and full of gloom. But just like magic the skies parted and it turned into the most beautiful, sunny day that was nothing short of perfection. But that’s Jenna and Macey. Rolling with the punches because they have no doubt that together, everything will be perfect.

 

Jenna and Macey…I cannot put into words how much I love you guys. You are the reason I love my job so much and I am forever grateful to have you both in my life. Thank you for trusting me with the most important day of your life…it was honestly perfect.  Here’s to many double date nights ahead…because you know you can’t get rid of me that easy. 😉 #hoohoohooosiers <3

 

We took some photos around the IU campus before heading to the venue and there was a party going on.  So, of course, Jenna and Macey stopped to partake.  It’s safe to say they are my idols.  🙂

 

A GIANT thank you to my second shooter, Maike Rinaye!

And another big thank you to all the vendors that made this day happen:

Venue: Sycamore Farms  |  Caterer: First Class Catering  |  DJ: Midwest Sound System  |  Cake: A Plated Table  |  Videographer: Chris Lee  |  Makeup: Ashley Thomas  |  Hair:  Hair Parlor Royale  |  Planner: Tim Fuson

 

When I was growing up…my brother and I weren’t exactly the best of friends.  He liked to pretend to be a ninja and I was too busy playing Dreamphone to care what he was doing.  We drove my parents crazy because if we were interacting…it was in the form of some sort of wrestling match.  I can’t tell you exactly when it happened…but at some point Josh stopped being the nerdy gamer and became someone I actually enjoyed hanging out with (who are we kidding…he’s still a nerdy gamer but at least he hides it well).  I think turning 21 helped.  We spent what seemed like every weekend partying it up in Broadripple…and hanging out with my brother meant hanging out with his friends too.

 

Most of which I’d known for what seemed like my whole life.  When Josh was beating me up…they were too.  And as I made the transition from annoying little sister into Josh’s fun sister who could drink you under the table…most everyone made the transition well.  Except one.  Brian wasn’t exactly on board with the whole family and friends become one thing.  While most people would have just brushed it off…I took it as a challenge.  Little by little I inched my way into Brian’s good graces and I as I sit here now…I am pretty proud that I at least **think** he considers me a friend.  🙂  Against all of the odds.

 

Fast forward a decade or so and Brian introduced Alexis into the mix.  I remember the first time he brought her to the annual holiday dinner.  I sat at the table watching Brian smile like I had never seen him smile before.  As I sat at the end trying very hard not to be the annoying little sister…I could just tell she was it.  The way they looked at each other.  The little glances that literally made their eyes light up.  While this was the first time meeting Alexis…I knew without a doubt it wouldn’t be the last.

 

A few weeks ago I had the insane privilege of flying out to Lake Tahoe to document Alexis and Brian’s wedding.  It was an unbelievable weekend that was so incredibly fun.  Breathtaking views…impeccable weather…amazing food…great company.  It was perfect in every way possible.  And while I shoot a lot of weddings…this one was so special to me.  For one because they asked me in the first place.  Which, see above story…is a big deal!  But also because these two are like family to me (sorry Brian…just let it happen 😉 ) and getting the chance to bring their love story to life is something I will always be grateful for.

 

Alexis and Brian….you know I love you guys so much.  Thank you for letting me be such a big part of your day.  It will always be one of my favorites and a trip I will never forget.  Also…thank you for introducing me to the magic of Wheel of Fortune slots.  My life is forever changed.  🙂  xo

 

<3 this photo so much.

 

A HUGE thank you to my second shooter, Lauren Lindley.  I seriously could not have done it without her!!

And another enormous thank you to all the vendors that made this magical day happen:

Planner: Once Upon a Time Events  |  Venue: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe  |  Florist: Petal to the Metal   |  Videographer: Kyle Matheney |  Hair/Makeup: Edin Carpenter Makeup Artistry  |  DJ: Jeff Jones Band