Brady and Lauren met 4 years ago at Taco Mac where they were both working. Lauren was a bartender and Brady was sent to the Cumberland location to work in the kitchen and train to become a manager. After a couple weeks of working together they started hanging out with friends together and eventually went out on an official date. They told me all this when we met for pizza to discuss the wedding and just by the way they told the story, I knew they were perfect, he makes her laugh so much.
For example, during the proposal, everything went wrong but she loved it that way. He couldn’t start the fire because the wood was wet, the hike ended up being the wrong hike and he couldn’t get down on a knee because the dog was jumping around too much. Every restaurant in town was booked and in the one they finally chose, the food was wrong three times! He finally proposed at the house and she didn’t even believe him at first but then she did and three minutes later started planning the wedding! These two are both so endearing, he’s witty and loves to joke around and nothing makes her smile more than a good joke well timed. (Like the fact that she had the best man show up for the first look before she did) ;)
While most of the surprises of the day were filled with humor, some were also quite meaningful. Right before the ceremony, Lauren’s grandmother gave her an opal ring to borrow from her great-grandmother. It complemented the charm her mother gave her the night before to tie to her bouquet including a piece of her own wedding dress, a heart locket given to her as a teen (with the key given to Brady) and a blue stone of course. Old, new borrowed and blue.
Of course to start the reception they had an epic dance intro from the entire wedding party and their quiet Father-Daughter dance turned into a break dancing battle as the entire room rose to their feet and cheered! You would expect nothing less from these two.
For the record, I never post this many reception photos, but so many fun elements happened, I simply have to. These jokesters know how to party. From fun groomsmen socks with their dogs’ faces on them to shotgunning alllll the beer to cigar portraits and cake smashes. From epic garter catch battles to Madi hiding under Lauren’s dress when Brady went for the garter - the party never stopped and neither did the laughter. It was such a joy to capture.
You guys I cannot thank you enough for not only including me in the wedding, but inviting me to all the family shenanigans all weekend long, I had an absolute blast and cannot wait to join you for the next one! Ahem, Josh. ;)
The Vendors who made the day possible:
Photographer: Cynthia Viola
Videographer: Hayle with Crash Media Productions
Venue and Catering: White Oaks Barn
Coordinator: Mary Lynn with Arrowed Beginnings
The Dress: Justin Alexander from Aisle and Veil
The Tux: Generation Tux
Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey
Groomsmen: Generation Tux
The Rings: Shane Co
Bride’s Hair: Julie Sloan
Bridesmaids’ Hair and Make Up: Alyssa with Make Me Up
Florist: Something Borrowed Blooms
Officiant: Bradys Grandfather - Harry "Paka" Christian
DJ: Tommy from Pirone Entertainment
Photo Selfie Station: Cynthia Viola
Cake Baker: Diane with Acunas Custom Cakes