Martin + Lauren

January 6, 2014

December 29th, 2013 dawned a rainy day, the forecast promising not just drizzles or showers, but pouring rain. Deluges of rain. But with Martin + Lauren, there was no need to worry… these two weren’t about to let a little (or a lot) of rain dampen their spirits. When I arrived with Lauren in the morning, thinking we’d have to default to Plan B, Lauren announced that she still dreamed of having their portraits in the woodland forest we had originally planned and wasn’t going to let any amount of rain stop her. It was as we stood in that rainy forest later that I knew that this was going to be a day I’d never forget. Not because of the rain, but because of the sunshine in the hearts of Martin + Lauren. I honestly wonder if they even knew it was pouring?! Because in the woods that day, it wasn’t the rain I saw, it was a radiant bride dancing in the forest with boots on and her dress hiked up to her knees with her eyes focused on her groom and this most beautiful day of their life. If anything, the rain just made it that much more romantic.

There was deep emotion and overwhelming joy. There was celebration and there was love. Ohhhh, there was love. Love that overflowed from the hearts of every guest in attendance in the form of hugs, laughter, and happy-tears. Love that filled the cozy barn where the wedding and reception took place with a warm, beautiful glow. Guests trekked from various regions across the world to witness this special day. During the ceremony, sacred blessings were shared by Martin’s grandfather in Swedish, translated to English for all the guests to hear.

I wish everyone could have heard the sweet words so many of Martin + Lauren’s loved ones shared about the impact they have on each life they touch. How Martin + Lauren are some of the silliest, happiest, most genuine, compassionate, and truest people you’ll ever meet. The love they share for those around them is contagious. So contagious that every guest left with a smile in their heart, feeling refreshed, and desiring to love a little deeper after being part of such a special day. That is powerful.

Martin + Lauren… I truly have no words to express my joy and gratitude for you both. What a whirlwind month this has been for you guys, and I feel so blessed to have played a small part in it. You two are such a radiant light to so many, myself included, and I consider myself deeply blessed to have documented the start to the rest of your days together. I love you both and wish you every ounce of love, laughter, and joy that you felt on your sweet wedding day for the rest of your days to come!! Xoxo!!

Lauren worked with the incredibly sweet and talented Kpoene’ of Mignonette Bridal in Chicago to custom design her wedding dress. Yes, you read that correctly. AMAZING, right?! Truly “made for her.” ;)

Beautiful bride!

Many thanks to the ever-lovely Kristen of Unfading Beauty for providing such stunning hair and makeup! Always SUCH a pleasure working with her!

Time to don that stunning dress! Love these moments that followed with Lauren’s sweet mama and sister…

Lauren’s dad has so much love in his heart for his precious family…

Pretty girls!! And such troopers too! ;)

I am sooo endlessly grateful to Erin Keough for coming along with me for the day and assisting/second shooting. She was AMAZING… holding umbrellas, wiping camera lenses dry, and grabbing beautiful shots like this throughout the day… love her!

Ahhhh Lauren! What a radiant bride you made!

Absolutely gorgeous.

Meanwhile, Martin, his sister Matilda, and his groomsmen were busy getting ready…

Looking sharp Martin!!

I think this could be your band photo, Martin! ;)

Ready to see her groom!!

Such sweet moments as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day! I LOVE when couples opt to do a first look!

Priceless!

So much happiness…

Yesssss!

A natural ivy arch? Don’t mind if we do!

LOVE. This image just perfectly captures the joy of this day. Also, Lauren’s dimples are the cutest.

A favorite for sure!

And then we dried off and it was ceremony time! So powerful as each bridal party prayed separately with Martin + Lauren before the ceremony.

So grateful to Erin for grabbing this shot of Lauren and her dad moments before walking his little girl down the aisle to her groom.

The bridal party passed the wedding bands around, each taking a moment to pray for Martin + Lauren’s marriage.

MARRIED!!

So many things to love about this image, but my favorite has got to be Lauren’s dad looking on in the background.

Just beautiful.

So many sweet moments of celebration occur just after the ceremony concludes, but this image of Lauren and her grandpa may be my favorite.

Andddd miraculously the rain had nearly stopped by late afternoon, so we hustled outside to take some more portraits!

I think this was in response to my “GUYSSSS YOU’RE MARRIED!!” Haha!

Off to their reception! The wedding and reception were both held at the GORGEOUS Melhorn Barn! It was the perfect place to hold the day!

Lauren had told me she wanted their wedding to feel cozy, warm, and full of love. I believe it was just that.

Martin and his mama worked tirelessly together to bake their wedding cake and Swedish desserts!

Best entrance ever. A trumpeter, noise makers, confetti, and cheering guests… it may as well have been New Years! ;)

One thing everyone loves about M+L is that they don’t take themselves too seriously! They welcomed their guests with this video which had everyone in tears of laughter!

For weddings in Swedish culture, there is a “program” during the reception where dear friends of the bride and groom perform funny things, show videos of the bride and groom, share a story, etc… so fun! Two of Martin’s best friends were the emcees of the night and kept the evening moving along with hilarious program surprises for Martin + Lauren!