lauren & joe are married!

lauren & joe met last summer, fell hard fast, were engaged over christmas and married just 11 days ago! when you know, you KNOW- they knew. they met in new orleans, both away from home in a city that excites them- it was the perfect way to start their life together. when we first met them over dinner we clicked right away- they love good food, georgia football and they are easy to talk to and laugh with. as they told us their story we knew we wanted to be a part of their wedding; we are so glad they chose us!

the first order of business on their wedding day was catching the guys for a few shots before they teed off. we rolled up to the course to find joe talking to his older brother and experiencing his first mcgriddle. we snapped a few shots there before heading to the girls’ bridal luncheon where matt dropped me off and i officially started my day with lauren. from the very beginning, a theme was clear- this wedding was about family and friends coming together to create the perfect day for lauren and joe. friends of lauren’s cooked up an amazing brunch complete with chocolate drizzled strawberries while still more of their friends helped with decor and the reception. lauren and her amazing mother masterminded the whole thing and worked alongside their friends to pull the day together. everyone had a great time participating and together they all created a lovingly handmade wedding day so personal to lauren and joe that it was just perfect!

first up, courtesy of the low morning sun:

i asked lauren for her ring for a few shots and found myself trying on (haha) the most amazing antique design! joe has some seriously good taste, check out the intricate detailing!

while i was enjoying my relaxed morning at the salon with lauren and her two fabulous cousins matt was taking studly shots of the gentlemen at the hotel. this next image pretty much makes my day- look at how they are all standing!

and this next one? joe, you could start a mafia with these guys. they are that awesome. i love the 40s theme that stretched through everything at their wedding- from lauren’s engagement ring, to her hairstyle, to the way matt captured this next image:

meanwhile one of lauren’s good friends was taking turns doing makeup for the bridesmaids. i snuck out with the dress for a few shots before lauren’s mom carefully helped her put it on:

a few more fun details i could not resist including! i loved her earrings!

wait for it……lauren’s about to blow your mind……check her OUT! smokin’!

so remember how we talked about everything being handmade? well, the boquets were no exception! lauren created this all by herself- isn’t it stunning! it looks better than lots of professionals! lauren, if you ever want to pick up a side job this is it! the combination of blooms and the monochromatic color scheme is just beautiful:

after looking far and wide for the perfect red shoes lauren finally had to have a pair dyed! this girl knows what she wants! and honestly, it was worth the search, these are just perfect:

lauren & joe said their vows in a personal ceremony that included many family members and close friends. everyone’s excitement for the couple was evident in the wide smiles throughout the congregation! it was a sweet time of support and love!

after the ceremony, joe surprised lauren with a trolley to take their families and bridal party to the reception site! it was the greatest idea ever and i jumped on to grab a few shots as they sang, toasted and enjoyed one another. it was a great way to get everyone pumped before the reception!

after a few portraits on the grounds of their reception site, the marietta educational garden center, we headed to the tent to officially start the party! it was a night of celebrating and dancing as one of their friends DJed the perfect mix of songs for the couple. when the last song hit, the guests were given ribbons to wave as lauren & joe ran to their getaway car!

lauren & joe, we’re so very happy for you both! you’re so amazing together after just one year, no doubt you’ve got many great years ahead of you to grow even closer! hard to imagine! we wish you both the best and if we’re ever in nola you know we’ll be calling you to come grab some good food with us!