The last weekend in September, I spent in Haverhill, MA with an awesome group of people for Lauren and Steve’s wedding. I don’t think I say this enough – I absolutely love my job. Over the years, I have met so many amazing people and have gotten to be a part of so many people’s lives at such a special time in their lives – it truly is just awesome. Lauren and Steve are two of those people! Several years ago, I photographed a wedding where the groom was from Waltham – since that wedding, I have built a big base of Waltham couples and they are ALL fabulous!! This wedding is a connection from that original wedding all those years ago (more on that later in the post)!!
The day started for me at the Renaissance Golf Club where Lauren was using their BEAUTIFUL suite to get ready in:)!
As I arrived, Lauren was ready to open a card – I started taking a couple pictures without even knowing it was from Steve – until I saw the title and then a few tears trying to be held back:)!
This picture is a true depiction of Lauren – it was an impromptu giddy jump! She is such a happy and sweet person!!
In the last couple years, since Lauren and Steve booked their wedding, I have gotten to know Lauren’s sister! She had her first child, and she asked me to photograph them expecting Grace and when she was born! 
Love these two pictures of Lauren and her mom:)!
Lauren had sewn two heart patches into her dress – they were her something blue and also were there to remember her grandmother and father! The one on the right is from her father’s fire shirt, and now Steve just got on the department too!
Lauren was STUNNING from every angle!!
When my second shooter for the day, Sharon Reiley, owner of Bittersweet Books, arrived at the hotel where Steve was getting ready, she photographed a few of the guys details first…
Back at the Renaissance, I spent a moment with the girls while Lauren was with the videographer…
When she arrived, we did a few more pictures of the girls together (and mom too:)!
My original connection to Lauren and Steve is from Julie – she is the one on the far right! Julie and her husband Bill were guests at the original Waltham wedding that I did! They were already married at the time, but went on to have those two beautiful boys you saw up above! I have had the pleasure of photographing each of their newborn sessions and they were so kind to refer me to their friends for this wedding:)! Thank you Julie and Bill!
Back at the hotel, Sharon did a few pictures with the guys before the limo arrived to bring them to the ceremony!
The one on the left was a Pinterest request from Lauren:)! 
Lauren and Steve had a bus that brought the guests from the hotel to the Renaissance and when it arrived – we knew it:)!
This was the cutest thing ever!! Julie was the first bridesmaid to head up the isle at the ceremony, and as she was coming, you all of a sudden heard, “Mama, wait for me!” – then you saw little Mason running around the corner to catch her:)!
Lauren’s niece also made a grand entrance – escorted in an adorable wagon:)!
I just love all of the emotions and reactions that happened during their ceremony – it was beautiful!
Bill, Julie’s husband, is the groomsman on the far right – can you tell that he constantly cracks everyone up?!
After the bridal party pictures we jumped right into some couple time to be sure to take advantage of the little sun that was left!
The awesome coordinator, drove us out to the best spot!!!
We found the sun again – at the perfect time – it was fabulous!
When we got back the families were waiting for us!! They were awesome listeners – not a single person was missing:)! I don’t normally include family formals in my previews, but I thought I would share them today:)! 
Sharon photographed the room and details while I was doing all of the pictures outside! Thank you Sharon:)!
The reception began with bridal party announcements and an instant video that the videographer created that same day! It was a compilation of childhood pictures, mixed with video clips that were taken during the getting ready time and ceremony!
After the video ended, Lauren and Steve were announced!
There were several speeches and toasts and all were so special in their own way! A perfect mix of sentimental and funny:)!
Steve’s father and grandmother surprised them with performing a song!
We scooted out before the dancing really began to grab a few pictures on the porch! Lauren had really wanted to use the rocking chairs!
The party was then in full swing! You will actually find ME in a picture below! That would be Bill lifting me up! This was actually how we officially met! At the first wedding, he did this to me – out of the blue throwing me for quite a loop – but I had actually forgotten about it!! At this wedding he said we need to recreate it – I actually didn’t remember what he was talking about at first!! It all came back to me though (with a little help from Julie:)!
Lauren and Steve – I wish you the absolute best:)! I can’t wait to see you again as your family grows in the future:)!
Vendor Info
wedding gown | Camilla’s Bridal
bridesmaid dresses | Bride’s Choice
hair | Amanda DeGouff
make-up | Amanda DeGouff
florist | LaLi Florals & Events
ceremony | Renaissance Golf Club – Haverhill, MA
reception venue | Renaissance Golf Club – Haverhill, MA
cake | Yum Bunnies Cakery
dj | Mike Negron
Songs
introductions | Bridal Party – Bring ’em Out by TI. Bride & Groom – Don’t Stop the Party by Pitbull
first dance | Can’t Help Falling in Love by Ingrid Michaelson
father/daughter | I danced with my brother Pat and and my Godfather Camille to a song in memory of my Dad – Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
mother/son | My Wish by Rascal Flatts
cake cutting | Stuck on You by Meiko
last dance | Crazy Love by Michael Buble
Bride/Groom Questions
What was the most memorable moment of your day? It’s a tie between two – Right before we got introduced, we had a video played. We were peaking in through the door to watch it. it was the first time we saw it or heard what the other had to say about us getting married. It was our little moment alone before all the craziness and a really nice way to start the night! Also, a very special moment was when Steve’s father and grandmother sang a song to us…That meant a lot to both of us.
What was your favorite detail? Every detail!! From the flowers to the food to the dresses, suits, music and even the guests, everything was just right and what we had imagined it would be!
Any advice for future brides/grooms? The advice we’d give is the advice we were given – At certain times throughout the day/night, take a step back from all the craziness and just take it all in for a minute. The day really does go by so fast and you want to make sure you remember every second of it!
Funniest memory from your wedding day? When the dj played a game to give away the centerpieces, everywhere you looked, people were dancing like maniacs, they were on the chairs, on people’s shoulders, and then they just poured onto the dance floor! It was a really fun way to get the party started!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything? Not a thing – We would do it all over again and again! It was amazing!
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Honeymoon has been put on hold since Steve got on the fire department and is currently in the academy…but there will be a honeymoon within the next year!