For Lauren and Mike little pranks have always been a part of their relationship. And pretending he was about to propose to Lauren was one of his go-to pranks; although I’m not sure Lauren always found the humor in this prank! So, when Mike actually popped the question one Friday night at home when Lauren WASN’T wearing her glasses, and couldn’t see what was going on, her response was, “Is this real?” While Lauren was legitimately asking if the proposal was real, Mike thought she was asking if the diamond ring was real. To this day, Mike still tells people that Lauren questioned the authenticity of the diamond when he got down on one knee! But all kidding aside, these two are one of my COVID couples and I am beyond thrilled they were finally able to tie the knot!

Planning during COVID

This pair started planning their perfect Pennsylvania wedding for June 2020 with almost all aspects of their wedding in order. Then COVID put a damper on their plans, but not on their optimism! Lauren and Mike knew they would get married, that was never a question. But due to the uncertainty of things, Lauren and Mike decided it was best to postpone their wedding a whole year in hopes that by 2021, life would be more normal. And thankfully, life did resume to a more normal state! Lauren did admit that COVID caused a slight hick-up in their planning, but she is truly grateful that all her vendors were available for her June 2021 wedding date. And honestly, their timeless wedding was well worth the wait!

Montdale Country Club

Lauren and Mike knew they wanted a wedding venue that was close to home and easily accessible for all their wedding guests. They decided on the Montdale Country Club not only because it’s close to home but for its beauty inside and out. The Montdale Country Club is located in the charming little town of Montdale in Scott Township, Pennsylvania. Outdoor ceremonies take place right in front of the beautiful, private, 22 acre lake that provides endless, gorgeous views and photo opportunities. The grounds are picture perfect with a tree lined lake, elegant gazebos and arbors, and numerous covered outdoor patios. The natural beauty of this property yields stunning backdrops no matter where you look.

The Wedding Day

All of my wedding couples are amazing and wonderful, however; my COVID couples hold a special place in my heart. Through the past year we have remained in contact with the hopes of finally seeing their big day through. So, you can imagine how excited I was when their wedding day FINALLY arrived...a year later!

At each wedding, I always find there is a time throughout the day where the beauty, love, and joy of the day hits me. For Lauren and Mike, it was during their first look. When Mike saw his bride for the first time, you saw the emotions wash over his face. You could see the pride in his face knowing that this beautiful woman was going to officially become his wife, you could see the love and adoration he had for her in his eyes and then the face lit up and there was nothing but pure joy and love for Lauren. For Lauren, you could see her shed some tears when she saw her groom; I think at this point it finally hit her that their wedding was actually going to happen (finally!). But most importantly, you could sense the love and friendship that they shared. It truly was a special, intimate moment for the two of them. And I was elated that I was able to finally capture this for them.

Lauren and Mike planned a perfect late spring Pennsylvania wedding. Lauren was stunning in her strapless, sweet-heart, lace overlay gown. Mike was handsome in his grey suit. And their wedding party exuded a timeless, classic look in sage green floor length gowns for the ladies and grey suits for the guys. And most of all, Lauren and Matt’s friends and family finally got to witness these two become one and helped them celebrate well into the night. Which was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Lauren and Mike, thank you for sticking with me throughout this year! I am so happy I was able to finally capture the first chapter of your love story as husband and wife! I wish the both of you many years of laughter, love, and happiness!