Lauren and Tom first met while Lauren was doing clinical rotations as a Physician Assistant student, at a medical practice where Tom worked as a Radiologic Technologist. They would meet up after work in nearby Edgewater where they would have dinner, get coffee, or walk along the river with a beautiful skyline view. (I loved capturing their engagement session in Edgewater – see their engagement photos here!)
Tom proposed to Lauren at their annual Christmas party, which is one of Lauren’s favorite events of the year with all of their family and friends together celebrating the holidays! Right after they had wrapped up a trivia game at the Christmas party, Tom said “But wait, there’s still one more question…and this one’s just for Lauren.” And he got down on one knee, and asked Lauren to be his wife.
Their wedding day was nothing short of perfect. Lauren and Tom tied the knot at Rock Island Lake Club in Sparta, NJ on Cinco de Mayo! With 100% chance of rain in the forecast for the entire day, we were all prepared, umbrellas at the ready, for a rainy wedding day. However, just before we were ready for their first look on the dock, the heavy rains disappeared and left a magical blanket of fog behind. The rain held out for the rest of the day, so Lauren and Tom got to exchange their vows outside on the shore of the lake as they had envisioned.
Every little detail was so well put together with navy and blush accents tying it all together. Lauren thought of everything! From adorable getting ready robes and personalized hangers for each of her sweet bridesmaids, and her gorgeous navy velvet Mrs. Box even down to white and navy umbrellas (just in case), and of course Cinco de Mayo themed signature drinks!
The whole day was so filled with love. Family and friends gathered to share in the joy of Lauren and Tom’s day one of their forever. After saying I do in front of a whimsical fog covered lake, they celebrated with so many fun bacon treats at cocktail hour (like bacon bourbon shots, and chocolate covered bacon – what!?). They danced their first dance as husband and wife to “Stand By Me”. A mutual friend Lauren and I share, Farid of Baseline Productions, DJ’ed their reception, and had the entire party tearing up the dance floor! It was a blast!
In Lauren’s words to Tom at the end of the night, “Isn’t this the best day of your life?!”
On the morning of their wedding, Tom had three sets of beautiful roses sent to Lauren throughout the morning. The first was all red roses, with a note that said, “Roses are red…”. Shortly after, the second arrangement arrived, with just white roses, and the note read, “and sometimes white…”. The third and final vase of flowers arrived a little while after that, and said “I can’t wait to marry you tonight! xoxo”. How sweet and thoughtful?!
Before going to meet her husband to be, Lauren shared a special first look with her dad. 🙂
Tom, his siblings, and his mom all carried a pocket square or handkerchief, made from Tom’s dad’s dress shirt, as a beautiful way of honoring his memory.
Lauren and Tom’s outdoor ceremony was right on the shore of lake, and was officiated by John, a friend of the bride, making the ceremony so personal and extra speciall. 🙂
Lauren & Tom – Thank you guys so much for having me photograph and be a part of your day! You two are seriously some of the sweetest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever met! There’s no doubt in my mind that you are perfect for each other. Cheers to many more adventures and the start of your forever together! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Nick! I love you guys!
And a huge shout out to the incredible team of vendors that made this day perfect!
VENDORS
Venue | Rock Island Lake Club
Dress Designer | Maggie Sottero
Dress Boutique | Hollywood Bridal, Kenilworth NJ
Shoes | Jimmy Choo from Saks Fifth Ave
Groom’s Attire | Calvin Klein, Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids Dresses | Pia Gladys Perey
Groomsmen Attire | Calvin Kelin, Men’s Wearhouse
Bridal Make Up Artist | Samantha Linn
Bridesmaids Make Up Artist | Desiree Tunnero
Hair Stylist | Julie Finnerty at Styles on Location
Engagement & Wedding Rings | James Allen
Ring Box | The Mrs. Box
Invitations & Menus | Wedding Paper Divas
DJ | Baseline Productions
Florist | The Floral Gallery
Videographer | Cameron Scherle
Cake | Palermo’s Bakery
Second Photographer | Tori Petrillo
Photography Assistant/3rd Shooter | Tori Kelner
