Joy of My Life // Lauren + Ryan

We were thrilled to be invited to film a second wedding for this super sweet family. Ryan's sister, Emily, chose us to film Zak and her lovely wedding day in 2021, and when it was Ryan's turn to get married to his love, Lauren, we were so happy that we were available for them, too!

Lauren and Ryan met during their freshman year of college. Because Lauren and her roommates secured the last triple-bed room in the dorm, she was placed on the 'athlete' floor, the same floor that housed Ryan who was on the college's baseball team. The two became good friends quickly, and their friendship continued to grow throughout their undergraduate years. But one day during their junior year, Lauren asked Ryan to drive her to see a movie, just the two of them. From then on, they continued to go on dates without the rest of their group, and their relationship blossomed into love!

Ryan's proposal to Lauren truly was a surprise for her! It was Christmastime, and Lauren had told Ryan that she always wanted to see historic Cape May during the holidays. Ryan was in the midst of his demanding law school finals, but still made time to plan the most romantic weekend for them just days before Christmas. He had the whole itinerary planned: the places they'd visit, dinner reservations, attire chosen, the best hotel room booked, everything!

But during the drive down to the shore, Lauren sensed Ryan was tense, and told us she must have asked Ryan 20 times if he was angry or if something was wrong. Little did she know, he was just nervous about his big proposal weekend! In front of the beautiful Christmas tree at Congress Hall, Ryan got down on one knee and asked Lauren to be his wife. The rest of that romantic evening included a private table at Congress Hall and lots of champagne!

On Lauren and Ryan's beautiful, sunny wedding day, all of the events we filmed took place at The Grove at Centerton in Pittsgrove, New Jersey. After hair and makeup was completed, Lauren and her party traveled to The Grove to have those fantastic pajama photos taken together, then to change into their dresses for the special day. The wedding theme colors were soft shades of pink and green, just perfect for early spring, and Lauren's bridal party's light pink dresses were beauteous!

Ryan and his groomsmen arrived next, and got ready in another suite at the venue. It was great to film Ryan as he enjoyed his late-morning together with his brother and dressed up for the event with extra help from him. He and his groomsmen all looked so handsome and right on trend in their matching, classic black tuxedos.

And Lauren's bridal gown was absolutely amazing! She wore a gorgeous, strapless fit and flare Essense of Australia gown that featured a corset bodice, a romantic basque waist and a subtle floral pattern. But that large, fabulous bow in back was the most perfect accessory! Lauren was so beautiful!

After Lauren was all ready, she had a sweet first look with her bridal party and then with her father in her bridal suite. Then came Lauren's first look with Ryan outside! Ryan was clearly overwhelmed by the sight of his beautiful bride. The two then kissed for the first time on this special day.

We were so happy that we had such a bright and sunny day for those fantastic photos taken outside by the team at Courtney Simpson Photography. Everyone had so much fun posing for all the candid and formal photos. But before long, it was time to head to the outdoor patio for the ceremony to make it official!

Ryan was overcome with emotion again as he watched Lauren walk down the aisle with her father for their wedding ceremony. Lauren's uncle and godfather, Pastor Ryan Winstel, officiated their beautiful, personalized ceremony and gave a wonderful sermon. The couple recited personal vows and exchanged roses, then gave flowers as a lovely surprise to their mothers and grandmothers. At the conclusion of their customized ceremony, they were pronounced as 'husband and wife' to the cheers of their friends and family.

The expansive ballroom at The Grove at Centerton was adorned with overflowing floral arrangements and table runners in peaches, blush and bright pinks, ready and waiting for the exciting reception to begin. The newlyweds made their grand entrance then walked straight to the middle of the floor for their romantic first dance. Their dance was followed by touching parent dances, including Lauren's special, secret dance with her mother.

A perfect sweetheart table was set up for the couple to enjoy some togetherness during dinner. And during that time, we heard wonderful toasts from Lauren's father, from Ryan's brother and best man and from Lauren's maid of honor, her best friend. All the toasts had such funny stories, but pulled so much at the heartstrings, too. You could feel just how much everyone treasured the fact that Ryan's mother was there, too, celebrating Lauren and Ryan's wedding day.

Then, The Heartbeats turned up the music to get everyone out on the dance floor! We had the chance to see the crowd build before leaving, and it was so fun to see them all having a blast!

Lauren and Ryan's March wedding was our first for the new wedding season, and what a wonderful way for us to begin! It was a true joy to work with them and with Ryan's family once again. Congratulations on the beginning of a lifetime together in marriage to Lauren and Ryan!

Photographer: Courtney Simpson Photography - Sewell, NJ

Floral Design: Bethann (family friend) - Galloway, NJ

Hair Stylist: Airbrush Artistry & Hair Design - Vineland, NJ

Makeup Artist: Airbrush Artistry & Hair Design - Vineland, NJ

Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia - Free Love Bridal - Cape May, NJ

Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle

Entertainment: The Heartbeats - Philadelphia, PA

Cake: The Grove at Centerton Catering - Pittsgrove, NJ

Stationery: Empress Stationery - Jessica Hinton - Birmingham, AL

Officiant: Pastor Ryan Winstel - Lindenwold, NJ

Venue: The Grove at Centerton - Pittsgrove, NJ

Cord 3 Films