Lauren + Neal's Fun and Romantic Wedding at Hellenic Cultural Center

"Marriage was an easy decision for us to make, we have loved one another for many years and couldn't imagine life apart."

High School Sweethearts

Lauren and Neal met in high school through a mutual friend. They dated for 6 years before getting engaged. Neal surprised Lauren at her college graduation party in front of family and friends.

Lauren and Neal are such a sincerely sweet couple. The way they looked at each other all day, with love in their eyes, was so inspiring. With chemistry like this, we didn't have to give them much direction on posing romantically. They were perfectly at home in each other's arms.

"Love is such a selfless thing; giving yourself to someone for the rest of your life...Our love is forever and we can't wait to see what the future holds."

The day started with Neal getting ready at the home they share together and Lauren getting ready at her childhood home. Neal snuck over to where Lauren was getting ready to bring her a sweet surprise gift (eyes shielded of course).

The bride's dress was an elegant, neck to toe, lace mermaid gown with a sweat-heart bodice from Something Blue Bridal. Her bouquet by Sarah Ellman was the perfect complement to her dress. Lauren customized it by adding antique broaches that were passed down over the years. Some belonging to loved ones no longer with her and others were gifts from her great grandmother and sister just for her bouquet. For Lauren, they signified love and remembrance. (I'm totally stealing this idea for my daughter!) The result was dramatic and romantic.

The groom and groomsmen wore pale gray suits from Dunhill Tuxedo, with turquoise accents to match the flowing and delicate turquoise bridesmaid dresses from Something Blue Bridal. The best man and maid of honor wore a slightly deeper shade to set them apart.

The wedding ceremony took place at Our Savior Lutheran in Lansing IL. There were beautiful DIY touches the bride did to make ceremony feel very warm and welcoming. But like most weddings, the day wasn't without a little hitch. The rings were left at home! It was a 40 minute car ride (round trip) to retrieve them and it's possible some traffic laws may have been broken in the process. Thankfully, the rings and driver made it back in time. Lauren kept cool and calm knowing the love of her life was just down the hall. The delay gave her more time to laugh and relax with the girls and have a quick no-peek hand holding moment with Neal.

Following the ceremony we took advantage of a friend's beautiful vintage motorcycle that matched the brides wedding colors perfectly. Then we headed to the reception at Hellenic Cultural Center in Merrillville, where we enjoyed taking pictures of Neal & Lauren and the bridal party with the beautiful architecture as our backdrop.

The bridal party was having so much fun celebrating Lauren and Neal. They made our jobs so much fun too.

The fun continued well in to the night. 219 Productions kept the dance floor packed and kept the guests entertained with great music and a photo booth. Every so often we got a musical update when the Black Hawks scored as requested by the bride and groom. (FYI, the Hawks won in double overtime that night.)

Book 219 Productions for your next event! You will not be disappointed.

Lauren and Neal ended the night surrounded by family, friends and lots of well wishes. With love in their hearts they started their future together as Mr. and Mrs.