Marlaina Joy Photography

I’ve been working on this blog post for a while now.  Every wedding I photograph has a special place in my heart, but Lauren and Adam’s wedding was especially special for me.  At the pre-wedding consultation we figured out that I’ve known the Laenen family for 20 years now.  I babysat Lauren ( and her siblings Bobby and Kayla ) when they were little.  I danced and worked at Lauren’s mom’s dance studio, and worked as a receptionist for Lauren’s dad’s construction supply business while I was in college.  Not only were they my bosses and friends, but the Laenen family has a way of completely making you feel like you are part of their family.  So, I was absolutely honored when they asked me to photograph Lauren and Adam’s wedding.   I could tell from the first minute of our consultation that this would be an amazing day.  The girls got ready at Lauren’s parent’s house.   They did hair, makeup, and all things glam, while listening to music and lounging by the pool.  It was a gorgeous morning!

The ceremony was held at Lauren’s grandmother’s house on Lake St. Clair.  Gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe it.  The weather was absolutely perfect too.  Not too hot, not too cold, beautiful white puffy clouds over the water.  If I could schedule weather for my wedding couples — this is the kind of weather I would pick every. single. time.  Lauren and Adam didn’t see each other before the ceremony,  so the guys took photos together before the ceremony.

This house has been in Lauren’s family for generations.  It doesn’t get any more beautiful.  I can’t even…..

So handsome!!!  Lauren and the girls finished getting ready at Grandma Laenen’s house.  How cool is it to finish your wedding makeup in your great-grandmother’s bedroom?!?!

Lauren got a sneak peek at the ceremony set up!  And then one of my favorite parts of any wedding day happened.  Lauren’s dad got to see her for the first time.  The love, and just pure raw emotion of the whole Laenen family makes me tear up a little still, sitting at my computer after all is said and done.  They are just incredible people!!

The ceremony was absolutely breath taking.

And then the whole family got into the fun of photographs, and getting ready for the reception.  The Laenen family owns The Island Bar and Grill: https://www.facebook.com/theislandbarandgrillemichigan and it was the perfect setting for an super-fun reception!

Once it got dark, the happy couple and their family set paper wish lanterns into the sky, it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!!  Then the dancing began.  Trust me if there is something that the Laenen family knows a thing or two about — it’s dancing, music, and having a great party.  Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this most special day.  Hugs and kisses to all of you, and tons of love to your growing family!!  xoxo