Dana and I have known Laura for over a decade - when her sister married my brother in 2005, we became family. We see each other on holidays, at birthday parties for our mutual nieces and nephews, and in all the years we've known each other, one thing is obvious: she's never been so happy. Joyously happy. The sort of happy that lights up a room. The sort of happy that made 19 - yes, 19 - bridesmaids and groomsmen stand next to her at the altar. The sort of happy that turns a wedding reception dance floor into an absolute mad house. And that is so, so obviously thanks to Jeremy. Judging from his reaction as she walked up the aisle, the feeling is mutual.
There were endless stand-out details on this wedding day. Jeremy and his brothers toasting beer cans with their mother after they finished getting their tuxes on. The ceremony at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, where golden-hour light poured in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, back-lighting Laura while her father walked her up the aisle. The reception at The Century was, as usual, unbelievably stunning, filled with lush green ferns and eucalyptus, bunches of white and royal purple flowers, dozens of glowing chandeliers and candelabras. The bride comes from a family of dairy farmers and the groom from a family of almond farmers, so their favors were miniature milk bottles filled with almonds. It was perfect. Going through the pictures again for this post, I'm struck by all the stolen glances and simultaneously hilarious/romantic moments between these two. Laura and Jeremy, thank you for letting us be a part of your wedding, and for gracing us with the permanent mental picture of Jeremy's faux striptease during the garter toss! You clearly have a lifetime of memorable moments ahead of you.
