Andrea Brewster Photography: Lauren and Stephen

Joyful. Their day was full of joy.

Just over a year ago when they met at a Rend Collective concert, neither could have imagined how their world would change from that moment on. All Lauren knew was one of her friends was bringing an Irish guy to an Irish concert. Stephen had no idea he had just come all the way from Ireland and about to meet the girl of his dreams. She had studied Ireland in college but she really loved that he was unashamed to sing and dance and worship. She realized that he had all the qualities that she wanted. "It's not a Nicholas Sparks novel, but I'm liking the reality much better!" This confident, optimistic, and adventurous lad took her to Ireland to meet his family and propose at Achill Island. Stephen doesn't just want to love Lauren. He wants to love her really well. And THAT has Nicholas Sparks written all over it. Even right down to their First Look. Stephen couldn't get enough of Lauren. I never interrupt the First Look and let the couples decide when they've had the time they wanted. This was the longest First Look I've ever had. His reaction was genuine and he really wanted to just stay right there. With her. And soak her in. And then I did a little jig myself. In my heart. Because that joyful bride with her gorgeous Hoot and Holler bouquet went joyfully through the desert and did whatever I asked with the gorgeous desert light. After a ceremony full of joy they shared tea with their guests merging the Irish wedding style with American traditions and then they finished the night with a perfectly performed Waltz as husband and wife. Lauren and Stephen, no doubt you will have a life full of joy!