It's a very common thing for me-- for clients to become old friends. But it's much less common when old friends become clients. However, that is exactly what happened with Lauren + Drew. I had the pleasure of shooting Lauren + Drew's amazing handmade, vintage inspired wedding at The Marion Davies Guest House in Santa Monica last Sunday. Lauren + Drew went to high school with me. I was friends with Lauren, we had musical theater class together and also a science class (but don't ask me which science class as I have blocked it from memory). Lauren was always someone who brightened my day. Funny and sarcastic. Witty and ridiculously smart. And did I mention, the girl has the most BEAUTIFUL, powerful singing voice. On Earth. She is an amazing musician and performer.It's no wonder Lauren + Drew were drawn to each other in high school. Drew is also crazy smart, very funny, and not only a talented performer, but a talented writer as well. These two were a perfect match then, and they've grown together over the years. They have moved cross-country to Chicago, went to university, entered the work force and bought a condo together. And over these years, they just have just grown better together, more perfect for each other. And it's so amazing to have reconnected after all these years and to see how their love has grown. I am so happy for my friends Lauren + Drew, and I'm so touched that they wanted "Li'l Ashleigh" from high school to document this milestone moment in their love story for them. :)Lauren + Drew's wedding was truly a celebration. A celebration of family, of friends, of their history, of how it all began. I was not the only vendor there who went to high school with them. The cake baker, also went to our high school (though a few years ahead of us) and actually went to musical theater camp (yes I said musical theater camp) with me! Small world! The hair + make up artist was a good friend of Lauren's from high school. And the ceremony? Well that was performed by Lauren+ Drew's favorite teacher from high school, and she made the ceremony so very touching, lively, and personal. Another adorable touch was that Lauren + Drew made crossword puzzles for guests to fill out for fun during the night, and the clues to the words were all based on their journey as a couple.All in all it was a BEAUTIFUL day and it meant so much to me to be there... Thanks so much to Ami for assisting and shooting with me that day! Please check out the photos below!
Lauren hand made the boutonnieres for the VIPs in her + Drew's lives (they did not have a bridal party). She made them out of paper from old books, lace, ribbon and netting. She also made her bouquet in the same fashion.
I loved that Lauren's birdcage veil and fascinator were "something blue." Such a unique and stunning detail! Even more amazing? She made both the veil and fascinator herself.
How ADORABLE are these two?!?!
Lauren + Drew got ready together, so there wasn't an official First Look. But we did take time for some fun, fabulous bride & groom portraits before the ceremony!
Ahhh! Lauren, you are STUNNING!
Seriously, Lauren? You're killing me here with your fabulousness!!! LOVE IT!
Leave it to two actors to deliver me some FIERCENESS! LOVE it!
The inside of the house was decorated with many special touches. Like vignettes of old books and pages. And Lauren + Drew's crossword puzzles!
Lauren hand made these adorable circle banners and they decorated different areas of the house with them! It was the perfect pop of color and decorative touch!
SO in LOVEEEEE with these programs! Again, hand made by Lauren! Love the whole library feel-- totally goes with the vintage look, but also is a great reference to high school and how they met.
Lauren + Drew went non-traditional and walked down the aisle together. I love the symbolism of it. Such a special moment.
After the ceremony, as the sun was setting, we ran out to the beach to grab a few more lovely photos. Drew remarked that they looked like they were doing some Boardwalk Empire Cosplay. And I was all HECK YEAH and I LOVE IT!
SWOON!!!!
I give you, MY FAVORITE SHOT OF THE DAY! Fierce, fierce, fierce!
Oh you two and your adorableness! You kill me. Really!
Back at the house, there were toasts that were so funny I nearly peed my pants... but luckily didn't.
There was no dancing, but there was ROCK BAND and a photo booth!
Lauren + Drew hammed it up for the cake cutting. Love it!
Congrats so much to Lauren and Drew! To see more pictures from this fabulous wedding be sure to check out the SLIDE SHOW: