“Getting engaged was one of the best nights of my life,” says Lauren. “When we first started sharing long talks, I knew we had the same morals, principles and beliefs. Once we started being able to finish each other’s sentences, I said to myself, ‘This is it!’”
Lauren found her one-shouldered Simone Carvalli wedding gown at a local bridal boutique recommended to her by a family friend. It was the second one she tried on. “I knew it was the one when I saw myself in the three-way mirror with it on. It complemented my body and made me feel perfect.”
“I started to have a closer relationship with God because James re-introduced me to church,” says Lauren about her handsome new husband. “We laugh constantly and we rarely fight or get annoyed with one another. I am a better person because of him.”
Five women joined Lauren at the altar on her wedding day – her best friend, who was her matron of honor, and her four bridesmaids, who were all close college friends.
“James has great taste, so I wasn’t worried at all when I let him handle all of the attire for the guys,” boasts Lauren. He chose a tailor-made suit with an ivory jacket with a black, satin wide shawl.
“Lauren is honest, loving, caring and trustworthy,” says James. “She is the most beautiful woman I have ever known.”
“From day one I have told Lauren that I love her authenticity,” says James. “What you see is what you get.”
Lauren’s father walked her down the aisle as they played Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin performed by Innocenti Strings Quartet. “He has always been my protector and greatest supporter,” she says. “This time was no different. It really symbolized the transition from the role of daughter to wife.”
“The same minister that taught our premarital class at church was also our wedding officiate,” says Lauren. “We loved his teaching style and enjoy him as a minister, so it was a perfect fit.”
During their traditional ceremony, Lauren and James could barely hold it together as they exchanged personal vows they’d written just for one another from their hearts. Tissue, anyone?
“It was an amazing feeling that I will never forget,” says Lauren. “I cried during the ceremony because his vows were so beautiful and because he cried too.”
“I was a bag of mixed emotions.” James admits. “I was trying to smile for the cameras, yet crying at the same time because of just how happy I was to be marrying Lauren.”
Lauren and James asked their parents to participate in the unity candle ceremony at their ceremony, to help unite their families as one. They also accepted communion and had their favorite scriptures read.
“I had butterflies in my stomach just trying to soak in the moment and exactly what was happening,” says Lauren. “I was just smiling and saying to myself, ‘Yes, this is it. We’re actually getting married.'”
“It was an all time natural high that day,” Lauren admits. “Plus, my makeup was amazing, my dress was perfect and my family was there. Nothing could disturb my happiness and joy.”
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Pierre-Glaude, who looked absolutely phenomenal from head-to-toe on their wedding day.
“Nothing could disturb my happiness and joy that day,” says James. “It was even more than what I dreamed of.”
Crystal-lined trees were used to decorate the couple’s reception tables and create a romantic oasis where their 250 guests could party with them all night long.
“We are a ‘less is more’ kind of couple,” admits James. “We didn’t want too much decor or for it to seem gaudy. The hall was already beautiful so there wasn’t much that we needed. In the corner, we did have a photo booth, which was provided by the deejay company, Genesis Events.”
The newlyweds enter their reception with a bang to the sound of T.I’s “Bring ‘Em Out.” “It was time to party,” recalls the bride. And party they did!
Lauren and James chose K-Ci and Jo Jo’s “All My Life” for their first dance song. Excuse us while we go grab more tissues. This is just so beautiful.
Photographer Joshua Dwain captured the couple’s most intimate moments from every single angle. What a lovely portrait of the pair.
We can’t get enough of Lauren and James’ centerpiece style.
An outstanding cake for an oustanding couple. What’s not to love about all those stacked layers of yummy cake with chocolate filling, the bride’s favorite?
Lauren and James are such a sweet couple. We wish we’d been invited to their special day.
The newlyweds and their guests danced the night away as the deejay spun top tunes. Doesn’t it look like a great party? Sign us up for the next one.
The fellas salute the happy groom with a lift across the dance floor.
Not to be outdone, the ladies formed their own pep rally in honor of Lauren’s big day.
“We had a budget, but my father, who really wanted this wedding, was able to pay for the majority of it, which really helped us alot,” says Lauren. “We had a flexible budget that we mostly stuck to,” James adds.
James looks for his new wife’s garter, and they’re both loving every minute of it.
The single ladies lined up for the bouquet toss and joyful bride Lauren gave it quite a throw.
The lucky lady who caught the bouquet and the guy who caught the garter prepare to play the traditional game that determines how many years of good luck will be bestowed upon the bride and groom.
“If there were any mishaps that day, we didn’t know about them,” says Lauren. “I felt like I was walking on a cloud.”
The newlyweds snuck off for a quiet moment in the corner to reflect on the magic of the day and to take these romantic portraits that are totally frame-worthy.
“It was the best day of my life,” says Lauren. The happy couple honeymooned in Aruba after tying the knot. Did you enjoy their traditional wedding style as much as we did? Tell us your favorite details below and see more photos over at The Bride’s Cafe. Want to see your wedding joy shared in Bridal Bliss? Email us now!
