Lauren & Micheal = Merrell Estate Wedding Day!

 The Merrell Estate Wedding Day  |  Lauren & Micheal  |  July 31st, 2022

Oh my goodness ya’ll, I have so many emotions thinking about this sweet wedding of Lauren & Micheal’s. They met at church when they were 8 years old, and started crushing on each other at 12 years old. Their moms secretly wished they’d someday be in-laws – and 9 years of dating later it was finally happening!!! 🙂

We fell in love with Lauren and Micheal last year when we met them at an Open House – and then when they allowed us to photograph them in our FAVORITE place, Charleston. (Click HERE to see their Engagement Session if you missed it!) They sent US a gift to go on a date night after our session – if that shows you what big hearts they have. Then, Lauren’s incredibly beautiful Bridal Session at the Merrimon Wynne house was an absolute DREAM – click HERE to see her sneak peek!

To be such amazing, joyful people is really a testament to their strength – because Lauren just lost her precious dad in May. I’ll never forget sitting down in Central Park on a bench to rest, opening facebook, and seeing a post about Lauren’s dad passing. My heart broke in 2 pieces and Phillip and I just cried together – right there in the middle of Central Park. The fact that Lauren’s friends and family could rally together and celebrate Lauren the way her dad would want them to was truly amazing and an act of love. Micheal and Lauren have been literally through the lowest of lows, in the good times and bad times, and have supported each other through it all. That is true love.

We were so excited to celebrate these amazing people!!! But also… I wanted everything to be absolutely PERFECT for them. All week Saturday’s forecast was 70% chance of rain… and I just didn’t want all their outdoor wedding dreams to be crushed! Mr. Joe was obviously chatting with Jesus, asking Him to hold off the rain for them – because after such a high chance of rain – it didn’t rain a SINGLE drop during the ceremony or anytime afterwards. What a huge blessing and miracle!

We started the day photographing the girls getting ready! Lauren’s bridesmaids were all so sweet and helpful! I loved them all!!! They were snacking on Chickfila and taking Polaroids of each other – just hanging out and getting glam. Micheal and his guys did something a little different – they planned “Game Day” outfits for walking into the venue! (Like when athletes wear cool outfits on their way into the arenas on a game day!) Micheal’s groomsmen were all HILARIOUS and kept me laughing all day for real. What a great group of friends they share!!!

Lauren and her brother Brenden shared a First Look – which brought everyone to tears. Then, Lauren and Micheal had a First Touch and read each other their vows. It was such a sweet moment hearing them promise forever to each other after basically growing up together.

The ceremony was outdoors (yay!) and Lauren walked through an alley of palm trees towards Micheal. Their childhood pastor officiated the ceremony, and it was beautiful. After the ceremony, their dog Maya came to see her parents (she was SO excited!) and we took some cute photos of them together!!!

The skies were getting REALLY dark and gray, so we tried to knock out all the portraits fast in case of a surprise rain shower! We saw 1 bolt of lightening, but thankfully all the bad weather held off! We took some absolutely STUNNING bride and groom portraits under the palm trees, and I just LOVE how Lauren’s beautiful view would catch in the wind. So pretty!

The reception kicked off with a bang! We snuck Micheal and Lauren out to the water for a few more portraits, and WOW they just turned out to be SO EPIC!!! I’m so happy they decided to sneak out for these. That blue sky is incredible!!! Then we headed back into the reception! It was a delicious plated dinner, open bar, HILARIOUS roasts (oops I mean toasts) by their MOH and BM (who are actually dating! And for our wedding vendor friends – if Sasha looks familiar, YES she works at Merrimon Wynne!) a sweet toast by Mrs. Beth (Lauren’s mom), delicious cake and dessert table, tons of dancing with glow sticks & sunglasses, a greenery wall for photos, a cigar bar, late night snacks of a tater tot bar full of toppings, and then we finished the night with a sparkler exit! What a happy, FUN day!!!!

Lauren and Micheal are SO DESERVING of a beautiful & happy wedding day! I wanted everything to be perfect for them – so I hope we all pulled off their dream day!!! Just to tell you what amazing people they are – I woke up Sunday morning to find the longest, sweetest text in the world from Lauren!!!! Words of affirmation are my thing – and she just made my whole week!!! On top of that sweet message, they had sent us home from their wedding day with a handwritten note AND gift cards to Starbucks and Target!!! I mean seriously!!! How precious and selfless are they?! THEN… Sasha (Lauren’s MOH) also texted us Sunday morning with a sweet message!!! We are so so so thankful to work for such incredible couples, and feel extremely humbled by everyone’s kindness and generosity.

All of that to say…. I have a TON of favorites from Micheal’s & Lauren’s coastal wedding day. I can’t wait for ya’ll to see all my faves below. ENJOY!!!!!

P.S. A big thanks to all the talented vendors!
– Florist: Sandy’s Floral Shoppe
– Hair & Makeup: Reign Beauty
– Director: Knot A Second Thought: Zena, Alyssa, Anna
– DJ: Generations DJ
– Videographer: Charis Weddings
– Wedding Venue: Merrell Estate & Gardens
– Caterer & Bartending: Circa 81 Hospitality
– Cake Designer: Kira Merrell
– Invitation Designer: Minted
– Pastor: Eric Lindblade
– Shoe Designer: Steve Madden
– Ring Designer: Micheal’s: James Allen /  Lauren’s: Diamond’s Direct
– Live Artist: Brooke Lupton, Salty Girl Designs
– Dress Designer and Boutique you purchased it from: Mikaella by Paloma Blanca, from Thornbury Brides
– Bridesmaid Dresses Designer: Birdy Grey
– Groom & Groomsmen attire designer and store purchased from: Ticknor’s Men’s Clothier