Some “love stories” start long before a couple ever meets.  Lauren & Eric gave away their hearts to someone else before they had ever set eyes on each other.  And it was the best decision that they’d ever make.  That someone taught them what love was.  He gave them each a purpose and made them into the people that they needed to be.  And eventually, when they were both ready, God led them into each others lives and showed them what he had in mind all along – for them to be a perfect match for one another.

We were truly blessed to be able to capture Lauren & Eric’s wedding day this past Sunday at beautiful Villa Siena in Gilbert, Arizona.  It was also extra special to us because we had a chance to see a lot of old friends.  They met at Grace Community Church where Ryan and I used to attend and served in ministry for many years.  I was actually Lauren’s 6th grade small group leader!  Man, that makes me sound old ;-)  Lauren is and has always been such an incredible young woman and it was such a joy to watch her marry the man of her dreams.

 

(Please sign the guestbook if you’d like to be notifed when the rest of their photos are online.)

AND don’t forget to click “love” under your favorite images along the way!

The day began at the Dolce Salon in Chandler where Lauren was getting her hair and makeup done.

Such a laid back bride!  She was so calm and relaxed the entire day, just taking it all in.

Love, love, love both of these next two. Lauren was the most gorgeous bride!

Mom & daughter shared the same happy smiles as they left Dolce to head to the venue.  So cute :-)

The dress :-)  Don’t the columns and lines frame it perfectly?

All of Eric’s groomsmen were there early to help him get ready to see his bride for the first time.

 

Eric & Lauren chose to see each other before the ceremony so they could share a few quiet moments together.  Their first look was super sweet and so filled with love and joy :-)  Ryan and I were getting pretty misty eyed just watching them interact!

Lauren gave Eric a journal with a love letter written on the first few pages.  After they had seen each other the two sat down and read it together.  They took full advantage of their private time and even spent a few minutes praying together and asking God to bless their marriage.

A-dor-a-ble!

 

The other advantage of a first look is that we got to shoot some of their portraits in advance.

These two are made for each other!

We have tons of shots of Eric smiling, but I have to say, I’m totally digging him rockin’ the serious look!

They had quite the good looking bridal party, but I think my favorite part of this image is the expression on the little ring-bearer’s face!  “Ewwww!  Their kissing!”  Ha ha – love it!

 

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I don’t usually gush over kids in tuxes, but come on . . . this kid’s a stud.

Just before the ceremony, Ryan grabbed some awesome shots of Eric’s guys praying for him – such a special moment.

Time to make things official :-)

Mr. & Mrs. Johnstun!

After they signed their marriage license, their was only one thing left to do . . . they updated their relationship status on Facebook!  How awesome is that?  Totally a couple after our own hearts :-)

CONFIRM!!!!

A few more post ceremony portraits.

 

We really enjoyed shooting at Villa Siena.  Such a beautiful venue with endless photo possibilities.  Love the vines and the great Tuscan inspired details in these next shots.

We saved most of the reception stuff for the slideshow, but couldn’t pass up this super sweet moment from Lauren & Eric’s first dance.

Click the button below to check out more great photos of this super sweet couple!

 

A big thanks to the great team of vendors who helped make their day possible:

Venue: Villa Siena
Officiant: Chris Gonzalez
Hair & Makeup: Dolce Salon, Chandler
Florals: Events by First Rose
Catering: Park Avenue Catering
DJ: Jordan Haugan