So It's Been 4 Years...


Dave and I were married 4 years ago today in Georgetown. It POURED rain like you wouldn't believe - a huge drought ended that weekend- and we had such a blast. (pic below of some of my childhood friends)




We got engaged at the ripe old age of 22 (him 23). We must have scared our families half to death! It was one of those things where we'd already been together a couple of years but I was only a year out of college... We knew we wanted to get married "someday" but were so young and "the age" for getting married is more like at least 26 now... But one day we were just talking and we thought "Why can't we?" "What's stopping us besides what people might think?" We knew we wanted to and knew that moving in with roommates for another couple of years & living "the life" just wasn't what we wanted anymore. So, in April, we started planning a wedding for October. It was a short engagement and I don't think I could have stood for it to be any longer. Wedding planning CONSUMES you even when you try not to let it. All of those phone calls, plans, etc. Here are my beautiful best friends & cousins (the bridesmaids) below. They all chose their own styles of dress by the same designer... something I really recommend because they were all able to pick what they felt most comfortable in:



I found them all unique vintage necklaces that reminded me of them & they wore them on the day of the wedding. Anyway, I thought I'd share with you today a bunch of wedding photos taken by our photographer, Mark Bettinger of Rodney Bailey photography. We chose photographers who shoot in in the photojournalistic style because, it's strange, but I'm REALLY uncomfortable in photos where I know the photographer is taking a pic and I need to stand there and "smile." I love all the details they captured. Below, Dave at the church, waiting:


And me waiting at my grandparents house:

The morning started fairly early as all the bridesmaids came to my mom's house to do hair & make-up. (A lot had slept over.) Wedding's these days are pretty much productions and ours, I have to admit, was too. As crazy as it was though, I remember just being so happy that it was finally "the big day" and looking out at the rain just gushing down from the sky and thinking I'd always sort of known it would rain on my wedding day & how it didn't matter a bit. (I really love a good rainstorm & I was actually fine with it but had lots of outdoor pics planned- oh well! :) Then my mom & I and my cousin Jen (my maid of honor) went over to grandparents' house where I grew up to get ready ^ take some pics. (My mom & I lived there with my grandparents for 6 years.) Here's my mom helping me get ready:
I didn't try on my wedding dress before I ordered it because the designer, Saison Blanche , is couture and doesn't do samples of most of their dresses. But, I saw a picture of it online & knew it would be perfect. I didn't try on any dresses before getting it. It was big a splurge (I'm SO not a couture girl in real life unfortunately ;) and have my mom to thank for the dress... I was crazy over the Swarovski crystals all over the bodice & cap sleeves & wanted my wedding to be a sort of mix of whites, metallics, & have a conservatory-feel with a little vintage bling... (I've realized it's similar to the scheme of my home.)
And Dave at the church with my little cousin, Christopher:
I'm going to let these pics speak for themselves.:



... okay, and I love to see the expression on the groom's face when he first sees the bride:

I remember it so well... it was like I had tunnel vision and just saw him at the end of that long aisle & everything else was a blur...


Sealing the deal ;) (below)

The wedding ring:

Mr. and Mrs.Liesss!!! (up until this point I was Lauren Maestranzi ;)

Hugging him alone after the ceremony (haha sort of- the photographer was there) felt so good...

We actually had the reception in Georgetown University's cafeteria. NICE cafeteria!! I fell for it because of the view right on the Potomac River and of course the chandeliers:





I loved all the hydrangea and gardenia and of course all the light in the room:

ok, this one needs explaining... THE LAMB CHOPS: mm mm mm

We had moss balls & topiaries everywhere... And very small floating gardenia centerpieces because the food was served family-style and there wouldn't be much room:
In my family (the Italian side), it's tradition to stand on the chairs & sing "That's Amore!" My dad started that one a LONG time ago...
We just had so much fun & the time flew by!!! At weddings you're so busy saying hello to everybody that you really have to make a conscious effort to get some QT in with your new spouse. I'd been to enough weddings to see how important it was to just relax, realize things won't work out exactly the way you'd planned & who really cares, and to focus on what really matters: your spouse & your marriage.

I didn't really care much about the cake (I'm more of a cookie girl) but it actually was SO FREAKING GOOD!!!!! (even a year and a half later- when we actually remembered to eat the top of it!)
My sweetie with the umbrella (below). (We'd had plans to go to the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks and take pics but coudn't because of the rain.) Sometimes things just turn out very differently from the way you'd planned, but have a way of working out, making even better memories than the ones you'd planned:

So, I know how personal (and possibly boring!!) this post was but just had to share. Thanks for enduring ;) Weddings nowadays end up as these huge events with lots of "ta-da-ing" that I hear older generations complain about... But I do have to say how much I loved and enjoyed mine and how incredibly thankful I am to my family for giving it to us. In the end it's all about marring the right person and I know I did that right.

Happy anniversary Dav - if you're reading this- I love you!!!
xoxo,
lauren

53 comments:

Amber B. said...

Beautiful photos...gorgeous dress. Our wedding was a "production" too, but we always talk about how it was perfect. I am so thankful that we have those memories---glad you have such wonderful ones, too!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful post! Congratulations. This past August, we celebrated 10 times your number of years. Let me tell you, it just gets better :O)

Charla

CRICKET said...

So not boring, the word that comes to mind is beautiful!

Suzie said...

Lovely! I actually got tears in my eyes looking a several of your pics, especially looking at Dave's face when you were walking down the aisle.
I look forward to reading your blog and check it as often as possible. I'm so excited watching the transformation of your cute home. Keep up the good work!

Southern Aspirations said...

Def not boring! Congratulations!! That is fantastic!! Great photos of you- it is great to see all the love and excitement in your faces. Congrats again.

PS the dress is gorgeous!

Tricia said...

Happy Anniversary to you both!
What is it about wedding photos that automatically makes me tear up?! ;)
Gorgeous photos! Gorgeous Bride and Groom! Gorgeous wedding!

XO*Tricia

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Happy anniversary! What a beautiful wedding--and I love your gown. Gorgeous!

We got married young, too. I was still in college, actually. But it worked out! Sometimes you just know when it's right. :-)

Here's to many more happy years together!

EMBELLISH said...

Happy Anniversary. What a fun post!!! I feel like I was there. You were positiviely beautiful

bluehydrangea said...

Happy anniversary!! Loved all the photos, what a beautiful wedding!!

Mary said...

You guys are so cute together. Loved the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Awww. Happy anniversary! Such a gorgeous bride and groom...and event!

Cheri said...

A VERY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO BOTH OF YOU! EVERYTHING LOOKED BEAUTIFUL. October is a great month for weddings, our anniversary will be next week... 31 years.

Jennifer said...

happy anniversary! hope you can steal some time to celebrate this week!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Well it seems as if it is anniversary season here in blogland! Your wedding looked wonderful, congratulations! Loved all the beautiful pictures...
Janell

Karen said...

Happy Anniversary. I love your cake and the centerpieces. You were such a pretty bride.

Michelle said...

Happy Anniversary Lauren! What a beautiful couple! And great photos too!!

Best,
Michelle

Dianne said...

So beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

Happy anniversary to you both!!! Thanks so much for sharing these special photos! I could look at wedding pictures all day, but it's much more fun when you *know* the people getting married! You were an absolutely beautiful bride!

Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog said...

What a beautiful day! Congrats on four years!!

Fargerike Dagny said...

Wow, that looked like a fabulous day!! And you were a stunning bride with a stunning dress! The fit was perfect! I'm looking at dresses at the moment, and I think I've found "the one". It's a complete splurge as well, but I really just want it to be perfect... :)

Happy anniversary, and I know you have many happy years ahead of you!!!

xoxo
dagny

Windlost said...

Lauren, what a gorgeous post! I read every line and wasn't bored at all! Your wedding looks like such a tasteful, classic day. Maybe you can organize mine (if we ever bother!) and just do everything the same. Love the cake, the dress, the locations.

You looked GORGEOUS. That dress was exquisite and you are a total babe anyway. No wonder Dave looked so thrilled! You are such a lovely couple and I wish you a hundred years of happiness (since you're both so young, you might actually almost make it)!

(really liked your cake too).
xo Terri

MFAMB said...

what a breathtaking bride you were! such a pretty dress. happy anniversary!

Vanya Wilkinson said...

wow your day looks absolutely beautiful and Lauren you look absolutely gorgeous darling !

LindsB said...

This was not boring at all! I love looking at wedding pictures and yours was just beautiful. I LOVE your dress, I cant believe you ordered it online without even trying it on first!

Happy Anniversary! xoxox

Lauren said...

Such a beautiful wedding! I just stumbled across your blog and I love it! I live in Georgetown, so this post holds a special place in my heart! :) Thanks for sharing!

Annie Pazoo said...

Holy moly, Miss Lauren. Could you be ANY MORE beautiful?! Happy anniversary to a special couple :-)

Carolyn said...

Absolutely beautiful-every single one!!! Happy anniversary.

Carolyn

Sa-Sea said...

Beautiful pics!!!! I got married at 23 too, why wait?! such a special day, and your dress WAS amazing!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Awww, what a beautiful wedding & you were a gorgeous bride, Lauren. Congrats! all was stunning.

My Notting Hill said...

Beautifup pictures. Happy Anniversary!!!!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

L, you were beautiful! The wedding looks wonderful too. Thanks for sharing!

Laurie from Laurie Jones Home said...

Just beautiful, you two make a lovely couple and its so apparent that you two totally dig each other! (; Thanks for sharing, we girls are always a sucker for happily ever after stories!!

Katrina said...

Great wedding photos!

Thomas said...

Happy four year anniversary! I am serious when I say you two are quite beautiful. Continue to do what you have done the previous 4 years. Never give up and keep looking forward. I am happy to have met you. sending love to you and Dave!

Unknown said...

Hi Lauren -- Just started peeking into your blog after your presentation at Pear Tree. (I am the one that wore the yellow jacket that day and works with Frances.) I had to write to tell you today my husband and I shared our big day as well. 21 years ago and still going very strong. We were married rather young as well. We spent the day hiking - our tradtion - and it was gorgeous. Best of the best to you and your groom.

Maria Killam said...

Boring? Hardly. Reading someone's blog that you know is kind of like reading celebrity magazines. You feel like you know them already so reading something personal is totally fun. And you area like a celebrity, so it's wonderful looking at the stunning photos of you and your husband!

Hugs & kisses to you both!
Maria

Splendid Willow said...

An absolutely beautiful bride with her handsome husband to be! Thank you for sharing the photos! I wandered over from The Right Bank - and I am glad that I did. Your blog is lovely.

And I am going nuts for the image of Betsy Brown's entry. That is so my style.

ALEX ALLIO said...

Joyeux Anniversaire!!
In french, we say "Mariage pluvieux, mariage heureux" maybe you've got the same in english; it means "rainy wedding , happy wedding" ... It is just an "evidence" looking at this post you're made for each other.
My husband and I are married for 7 years now, but we took 15 years before to think about it ... and we plan it in june for september .. and it was absolutely wonderful ... no need to take months and months to make a success of a reception ... just need love, family and friends ...
just like your wedding day that semms to be so warm trough pictures. Congratulations for your post and once more, I wish you joy and happiness with your "charming" husband.
Alexandrine
France
ps excuse me .. maybe my english is not so good !!!

Ness Lockyer said...

Happy 4th Anniversary.
If it makes you feel any better. We were married at 22!! Best decision EVER!
You were a gorgeous bride and gown was amazing and of course I love the flowers!!
Ness xx

DecRenew Interiors said...

Lauren - so much fun to see your photo's and congratulations to you both! I was totally relating to your story because it rained on my wedding day too. I planned to have a garden wedding and everything was all set up. We had to rush to the "back-up" plan and transitioned our day into something unexpected. I remember driving to the church and saying to my dad "I don't care where this wedding is, I just want to marry the man". All the pictures, beautiful flowers, gardens, dresses, etc. are there for us to enjoy but ultimately it's about the man. So glad that you are happy and that you count your blessings. My mom says that when it rains on your wedding day it's God's blessings showering down on you. Don't know if that's true but it made me feel tons better. We've been married for 21 years no (married at 21) and it gets better and better!!

Have a beautiful day together!

Debra said...

Not boring at all- I so enjoyed this. You are just beautiful and what a handsome husband you have. Your wedding was lovely. You have great taste and it showed for this-event of a lifetime. Congratulations and Happy Anniversay.

simply seleta said...

This was a wonderful read! Oh my, you are so gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this and hope you had a Happy Anniversary!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hayppy anniversary! You two are just adorable together. The wedding looks like it was gorgeous and you and your dress were just stunning. I love rainstorms too and would have reacted the same way. Much happiness to you both. xoxo, alek

Anonymous said...

Your Wedding was ao BEAUTIFUL!!!! and your dress AMAZING!! xoxo
Eddie + Jaithan

Linda in AZ * said...

* To the blogging world's precious "wee-one", Lauren, I say THANK YOU for sharing this~~~ I can't even TELL you how MUCH I enjoyed seeing these pictures (SOMEHOW I was "absent" for the last few days, & am SO GLAD I caught this!!!)~

From an INCREDIBLY BREATHTAKING WEDDING GOWN to the smiles on your sweet faces, EVERYTHING couldn't have been better, it seems, even if it HADN'T rained!!!! (Annnnd, you would NOT have had that PRICELESS pic of Dave holding the umbrella as you "ran" thru the rain, & I ADORE that pic!)~~~

Gee, it seems like only a FEW years ago, my Jim & I married (at 18 & 20)~~~ We just celebrated our 42 Anniversary ~~~ it's been a GGGGGGGREAT TRIP all the way so far, & we continue to see only MORE WONDERFUL things AHEAD of us!!!

Soooooo enjoyed this, Lauren! Take gooood care of EACH OTHER~ it's the most important thing you'll EVER do, besides raise your children...

Hugs,
Linda (& Jim!) in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Just beautiful. Congrats on 4 years... xx- Brooke

Velvet and Linen said...

What a beautiful couple!
Hope you had a wonderful anniversary.

xo
Brooke

Haven and Home said...

Oh I loved reading this and looking at the pictures! Congratulations to both of you!!!!

Louisa said...

Congrats on your anniversary! You looked gorgeous - love your wedding gown! I know what you mean about being uncomfortable with posed photos where you have to force a smile. Candids are better!!
Thanks for sharing - the two of you looked so incredibly happy!

plaisirs simples said...

so beautiful!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!

KFWhel said...

Beautiful wedding, gave me chills :D. I LOVE georgetown, I'd love to live there after college!

Sehoon said...

nice surprise to see rev. paul on your pic!! we are neighbors :)

Unknown said...

dunno if you will see this but i am planning my wedding and this really inspired me to some of the ideas. I am a southern girl from texas, but the importance of a classy, mellow wedding is what i have always wanted...oh and the pic of your husband looking at you for the first time made me tear up. people these days have lost the meaning of what marriage really means and im so glad there are other people out there who actually realize the importance of making sure you dont get caught up in the hype of shiny weddings with dramatic overdos!


kristan