wedding festivities {Nik+Lauren}

It's really hard to be the "photographer" when you're actually a participant in an event, but I sure tried!  I didn't take many, but here are a few of the photos from last week's the wedding we were in 2 weeks ago!

The gorgeous view of downtown Cincinnati from the venue {Drees Pavilion in Devou Park}

The groomsmen and their gifts at the rehearsal dinner

I took a few more the morning of the wedding while we were all getting ready.

Morning must have, Starbucks for the wedding party!

the prep area

the bride having her extensions...attached?  is that what you call it?  I have no clue!

Lauren has so GORGEOUS friends!

the flower girls were out of this world adorable!

nail touch ups

applying lipstick

getting dressed

Lauren's gown fit her personality to a T, it was PERFECT for her!

 hanging out with the stunning bride before the ceremony =}

I had to share this photo Jason's aunt took during the ceremony.  Due to the way the chairs were arranged, we had to alter our original plan of where we stood a tad so myself and the MOH {who is maybe 5ft tall and wearing 4 inch heals (farthest to the right)} had to stand up on the stage with the bride and groom while the other 3 bridesmaids were on the ground level, making me looks like a GIANT!  This photo just makes me chuckle!

and one of the hubs and I at the reception {he changed into his "party tie" after the ceremony}

Lauren and Nik could not have asked for a more beautiful day to exchange their vows.  Lauren planned everything perfectly and, as far as I know, everything went smoothly.  The day was gorgeous and a ton of fun.  I'm so grateful we were able to make the trip home to celebrate with them!

The day after the wedding, Jason and I had some 5 year anniversary photos taken by the AMAZING Loft3.  Melanie was wicked fast to get some of the images up on their site.  I'm sure I'll share them on here once I receive the disc, but if you just cannot wait to see them, head over to their website {click on their name in the line above} and check 'em out and leave Melanie some comment love!  I am over the moon thrilled with them!  They are all that I hoped they would be and more!!!!