We heard their story over and over, told in so many different ways, each a reminder of how amazing it really is that Josh and Lauren met each other. She lived in Hampton Roads and decided to take a job at Water Country USA, while he lived in the UK…and decided to visit a little town called Williamsburg for a summer at a water-themed amusement park. He couldn’t have predicted that his supervisor would, 5 years later, become his wife.
They have traveled the world together, spanning oceans and continents, but both said in their impromptu speeches that each location felt like home because they were with each other. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of customs from their background and the Jewish wedding traditions that made this day unlike any other. From signing a ketubah to adorning her parents with flower crowns at the reception, each event was filled with joy and a lot of VERY excited people.
Set right on the James River outside of Williamsburg, weddings at Two Rivers Country Club are always stunning. Lauren chose the perfect rose gold details (rings and bridesmaid dresses and table numbers), and her cascading white lily bouquet was gorgeous. It amazed me that about half of the wedding guests came all the way from England to be at their special day, and most of the other half has traveled there to meet Josh! The dedication from the couple to their family and friends, and vice versa, was evident in every moment, and Lauren’s joy was all over her face from start to finish.
Josh and Lauren…I have no words. It was impossible not to cry at your first look, or laugh at both your speeches. I’ll never forget how you two spoke about and to each other throughout the day - with tenderness, love, and respect. I’ll always remember the hilarious fun of Israeli dancing and the VERY warm welcome so many of your guests received in Virginia. May the love at your wedding - between you two and all the people who celebrated - carry through the rest of your life. I’m so, SO happy for you both.
Invitations: Minted | Dress: MiLA Bridal | Menswear: The Black Tux + Charles Tyrwhitt | Hair/Makeup: FBJ Weddings | Venue, Catering + Coordination: Two Rivers Country Club | Band: InsideOut Band | Cupcakes: SmallCakes Williamsburg | Florist: The Flower Cupboard | Shuttles: Newton Bus Service
Meanwhile, Josh was preparing for their first look…
Josh and Lauren’s first look is one of my favorites EVER. Both of them cried out of sheer joy more than I’d ever seen.
After their first look, Josh and Lauren signed the ketubah, which is a Jewish marriage agreement. The special ceremony included a charge from the rabbi on the meaning of marriage.
Before the ceremony we headed back into the heat for bridal party portraits - the break in between was welcome relief from a 90+ degree day!
Josh and Lauren’s wedding ceremony was beautiful. From the chuppah decorated with flowers to beautiful songs for their Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) and sweet moments with their parents to smashing the glass at the end, it was a joyful and rich time from start to finish.
Josh and Lauren were all about the pictures, which is why they now have SO many beautiful bride and groom portraits to remember their day! Before the reception officially started we took the golf cart around to a few different gorgeous spots.
The reception started out with the more ‘traditional’ events - first dances, etc., but it didn’t stay that way…just wait for the fun to unfold!
There were SO many speeches, and each one was incredibly memorable and absolutely hilarious. This laugh in particular was inspired by what Lauren’s mom said!
The first reception event I got to witness for the first time is the mezinke tanz. Since Lauren is the last of her siblings to get married, her parents got to wear flower crowns as they were surrounded by dancing for a long, long time!
This soon morphed into a whole LOT of dancing that involved absolutely everyone!
Then came the hora, when the bride and groom are lifted on chairs into the air during all the dancing.
Before the sun was gone, we headed outside for a few more bride and groom pictures right by the James River.
After that…there was just a whole lot of dancing. I LOVE that Josh and Lauren chose a live band - and an amazing one at that! Inside Out Band covered everyone from Michael Jackson to John Denver to Bruno Mars and kept the dance floor packed all night.
We took one more trip outside for a few night portraits before the last song and the grand exit.
