Last weekend we had the privilege of photographing the sweetest, most beautiful wedding. It was full of beautiful details from florals to American flags, one GORGEOUS dress, and a story behind the day that is a great one and a little heart wrenching at the same time!

Lauren and Cole have been dating since Lauren’s freshman year in high school. Cole entered into the Marine Corps almost two years ago and was stationed in North Carolina.  Since then, the two have worked through the long distance relationship and were so excited to finally get engaged! The plan was for Lauren to join Cole in North Carolina just two days after the wedding.

The week before the wedding was quite eventful! Cole came home for the first time since getting engaged, Lauren graduated from high school, her younger sister graduated from 8th grade, and their family home flooded in the torrential downpours we had! Talk about a stressful wedding week! And to top it off, they were calling for rain and storms all day the day of the wedding.

The wedding day came around with storms all around, but miraculously, no storms hit at Kickapoo Creek Winery, the venue for their entire day. The day was full of emotion. I can’t imagine Lauren’s parents emotions that day…so happy to see their little girl getting married, yet having to mentally prepare themselves for her to move away two days later! But everything ended up perfect that day. I’m pretty sure they had one of the most upbeat, fun receptions we’ve ever attended. The dance floor was full the ENTIRE time! And they had so many special touches, one of my favorites being when Lauren took the mic and sang a solo to Cole!! Tear jerker! I couldn’t be more excited to share these images with you!

Congratulations Lauren and Cole!!

Photography: Kristen Winkler Photography

2nd Photographer: Ashley Solberg

Venue: Kickapoo Creek Winery

Florist: Georgette’s Flowers

Videographer: Jen Nauman Photography

DJ: GST Productions

Makeup: Marnae Hunt

Hair: Shelby Shackleford

Cake: Trefzgers

Bridal Shop: Bridal Elegance

Dress: Stella York

Invitations: Invitations by Dawn