Ready for Day 2 of 3 of our Real Wedding Workshop? The BIG day.... Lauren and Justin's beautiful wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation. We certainly were... all 19 photographers. Yes, this is always crazy... but crazy fun!

Lauren and Justin visited Hawks Cay Resort in Florida every August around his birthday since they started dating in 2011. Little did she know when he made it a couples trip with three of her best friends and their husbands, in 2013, that he would be planning a little surprise for her that would change her life forever. Their first day there, they all spent the day boating. As they were walking back to the resort, hand in hand, she said to Justin that she wanted to make this an annual trip for them and bring their kids one day. That's when he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him with the promise that the resort would always be their special place.

A year and a half later, their wedding day had arrived. The most beautiful day - picture perfect! The sun was shining and everyone was smiling. Lauren and her bridesmaids have an incredible bond, they love each other like they are sisters. Justin and his boys are equally tight, and his dad was his best man. How cool is that? The love that surrounds them is undeniable. Lauren looked incredibly beautiful in her stunning Rivini gown with a gorgeous pair of satin red Badgley Mischka shoes with an embellished peep toe. The Rivini jewelry she wore was equally beautifully. All her college friends have been passing down a Gator garter, and they each have it monogramed after wearing it. I mean seriously, that is the best! Her girls all wore Amsale with a faux fur grey wrap, while Justin and his boys were looking dapper in their slim fit tuxes by Black by Vera Wang. I'd say this was a beautiful bridal party!

Their first look was like no other! It took place on a spectacular bridge, surrounded by trees everywhere which made for a romantic setting and so many photographic opportunities. Lauren and her daddy headed to the Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church in a white 1966 RR Princess Vanden Plas. Can it get any better than this? The service was beautiful. I think I cried through the whole thing, it's a good thing I wasn't holding a camera... lol.

The cocktail hour took place in The Forest on the Ritz property, with hanging bistro lights, beautiful lanterns everywhere, and beautiful lounge furniture, not to mention the view of the lake in the background. The cocktail hour music was dedicated to Lauren's late Grandmother who loved Frank Sinatra. The food served had a southern flare including tomato soup with heart shaped grilled cheese... just incredible!!! Their winter southern wedding was romantic and classical with beautiful red roses everywhere! Their reception was in the Ballroom and the decor took your breath away when you walked in. The entertainment, the cake, the dessert table, the first dance, the speeches, the sparkler exit... OMG...

I think I've said too much.... so why not discover for yourselves how incredibly beautiful this wedding was. A huge thank you to Lauren and Justin and their families for welcoming our group with open arms. They treated us with such grace and I just can't thank them enough for all their kindness. Same to Ashley Scott at the Ritz, who was truly an amazing coordinator! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Then we have Tracey Taylor and Dee Green who also assisted us as well. They came all the way from Japan to help us. We met them at our 3rd Real Wedding Workshop in Nashville, and these beauties have become dear friends. Without this them, we would the coverage of this wedding would never be what it is... so thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!

Lauren and Justin, we love you both and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!!!!

xxoo!!!

~ Dawn and Bob

Ps: Be ready for Day 3 of the workshop up next...