Baby You're a Firework- Lucian and Laura's Friendly Crossways July 4th Wedding

Lucian and Laura were married on the Fourth of July at the Friendly Crossways Retreat Center in Harvard, MA. These two lovebirds chose the Fourth of July not only for the obvious reasons but because it was the wedding anniversary of Lucian’s grandparents as well, and they figured the date would work for them if it had worked for his grandparents for 60 years!

Laura and Lucian met when they were about 12 or 13 and gradually became good friends until, when they were 15/16, Lucian was Laura’s first kiss! But they fell out of contact for a few years before reconnecting in college when they were both planning on going to a sleepaway YMCA camp as counselors. As the summer began, their romance blossomed, and now they have been together for 6 years!

They both worked full-time as outdoor educators at a camp in California for a couple years before they decided to move back to Boston so that Lucian could attend grad school. So, as they were leaving, Lucian asked Laura and some friends and coworkers to attend his last-ever campfire. He made up a skit about how he would be taking his favorite things with him when he left California, then called Laura on stage and proposed in front of 150 fifth-graders!

When my second shooter, Kerri Green, and I arrived at Friendly Crossways, we were a tad concerned about how we were going to do the first look—it was raining! So, Kerri and I floated around taking pictures of everyone under the tent (Laura was still writing her vows) and shooting some details before I decided to check my miracle app, Dark Skies, which literally tells you both when it’s going to rain and when it will stop! So, I suggested that we go out underneath the trees so that the sun would be out by the time we were done with the first look.

I have to say that in all my years of shooting weddings, Lucian and Laura’s first look was the most touching one yet! At one point, when Laura was walking toward Lucian, we had to stop so she could get a few deep breaths because she was so filled with emotion! I held her hand and took deep breaths by her side and told her that all this emotion was a good thing and that marriage kicks ass. I told her, if she was feeling this joy now, think about what it would be like when she actually saw him. I think the photos speak volumes about their relationship.

Lo and behold, once the first look was over, the sun came out, and it was time for the ceremony! Their vows were heartfelt and pure, and Lucian’s grandmother, Harriet, read a beautiful piece from Winnie the Pooh.

The reception was filled with dancing, dancing, and more dancing. There were beautiful toasts from family and friends, and so much love to be shared!

People always ask me how I’m able to get such happy and emotional images, and it’s couples like Lucian and Laura that make my job easy. They have no problem showing their emotions and being so genuine! These two really do wear their hearts on their sleeves, and all I had to do to get good images of them was click the shutter!

Lucian & Laura, thank you again for letting me be part of this amazing time in your lives!  You two are really amazing!

Vendors

Location - Friendly Crossways Retreat Center Catering - Same Desserts aka pies from Friendly Crossways too Dress - BHLDN Make up - Blushing Brides Flowers - Wagon Wheel Nursery & Farm Stand (I shop there all the time lol) DJ -White Label Wedding DJs Officiant - Alex Learned