Lauren and Chris sat alone and back-to-back on their wedding day in the church basement while their guests were gathering upstairs. They planned this private moment to read their personal vows to one another before their public celebration began. They were saving their first look for the ceremony, so arranging this encounter required help from members of their wedding party, who walked Chris backward to the chair he sat in.

In the weeks leading up to their wedding, Lauren had confided her complicated feelings of sadness around guests she hoped would attend but could not and her grief for those who have already passed away. There was also hope for what she and Chris already set in place. They had been trying to have children for two years, and just weeks before the wedding, she had a positive pregnancy test after her first IVF treatment. They hadn’t told their families yet. The truth of any wedding is always more nuanced than we can show.

Their celebration was full of Filipino traditions: parent blessings, the veil and cord, the 13 coins, the lighting of the unity candle, the money dance, and rice cakes that were auctioned off to guests. Even I raised a hand and put some money in the bowl.

As the reception closed, they ended the night like they started their wedding day. They were alone as Moon Leone, a talented local singer-songwriter who traveled from Rhode Island, sang one final song that they danced to.

Lauren and Chris, thank you for having me along. I know these pictures will enter your family history and complement the memories experienced firsthand.

Rehearsal Dinner: Union Oyster House
Ceremony: Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Reception: PAGU
Floral + Decor: Lupine Designs Flowers & Decor
Wedding Dress: Martina Liana
Bride Hair: Bombshell Beauty Lounge (Sarah Cole)
Bride Makeup: Amari Brows & Beauty (Lexi Amari Rodriguez)
Lanterns: TentacleCreationsS
Entertainment: Moon Leone
Travel: Expo Limousine