lauren + stephen // Foundry Suites Wedding

Lauren: “We’ve actually known each other our whole lives, I guess you could say. My best friend went to grammar school with Stephen, I went to the same high school as his sister, and then Stephen and I went to the same college, Buffalo State University. Since we both played fall sports (Stephen played soccer and I played volleyball), that’s when we became really close as friends. We then studied abroad together in Siena, Italy and that’s what really started our relationship. Pretty much every day I say to myself ‘thank god for Siena’ because it changed our lives, for the better.“

Lauren: “Although my mom saw me try on my dress at the countless fittings, when she finally saw me all done up, she immediately hugged me and told me she has never seen anyone more beautiful, and that made my heart burst.“

Lauren: “Our first date was on February 14, 2010. I know, Valentine’s Day sounds so cliche. But it was actually really cute because I cannot stand that holiday and Stephen wanted to prove to me that it could be great with the right person. He took me to my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Vino’s, and we had an amazing night! There was no nervousness because we were already friends and that made the night that much better.“

Lauren: “We got engaged on our 5 year anniversary at Niagara Falls. We actually only had dinner plans later that evening, but since that was the year the falls had frozen over, Stephen suggested last minute that we drive up to see them. We walked around for a bit, but didn’t stay too long since it was so cold (even though I love the winter, but Stephen, not so much). While we were walking back to our car, we stopped along the rapids. Stephen started talking about the past 5 years, which I thought was normal since it was our anniversary, but the next thing I knew, he went down on one knee. I immediately started crying and then jumped to hug him! I honestly cannot remember if I actually ever said ‘yes’!“

Lauren: “I remember seeing my father tear up, but with the biggest smile on his face, when we saw each other for the first time outside of the church. And seeing Stephen at the end of the aisle when we walked through the church doors. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so content in my life or had a bigger smile on my face.“

Stephen: “Seeing Lauren finally enter through the doors of the church, I remember my heart racing with excitement because I was about to marry the love of my life.“

Lauren: “Stephen and I love to explore new places together and try to plan as many trips as we possibly can, whether it be 50, 500, or 5,000 miles away.“

Lauren: “Something that makes us want to spend the rest of our lives together is the love we show for our family and friends. They are the most important people in our lives and I feel like we share the same values when it comes to them.“

Lauren: “Taking pictures with our bridal party was amazing and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much!“

Stephen: “During our first dance as husband and wife we were talking and laughing the whole time, and it felt like we were the only two people in the room.“

Stephen: “My mother is from Sicily, so she picked out an Italian song that meant a lot to her for the mother/son dance, and seeing the look on her face while dancing was priceless.“

Lauren: “Stephen and I took pictures with our siblings (my brother and his sister) in the courtyard, and that quick 20 minutes was so special and meant so much to me.“

Lauren: “I loved dancing with all of our guests and our band, The Soul Providers. I remember some of Stephen‘s friends raised him up on their shoulders during the Shout! song, and I will always have that image ingrained in my mind. Then later on in the evening, when we were taking pictures in the courtyard of The Foundry Suites, an Italian slow song called ‘Ti Amo’ came on. The song means a lot to us because it reminds us of our time studying abroad in Italy. In that moment, we both just looked at each other and said ‘I love you’.“

A few wise words from Lauren: “Do not sweat the small stuff! It may be easier said than done, but trust me, the stress is not worth it. Especially when it comes down to the final wire. What will be, will be. Nothing is ever ‘perfect’, so just remember you are marrying the love of your life, and that’s all that matters.“

Loving the look of The Foundry Suites?? Check out this beautiful Foundry wedding!

Wedding Vendors Include:

Bridal Suite: The Foundry Suites
Hair Stylist: Salon-A-Go-Go
Make-Up Artist: Jaime Ruggiero
Dress Shop: Silk Bridal Boutique
Dress Designer: Madison James
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Groom’s Look: Men’s Wearhouse
Ceremony: St. Michael’s Church
Reception Venue: The Foundry Suites
Cocktail Hour Musicians: Jess & Ed
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Florist: Dave Whelan
Cake: Panaro’s
Band: The Soul Providers
Videographer: Black Horse Videography