The Slover Library, the Hilton Main, and the Battleship Wisconsin – what do these three have in common? They are all iconic Norfolk sites and all became a part of Justus and Lauren’s romantic Slover library wedding day. It was a beautiful sunny Fall day in Downtown Norfolk, just perfect for Lauren and Justus to get married! (Woohoo!)

Unlike most brides, Lauren walked from her getting ready room in the The Hilton Main to the Slover Library, their ceremony and reception venue; one of the perks of a Downtown wedding.

Justus and Lauren knew that they wanted to have a romantic moment to themselves before the big walk down the aisle, so they planned a First Look on a balcony overlooking parts of downtown Norfolk.

And tender and unique family moments abounded in their ceremony. Lauren’s grandmother read Bible verses, Justus’ sisters read a passage from a book, and they actually passed around their wedding bands so everyone could pray over their marriage. We had never seen that before at a wedding, but it was beautiful sight to watch, as every single person at their wedding took a second to wish blessings upon them quietly.

Lauren wore a classic and romantic wedding gown, which seemed like it was designed just for her. It was simple but elegant, and it showed off Lauren’s true beauty.

Lauren paired her dress with Kate Spade sparkly tennis shoes, which added a touch of practically to her bridal look.     This special good luck charm belonged to Lauren’s grandmother, and she pinned it inside her dress, close to her heart.                                                                                              The final touches! Eek! Everyone was so excited for Lauren and Justus to get married! A wedding day is so special for not only the couple, but also the parents of the bride and groom.

It is always an honor to capture the sweet moments between a mom and daughter as the bride is getting ready.          Lauren, you are just glowing! The joy and excitement can be seen in every moment from your wedding day. These are the moments that make me tear up on a wedding day. The moment when the first man who ever loved her sees her in her wedding gown. It is always an honor to capture a Daddy-daughter First Look.

Justus opted for a hunter green suit and floral tie. Like Lauren, Justus was surrounded by his best friends as he prepared to marry the love of his life. First looks are just magical! There is nothing like that sweet moment when you see your bride for the first time.

                     After their sweet moments and a few portraits, the bridal party along with Justus and Lauren walked to Slover Library for the big moment.

Also, Justus built a custom artwork piece for their altar. I love it when brides and grooms make unique pieces for their wedding day.

Justus stood in front of all his friends and family, as he watched his bride walk down the library stairs to him.  As Lauren walked down the stairs, with her veil cascading behind her, her eyes locked with Justus.

Look at that excitement! Hooray! They are married!These bouquets are just gorgeous! New Leaf Ghent florist company did a beautiful job! The first of many walks together as a married couple! These two are just adorable! I just love Lauren’s gorgeous cathedral veil. How beautiful are these wedding details? Hunter green suits, floral tie, and jeweled earrings. Justus and Lauren live in Norfolk, so the iconic battleship in Downtown Norfolk was the perfect location for some portraits. After the ceremony, their friends and family enjoyed an evening filled with toasts to the happy couple, which had everyone laughing and crying. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal provided by a local Norfolk caterer, Cuisine and Company, and made their way to the library’s atrium where the couple danced their first dance as a married couple. And soon, everyone was dancing and celebrating the happy couple!

Justus also made all of the table numbers in the same style of the altarpiece. I love that Lauren and Justus did a pie bar instead of a traditional wedding cake. They looked so delicious! The first dance is always so romantic! I always love capturing a picture of old college friends! Congrats to the Newlyweds! It was an honor to photograph their special day! Congratulations again to Lauren and Justus!

Vendor Love:

Florist: New Leaf Ghent

Ceremony/Reception: Slover Library

Wedding Planning: The Hive Wedding Co.

DJ/Entertainment: Dj Can Rock

Cake: The Rustic Tart

Catering: Cuisine and Company