Lauren + Eric | Married

Weddings

**A Stoltzfus Homestead & Gardens Wedding | Lancaster, Pennsylvania**

They say, “good things come to those who wait,” But it’s also true that good things sometimes come to those who don’t wait. That’s how Lauren and Eric felt when they couldn’t wait another day to get married, so they tied the knot privately. That was exactly one year before I would photograph their actual wedding celebration. When that day finally arrived, they really couldn’t believe it. It had been a long road to this day for Lauren and Eric. After dating for 11 years, a courthouse ceremony, and a family health crisis, the long awaited event was finally here. When choosing Stoltzfus Homestead & Gardens, they really felt like they hit the jackpot of venues. They not only got a gorgeous place to celebrate, they gained a new family. Stoltzfus’ staff treated them with such special care that there was an instant connection. Add to that the rest of their amazing vendors and their wedding was destined to be just perfect. It was an honor for me to photograph their special day. They’re such a sweet couple and have so much love for each other.

It’s a tradition at the Homestead for the bride to enter the bridal suite first and have a moment alone. As Lauren walked in and enjoyed the peace for a moment, she couldn’t have been happier. After all of this time, the day was finally here and in a few hours, she would be able to celebrate being Mrs Eric Linderman. It wasn’t long before everyone began arriving. With her bridesmaids by her side supporting her, she began to get ready for the big event. Even her 2 year old godson was in on the celebrating, and kept everyone laughing. Lot’s of first looks happened, with many tears and a lot of happiness. These were special moments, but the one Lauren was most excited about was her first look with Eric. She was so eager to see him in his suit and for him to see her in her dress. Walking up behind him was so exciting. Eric, not a man who shows a lot of emotion, was in awe of his bride. He loved the way Lauren looked and she also thought Eric was more handsome than ever. We were able to get some really great photographs of the wedding party and finally the time for the ceremony arrived. Lauren was able to get a sneak peek of the parent and bridesmaid processional through the barn doors. Even though she’d already been married to Eric for exactly a year, she still couldn’t calm the butterflies she felt in anticipation of the ceremony. Lauren and her dad tried to help each other relax as they waited. Finally, the doors rolled open and her dad was able to give his daughter away. The butterflies vanished and all Lauren could see was her true love waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

The ceremony was filled with so many special moments, like when their wedding coordinator shared what Eric and Lauren loved about each other. Heartfelt vows were spoken with happy tears and thankfulness of all their relationship had endured through the years. It was a sort of vow renewal, but to the guests, it was the first time they all got to celebrate the love of this amazing couple.

The receptions at Stoltzfus are always a success. With gorgeous weather, delicious food, and an awesome DJ, there was so shortage of things to do, inside and out. I asked Lauren and Eric about their favorite memories of the day. Eric said, “It’s hard to pick because the entire day was perfect. If I had to choose a few, it would be: Seeing Lauren in her dress, spending the day with friends and family, and relaxing with my groomsmen in the morning. I also loved all of the sunset pictures John took. A highlight was sharing a dance with my mom. The song we danced to is a slower version of “Fight Song” by Rachel Patten that our DJ found. This was special because 3 years ago my mother was diagnosed with leukemia, resulting in a bone marrow transplant, and I was able to be her donor. She fought and fought and now she is here today, happy and healthy!”

Lauren said her favorite parts of the day were: “my first look and sunset pictures with Eric, my dad walking me down the aisle, sparkler pictures with the bridal party, and when my brother-in-law picked me up and spun me around at the end of our dance. Honestly, our whole wedding day was truly perfect and we couldn’t have asked for anything better!”

It was such a pleasure to capture the memories for this sweet couple. Congratulations on your marriage, Dr and Mrs Linderman! I wish you a lifetime of happiness and love!