Wedding days are always so exciting. But when you combine a couple who has waited to finally host their big day since 2019 and a brand new wedding venue, it’s even more amazing!! Matt and Lauren began chatting with us back in 2019 when they got engaged and we shot their engagement session. I was obsessed with them immediately! These two are the most amazing couple to work with and I admire the patience they had as they waited two whole years to host their big wedding at The Willow.
Like many couples, Matt and Lauren had planned to say “I Do” in 2020. But as we know, Covid came and ruined the party for all of us! However, beautiful things often come out of the hard times. Matt and Lauren held a small ceremony and chose to postpone the big celebration to 2022. In the meantime, they spent time growing their adorable family by welcoming a sweet little baby into the world! Luckily for me, Matt and Lauren asked me to take their maternity photos. I love it getting to be a part of multiple big-life moments with our couples, it is the greatest honor and compliment!
After years of waiting and a whole new family member, October 2022 arrived. The big day was FINALLY here! I think everyone was just thrilled the wait was finally over, it had been a wild ride the last few years! But, Matt and Lauren’s love for one another remained unbreakable. It was incredible to be a part of their lives and see their relationship (and family) grow in the few years I’ve worked with them. And to be standing there on their wedding day – I totally felt aaaallll the emotions!
When I arrived at their incredible new wedding venue, The Willow, I was greeted with open arms and warm hugs from Matt and Lauren. They made me feel like I was a part of the family and went out of their way to make sure I was taken care of. Ugh, I just love them so much!! Seeing both of their families come together to celebrate their marriage was so amazing. On top of that, their older son and adorable baby were included in the wedding and it was SO cute. Like, I’m still crying inside looking back on how adorable they were dancing around together.
As I mentioned earlier, Matt and Lauren chose an incredible new wedding venue in Arizona. It’s called The Willow and even though it’s newer, it has become one of our FAVORITE venues in town. The Willow has a super modern feel which I’m personally so obsessed with. But, the part of this venue that absolutely stole my heart and ranked it on my list of favs is the giant saguaros that frame the ceremony site. I honestly think these are some of the biggest saguaros I’ve ever seen! The ceremony location is unreal and I truly believe any kind of wedding theme, style, or color palette would shine in this space.
Matt and Lauren finally said “I Do” (again with all of their friends and family, hehe) under a triangular ceremony arch, and then it was time to PARTY. In the reception space, they had multiple long family-style dinner tables dressed up with greenery. The majority of their wedding day was kept simple and chic, they wanted the focus to be their marriage! Our bride and groom shared a sweet first dance before dining with friends and family, laughing during toasts and speeches.
The night wrapped up with an incredible time on the dance floor, everyone was dancing!! I think the amazing spread of desserts had something to do with the energy everyone had on that dance floor, haha. But honestly, this wedding day was absolutely everything. I am SO happy Matt and Lauren finally got to have the big wedding day that they deserve.
Wedding days surrounded by loved ones are the best days in the world. To see a family blend together is always the most incredible experience and Matt and Lauren’s meshed beautifully. I must say, although I know many couples prefer not having kids at their wedding, it really is the sweetest thing to see the couple’s little ones included in their special day.
Matt and Lauren, we are SO freakin’ happy for you two and wish you both happiness to last a lifetime!
Matt and Lauren’s Desert Wedding At The Willow
Vendors:
Venue – The Willow
Catering (entrees and desserts) – Sharko’s Catering
Hair/Makeup – Emerald Beauty
Cake – Silver Rose Bakery
Bartender – The Hive
DJ – DJC West
If you loved Matt and Lauren’s wedding at The Willow, head to the blog to see more weddings and elopements!
