There are few moments more sacred that witnessing a wedding. As a photographer, I capture each ceremony and reception with serious care, because I know that no two days will be alike, nor will all these humans cross paths again in the same room!! These truths felt especially real on Lauren & Wicitra’s wedding day, as family and guests traveled across the globe to witness the joining of two families, cultures, and individuals.
I’ve known Lauren for the past 10 years (SO CRAZY) but we really only got to become good friends in the past 2 or 3 years. I remember meeting Wicitra, a few months after he and Lauren started dating, and about a year ago was able to get to know him better when he was able to settle in Des Moines (after traveling for work). Lauren’s always had an incredible eye for color and style, so when Wicitra proposed in early 2023, it was no surprise her vision included vibrant florals and pigment. Wicitra’s bubbly mother visited from Indonesia a few months later, and we all became more and more excited to meet the rest of the family at the wedding.
September finally arrived, and with it- a rainy Saturday morning. Lots of prayers (and maybe a dirty pair of underwear!!) went up… and the sunshine popped out from behind clouds, just as Lauren walked down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” with her father.
Cue tears by EVERYONE!
There were some very special nods to Wicitra’s Indonesian heritage, including the bride’s mother welcoming the groom to family with a garland of flowers, the batik fabric in Wicitra’s suit vest (and his siblings, standing up with him) and most visibly, the sungkem, or asking for the parents’ blessing, at the end of the ceremony.
Lauren’s brother-in-law, Clint, officiated the ceremony as another special touch to the couple
Married at last!!! Normally you’d see more photos of the couple and the reception, but I ‘clocked out’ and got to wear the hat of friend for the rest of the evening. I danced harder than I had in years, and it really was the very best night. Lauren & Wicitra’s wedding day was truly amazing, but I can’t wait for a front row seat to the real highlight- the rest of their lives together. :) Congrats you two!!