Whenever we think about Lauren & Pete’s Shenandoah Mill wedding, we sigh. Happily. Because this day was one we’ll remember. To see these two, who were undeniably made for each other, be married, was such a blessing. Lauren & Pete have become great friends of ours since the day we met them at Tara & Jerry’s wedding at the Hassayampa Inn. Their love for each other and for aviation is so incredible(If you haven’t seen their airport runway engagement session… go see them now!). Even Lauren’s Maid of Honor, Cara, had prepared her speech as if a flight attendant was giving her in-flight announcement directing the truths about marriage. Priceless!

We truly felt grateful to be a part of such an incredible event and to be able to witness two families come together to help save the day. Here’s what happened…

The forecast called for rain.

The week of their wedding had the entire city drenched in rain. An unusual weather pattern for Phoenix, but Lauren & Pete stayed optimistic! When the day came, the clouds stayed close by, threatening rain, but even so, Lauren and Pete stayed excited, focusing on the true meaning of the day.

With her wedding dress on, Lauren was beaming. She was ready to see her future husband and we were ready for Pete to see her. Their first look did not disappoint. It was such a sweet thing to witness the genuine emotions of excitement and love. We were able to photograph some of their first portraits together on their wedding day, capturing their excited expressions, when it started to sprinkle. And soon the sprinkling turned into rain… and then the heavens let loose and it poured. It was only an hour before their outdoor ceremony.

The backup plan.

As guests began to arrive, we talked about a backup plan for the ceremony. Devastated, Lauren & Pete agreed to bring the ceremony onto the porch under a protective awning from the rain. Guests, family members and wedding vendors offered their help, creating an assembly line of people bringing chairs from the reception. Flowers were rearranged and people were scrambling to make the best of the situation for Lauren & Pete. We all prayed for the best.

Now here’s where it gets good.

You should probably know this gives me chills just thinking about it. ;) But shortly after, as we were preparing to begin the ceremony, the rain stopped. And not only did it stop, the clouds made way for the sun. And within minutes we had blue skies and a glistening courtyard ceremony site, ready and waiting.

Without much hesitation, family, friends and wedding vendors rushed to make this day what Lauren and Pete dreamed it to be. They grabbed rags, cleaned chairs, Swept water from the aisle and returned the décor to it’s desired placement. And with the sun shining… the music started, and the processional began. The ceremony was even more beautiful than we imagined.

It was amazing to see, to stand back and watch these families come together for two people that they love and adore. We felt truly blessed to be a part of it all. Especially for Lauren & Pete who deserve to have a long and happy adventurous marriage.

We love you both! Thank you for bringing us into your story.

Brooke & Doug

Dress | David’s Bridal

Makeup Artist | Danielle Gray – Custom Kreations Boutique

Venue | Shenandoah Mill

Band/DJ | Patrick Riedlinger

Catering | Bell I’talia

Cake/Dessert | Sugarlips Cakery

Florist | Blooming Memories

Photographers | B Focused Photography & Design