LAUREN (aka NIKKI) + EDDIE WEDDING DAY

They went to the same kindergarten but didn’t have a class together until 4th grade. Their paths didn’t really align until Nikki was graduating at SLU in 2014. They met at Fast Eddie’s for a mutual friend’s 21st birthday and continued to talk after that day.
Eddie’s first impression of Nikki in one word?  Beautiful.
Nikki’s first impression of Eddie in one word? Wild.

They dated one another for 6 years.  They lasted through living away from one another during college and all of life’s changes and adventures. In 2019 they went to Topgolf in Chesterfield Missouri. Nikki actually planned the whole day, but Eddie threw in a proposal! With Nikki’s whole family and a few friends there and in the middle of playing golf, Eddie got down on one knee.
Through all the ups and downs of COVID on the months leading up to their ceremony, Nikki and Eddie never changed their date. They consolidated their guest list and kept all of their vendors.  They elected to not have ushers in order to not have people in close contact. They did all the things you’d never have to think of before 2020. They stayed extremely flexible and that helped them overcome all challenges. “Ultimately all that mattered to us was getting married in the Church. We considered not even doing a reception.”  They mostly hoped for a day filled with love, and friendship, and laughter… and that’s exactly the start of their “happily ever after’.

Enjoy Nikki and Eddie’s wedding day!
The moment that Nikki looked most forward to – “I couldn’t wait for the moment of walking down the aisle and seeing Eddie! I was much more nervous walking down the aisle than I thought I would be. There were a lot of eyes on my Dad and I!”  Eddie most looked forward to saying “I do” and it lived up to his expectations 120%I tell you what – if that doesn’t look like trouble I don’t know what does lol. Eddie had two favorite moments of the day – walking into the reception and grabbing photos at sunset on main street.  I think I’d have to agree – this moment was pure magic.

What was unique about your wedding?
Eddie- it was in the middle of a pandemic
Nikki- we had a full Catholic Mass. it seems like fewer people are getting married in the Church, let alone having a full mass. We loved it, and wouldn’t change it! Father Mike did an amazing job.
Funny mishaps or moments from your wedding day?
Eddie – Jace, the ring bearer, came running up to me during the ceremony with a box but it didn’t have the rings! Turns out the best man already had them.
Nikki – Two minutes before walking down the aisle, my Mom’s cousin was sewing my dress.
Songs:
First dance: Cowboys and Angels By Dustin Lynch. We wanted a country song, but not new country.
Father-daughter: Bob Dylan’s version of Forever Young
Mother-Son: the Baby by Blake Shelton
The dances with our parents were a surprise to both of them. We picked the songs, and they both LOVED them.
In hindsight, what were the blessings/unforeseen gifts that COVID restrictions provided?
Nikki – a more intimate ceremony with fewer people. We went from 400 invites to 180
Eddie – (same). Perfect amount of people! 
*Advice for future bride/grooms?
DO IT. We both have zero regrets. Our biggest regret would’ve been changing our date. Things happen for a reason. We chose to embrace the challenges and get through them together. Was it more stressful than a non-pandemic wedding? Absolutely. But we overcame it and are probably stronger because of it! 

Vendors that made the day spectacular:
Of course TenSixteen Photography. They had great visions for our photos. I can’t wait to see them. 🙂
Zachary Thayer: The Storyteller. He was our videographer. Many people told us they regret not doing videography, so we committed to doing this early on. He was great to work with, also.
Main Street Florist went above and beyond. They set up ribbon on the church pews that were closed off. They also delivered flowers to the cemetery for us.
Papa Jo Danni’s catering and the Elks Lodge worked with us to make everything as normal as possible.
Body Depot Salon made the girls’ morning spectacular. Breakfast and mimosas were provided. Hair and makeup were timely. We had a nice, relaxing morning.
Honeymoon Location: Valentin Imperial Maya in Riviera Maya. Near Cancun, Mexico.

The two call home the town where they both grew up – Carlinville IL.

Check out more of Lauren and Eddie’s day with the slideshow below!

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