Tong & Lauren | A Fall Wedding Celebration at The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery in Madison, Wisconsin.

October 5, 2023

It truly feels hard to believe that we didn’t get to “officially” meet Tong & Lauren until their wedding. Walking into their day, I knew I really (really!) liked these two as we had so many wonderful interactions with them leading up to their celebration. What I didn’t know was how quickly I would “fall in love” with them. I am absolutely convinced that Tong & Lauren might be two of the kindest, most generous, and most humble people I have ever met. Oh, and they are FUN!

After getting ready with their respective friemds, Tong & Lauren shared an emotional (and utterly epic!) first look together on a private balcony overlooking the Wisconsin State Capitol. As they read their personal vows to one another, I had one of those “pinch me” career moments thinking that I sincerely can’t believe I get to be present for such beautiful and intimate moments in people’s lives. Tong & Lauren shared such powerful words with one another and all I kept thinking was, “Wow. Their love is extraordinary.” Full of playfulness, deep respect, kindness, intention, empowerment … the list goes on.

Following the first look, we were joined by their bridal party and headed to both the Wisconsin State Capitol and Memorial Union Terrace for photos to capture the joy of the day! It was an abnormally warm and sunny September Saturday, and one of my favorite moments of the day was when we walked out onto the Terrace and everyone stood up and started clapping and cheering for the newlyweds! Madison really is such a special place and though they no longer live here, I am so happy Lauren & Tong chose to get married where their love story began ten years ago.

The evening festivities took place at The Wisconsin Institute of Discovery, which is the building where Lauren & Tong literally met while doing their undergrad at UW-Madison. Lauren joked that she spent hours making pro and con excel sheet lists of possible wedding venues and one morning, Tong woke up and said, “What about the Discovery Center where we met?” It is such a cute story and as she alluded to, a beautiful example of how they so perfectly compliment one another and work together in their relationship.

As I write this, I am realizing I could go on (and on and on!) about Tong & Lauren’s day — there is so much to share and say about these two. But the point of this post is to show you their day and so I hope these photos communicate just how beautiful their celebration truly was. We ADORE you Tong & Lauren! Thank you, thank you for sharing your love with us.