A Romantic Church Wedding at St. Josaphat Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan

Lauren (26 and a FDA investigator) met Mario (27 and an account manager) through a mutual friend (Mario's younger brother) at a bar in East Lansing. Although they both attended Michigan State University, they didn't go on an official date until well after graduation when they visited their alma mater for a football game. Mario was a tremendous positive influence on Lauren, and helped her run several half-marathons and eventually the Detroit Free Press marathon after several years of dating and daily training, "pushing our bodies (and our relationship, at times) to the limit," Lauren says. At the finish line of the race, Mario celebrated their achievement by proposing in front of all their closest friends and family members. Luckily, a local newspaper captured the moment--and even published the proposal in a full-page article for Valentine's Day! They have since framed that clipping as a touching memento of their engagement. Throughout their relationship, Lauren and Mario had attended St. Josaphat Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan and knew that this was where they wanted to hold their wedding ceremony. Although the church had to be temporarily closed for repairs, they opened early just for the ceremony before closing again for another two weeks. Lauren and Mario decided on the Atheneum Hotel & Suites in Greektown for a traditional ballroom reception, which they decorated with opulent tall, purple floral centerpieces, string lights, and hand-crafted wedding signs. Lauren also opted for a meaningful vintage wedding look--a 33-year-old wedding dress passed down from her mother, her aunt's lace shamrock veil, and a traditional garter passed down from her grandmother.