Lauren & Myung | Old St. Mary’s and Best Place Wedding Photography

Lauren & Myung met years ago in class when in he was in the states from Korea studying English. Lauren had been traveling and studying and teaching around the world – from Germany to Russia – and was back home in the midwest teaching English as a second language, she thought for good. She figured it was time to settle down and return home, to see what the States had to offer after years abroad. But on the last day of class Myung asked her out. She said yes and her fate changed again. After dating and basking in the warmth of his smile for a time she opted to move to Korea to teach English again, but mostly to be near him. Fast forward to 2012 and they’ve tied the knot here in her home town of Milwaukee. They’ll do it again in January back in Korea where they live, but they brought the bright colors and Korean penchant for fun and laughter to their Milwaukee ceremony & reception. Lauren sent me one of their Save the Dates and it brought home for me the reality of their love story: on it are a hundred little circles and two of them are little cartoons of Lauren & Myung’s faces. The text says It’s a miracle they found each other. I kindof think its a miracle anytime someone finds their soulmate – whether they meet next door, down the street or across the ocean- but for Lauren & Myung so many things could have veered them from the path they followed that led them to one another. So I agree. It’s a miracle they found one another.

This post is filled with emotion – lots of laughter but also Myung’s happy tears. During his brother’s toast Myung allowed himself to express all the crazy love and happiness and thankfulness he was feeling and I love the pictures we captured as a result. I’m happy to announce that I’ve added two new associate photographers to my team here at Heather Cook Elliott Photography and one of them was with me to co-shoot Lauren & Myung’s wedding. Lisa is mad talented and a huge portion of the images below were shot by her. Enjoy.

The Details ~

Co-shooter- Lisa for Heather Cook Elliott

Bride’s dress – Manuel Mota from Gigi’s of Mequon

Veil – from etsy (borrowed from a friend)

Shoes – NineWest

Ties – Groom’s tie purchased in Korea (brand is Renoma)

Groomsmens’ ties- thetiebar.com

Bridesmaids dresses – Nanette Lapore, J. Crew, Diane Von Furstenburg

Purses – bridesmaids’ purses purchased in Seoul / bride’s purse is Coach

Flower girl dresses – traditional Korean ‘Hanbok’ dresses (from the bride: the “chima” is the dress underneath, and the “jeogori” is the colorful jacket on top; typically worn during traditional Korean holidays like “Chuseok” – Korean Thanksgiving or “Seolnal” – Lunar New Year; Myung & I will be wearing hanbok for our second wedding here in Seoul in January!)

Flower girl accessories and dresses – purchased in Seoul

Flowers – Barb & Dick’s Wildflower Florist in Wauwatosa

Catering – Saz’s Catering
Sunshine Cake – Watt’s Tea Room

DJ – Sound by Design

Wheelchair accessible bus – Transit Express

Invitations & pint glass designs – Cracked Designs

Hotel- The Iron Horse Hotel

Ceremony – Old St. Mary’s

Reception – Best Place at Pabst Brewery