May 2, 2025 – Birmingham
“The way EJ and I met was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. We met at the church where we were later married, The Cathedral of St. Paul, which has been a part of my family’s life for more than 70 years. He glanced at me during Mass and caught my eye; we introduced ourselves before leaving, and the rest is truly history. We immediately fell in love, which is very surreal. We’re both Catholic, Italian, and we even share the same last name, with no relation! (I’m thankful I dodged the legal paperwork.) Faith was the reason we met, and it was the focus of our wedding. Everything else fell naturally into place.
After a year of dating, EJ proposed on the golf course at Shoal Creek, at his favorite hole. I was completely surprised and elated. It was the easiest and happiest yes. He took the surprise one step further by taking me to his parents’ home, where both of our families and closest friends were waiting to celebrate with us.” – Lauren
Advice from the Bride
“Plan the wedding to your preferences, not anyone else’s, and then, truly enjoy every minute of it. Surround yourself with family and friends you love and trust, who will keep you both grounded and excited. Most importantly, share all of these memories of your engagement season together with your future spouse. At the end of the day, you’re getting married because of the love you have for each other. No amount of grandeur can take away from that love. That is the foundation of your happiness.” – Lauren
Wedding Day Memory
“I’m a trained opera singer, and my entire family consists of musicians, so the musical arrangements were meaningful. The ceremony music was special. I chose songs I grew up listening to and singing myself. We had the Cathedral choir, my voice teacher as the soloist, and live orchestral pieces. It was everything I had dreamed of.
We had two bands at the reception – big band and funk music. The first was The Chekmates, the original variety band in town, led by my late grandfather, Anthony ‘Tony’ Marino, Sr., and now led by my Uncle Anthony. They learned every song EJ and I requested. One of my brothers joined them to sing our first dance, play saxophone for another number, and lead the big ‘Italian Wedding Song.’ To have my family create that experience for us was the greatest gift we could have received. EJ and I love to dance. After (and during) our seated dinner, we never left the dance floor. We were so happy we spent time enjoying each other and dancing with all of our guests!
It was very moving to have not only one, but 12 clergy preside at our wedding ceremony, each of them priests and deacons, bishops and archbishops, and on that note, the Archbishop that married us is also a Marino.
At the end of the day, what mattered the most was the sacrament of marriage, saying, ‘I do,’ and choosing each other for the rest of our lives. All the moments with EJ, no matter how tremendous or how small, were perfect. I will never forget them.” – Lauren
The Creatives
Bridal Gown: Ivory and White Boutique. Bridesmaid Gowns: AW Bridal. Cake: Magic Muffins. Catering, Reception Venue, Wedding Night Accomodations: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. Ceremony Venue: The Cathedral of Saint Paul. Ceremony Floral Design: Mary Noel Sellers. Desserts: Annie Marino, Johanna and Fred Kimeny. Event Rentals, Linen: Decor to Adore. Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear. Hair and Makeup: Asia Nicole. Lighting & Draping Design: D4 Events. Music/Entertainment: St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir, Dr. Sharon Lawson, The Chekmates, Joey Marino, Jr., Norris Dates and Power Surge. Photography: Jana Musselwhite Photography. Reception Floral Design: RD Designs. Registry: Bromberg’s, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn. Rings: Southeastern Jewelers. Stationery: Lauren Marino, Big Color Printing. Videographer: Bright & Gray Creative. Wedding Crest Design: Natalie Vizzina. Wedding Party Attire: The Clothes Tree by Deborah.
