The love and bond shared between Mother of the Bride, Lisa LaRosa, and her daughter Erika LaRosa Maurer is unmistakable. Gratitude and grace flow from both of them throughout these wedding photos from Erika’s recent wedding. Mrs. LaRosa took the time to answer our questions about helping Erika through the wedding planning process and her perspective on such a magical day. Photography by Veritas Studio. 

Tell us about your own wedding day.

I married the man of my dreams Michael Timothy LaRosa on March 14, 1992. It was a cool March day that had a few flurries for the photos. Our day was absolutely perfect. Filled with 500 close family and friends.

What are some of the details you cherish?

Our wedding was a black and white with long stem roses everywhere.  Dancing the Italian Tarantella together was a highlight of the evening. A memory we will cherish forever.

Where were you married?

We were married at St. Peter and St. Paul Church of Christ in Western Hills and the reception was at a west side favorite “The Farm”. Church and Hall were packed.  We had fun from the beginning to the end.

Did your mother or grandmother have a role in your wedding planning? How were they involved?

I was very blessed to have my Mother by my side helping me plan my dream wedding. We worked well together and my Mom helped in every aspect of the planning. It’s so funny the similarities that Erika chose were similar to my wedding. I saved my wedding planning binder and we had fun looking back at my details, prices and styles once her planning was complete.

What details did you enjoy most from Erika’s wedding day?

Erika and Scott had so many special touches that meant so much to them. It was very important to them that they shared with their guest the Love they have for Jesus first and then the love they have for each other. Erika and Scott didn’t want just a normal table number placed on the tables, they picked out their 30 favorite Bible versus and had Poeme print them under each table number. Erika strategically placed her guests to fit the Bible verse so everyone received a special message through out the night.

So many guest commented to my husband and I that the love they witnessed between Erika and Scott and most importantly they felt Jesus through out the day was simply beautiful and breathtaking.

How did you help Erika throughout the planning process? What tasks did you manage?

Erika and Scott knew exactly what they wanted their wedding to be centered around, Jesus. The day after they got engaged they knew the kind of venue they wanted. We booked Pinecroft after our first visit. Erika and Scott were finishing up their last year of school so I helped with all the planning. My cousin Jessica Barry (JBarry Designs) was our wedding planner and designer, with Erika’s ideas, my organization and Jessica’s creativity, Erika and Scotts day was magical in every way. Erika and Scott would continue to share what they liked and wanted then Jessica and I executed it. I was involved in every aspect of the planning from the very beginning to the end. And I’m so grateful.

What was the best part of helping to plan Erika’s wedding?

Honestly, Erika’s magical wedding began to flourish from our first meeting with Kristen [at Poeme]. She took the time to sit with us and she created the beautiful invitation that was a reflection of Erika’s style. Everything that Poeme created from the invitations to the program fans, table numbers and seating chart were all a reflection of Erika and the romantic, magical wedding she had always dreamed of. Working with Poeme along with JBarry Designs was by far the most enjoyable part of the planning process. Everything throughout the entire process was very smooth. Everything just fit into place the way it was meant to be.

The week of the wedding we lost our dear niece Jenna, she was a beautiful, young 28 year old. She was suppose to be in Erika’s wedding. We had to lay her to rest the night before Erika’s wedding. Erika wore Jenna’s veil, and she was glowing. Jenna was with us, Jesus was with us, it was a day, a moment, a feeling we will never forget. Life is too short. We enjoyed every moment of the planning and the day. My husband and I took a step back and just really enjoyed every moment of the entire wedding. Life is too precious not to enjoy every moment and be grateful.