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Lauren Cathleen

Storyteller, Healthy Eater, Ass Kicker

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My heart. 💖 #havanese #havaneseofinstagram

Well someone got her wedding pics back today. 💖 📸: @morrismalakoff #BrengisTogether #houstonweddings #lovely #theknot #coronaviruswedding #covid19wedding

I’d wanted to do a boudoir photoshoot for years, as I struggled with body issues, obesity and self-hate. Even in the darkest days of my depression, I knew that being photographed in my underwear would somehow help me feel beautiful and strong and confident. . So when I started to think about what to get Stephen as a wedding present, I knew it was the best excuse I could give myself to finally take the plunge. . And oh.my.god. Was it ever worth it. . Sure, walking into the studio in just my underwear was daunting at first (re: terrifying), but Julia and @telly_b_fit at ShineOn Boudoir managed to quell every fear and insecurity and ounce of nervous energy I had. . Obviously Stephen loves the photos, but more importantly (IMO), I love them. I regularly flip through the images with a gigantic smile on my face. How can I not, when every photo I have from that session shows power and brilliance and confidence that I’ve been searching for for years. . It’s #mentalhealthawareness month, and those that know me know that I’m open about my struggles with depression, anxiety, PTSD and body dysmorphia. I’m insistent on encouraging people to do what they need to take care of their mental health. Sometimes that’s going to therapy. Sometimes it’s figuring out the proper medication cocktail. Sometimes it’s meditation. And sometimes, it’s posing nearly naked in front of a camera with gentle souls who will nurture and empower you. If you’ve been thinking about a boudoir shoot, now is an excellent time because Julia is conducting an incredible giveaway. Head to the @shineonboudoir page to learn more. . #boudoir #mentalhealth

All right, kids. We did the thing. I am, from here on out, Mrs. Stephen Mengis. It’s super weird, but also super rad. So many beautiful people came together to make yesterday absolutely spectacular, despite the circumstances. Our families have been incredibly supportive throughout, @morrismalakoff took some beautiful photos, @mixmemcgee live-streamed the ceremony, @hotelalessandra was marvelously kind and accommodating, St. Anne and Fr. Clark helped us have a lovely ceremony, and my tribe of bridesmaids got ready with me over zoom, dressing up in their bridesmaids regalia for the virtual wedding. . So far, we’ve spent our honeymoon drinking old fashioneds and playing Mario Kart. . I am SO blessed. . #brengistogether #hotelalessandra #houstonweddings #covid19wedding #theknot #mintedweddings #lovelybride #loveisnotcanceled

#Spoilers. You know, this is a weird-ass time to get married. But, love abounds and love persists. Stephen and I are live-streaming our wedding to Facebook this Saturday at 3 CST (thanks to @mixmemcgee), and we’d love for you to attend. 📸: @morrismalakoff #BrengisTogether #themarvelousmrsmengis

Because there’s no etiquette guide for how to communicate wedding updates amidst a global pandemic: This is not the wedding I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl. And it’s not the wedding I’ve planned in my head since Stephen and I started dating 9 years ago. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a new plan. A new dream. With COVID-19 causing panic, sickness and death; cancelled events, limited travel and social distancing; like many people, Stephen and I are looking for the silver linings throughout this scary and uncertain time. We’re pursuing joy, delighting in a new beginning and insisting on celebrating love. So, we are still getting married on April 18, and will livestream it on Facebook. While we will certainly miss having our family and close friends in the church with us, we’d be honored to have you join us virtually. And more than that, we’re thrilled that we have the opportunity to open our wedding to anyone who wasn’t going to be able to travel, anyone who is quarantine-bored at home and wants a reason to smile, and anyone who just loves love. This is our new dream wedding. It may not be ideal, but it will be full to bursting with love and joy and happy tears. And we hope, wherever you are, you’ll be able to join us. PC: @morrismalakoff #BrengisTogether #covidwedding

Welcome to the family, Dany. 💖 #havanese #servicedog

Current status: finding joy in the small things, like virtual yoga with my mom and sister, more time enjoying sunshine on my balcony and beautiful little blooms.

9 years with this handsome dude. And I get to marry him in a month. 💖 PC: @morrismalakoff #BrengisTogether #HoustonLove

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“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” -- Estée Lauder

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