meet lauren + sam
These two met while on the cross country team at Flagler College in St. Augustine. Their early morning practices together sparked a friendship that turned into a longterm dating relationship that eventually led to Sam's proposal in 2025. They had been going to the Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine together for Sunday Mass for a while, developing a friendship with Father Mac Hill. Sam was not raised Catholic, but inspired by Lauren's faith and guidance from Father Mac, he decided to become Catholic after their engagement. He entered the Catholic Church and received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time a week before their wedding on April 10, 2026. The graces were flowing and their wedding day was so beautiful, joyful, and fun—highlighting their love for the Lord and their family and friends. Check out our recap of the day below.
prep time
Sam got ready in his room at the Casa Monica Hotel in downtown St. Augustine, while Lauren got ready at a little Airbnb attached to the hotel. They left plenty of time in their photo timeline for this portion of the day to be relaxed, free-flowing, and not rushed. Sam got to take a drink with his buddies and get some photos with his family, while Lauren got to have a little dance party with her gals and do a first look with her bridesmaids by the water.
The Nuptial Mass
A Nuptial Mass in the Easter season is a gorgeous site, especially when that Sacrament takes place at a church as spectacular at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine. The altar was adorned with beautiful, colorful flowers of every kind, reflecting the beauty of the Easter season and the nuptials about to take place. Some elements of Lauren & Sam's Nuptial Mass that were unique to their day were Father Mac Hill praying over the groom with his family and groomsmen before walking down the aisle, Lauren presenting flowers to Our Lady with her mom and sister, and a little sendoff from the church with their bridal party.
bridal party portraits
Because Lauren and Sam left ample time before their wedding Mass for photos, we were able to knock out the separate bridesmaids and groomsmen photos before the ceremony. After their couple portraits in the church, we stepped outside in front of the church to capture a few full bridal party photos and have some fun with their bridal party. Not pictured were all of the cars that passed in front of the camera while we were taking these photos and having to click away during the break between cars. ;)
Couple portraits
Following the Nuptial Mass, we went straight into family portraits and then had plenty of time for photos with just Lauren and Sam in the Church and outside around St. Augustine. We were jaw dropped at how the light was streaming through the stained glass windows at the Cathedral!!! After the church portraits, we took some photos out in front of the Cathedral, with Flagler College as the background, and then went down by the water. During the reception at the White Room, we stepped out on the rooftop for a few final portraits overlooking the skyline of the water. We were so happy with how these portraits turned out and the variety we got in Lauren + Sam's gallery.
the reception
Lauren and Sam held their wedding reception on the rooftop of the White Room in downtown St. Augustine, FL. Beautiful, candlelit details, a crazy fun live band, and a full dance floor made their party an absolute blast! And of course like any great wedding, their night finished with a fun, sparkler send off.
thank you!
Lauren + Sam's day would not be what it was without the wonderful vendors who served them. You can check them out below and follow along with their work!
Photography: The Delac Collective
Videography: Madison Bluemel
Hair: Nina Pierce - @ninap.hair
Makeup: Emma Wilcox - @emmawilcoxxmakeup
Wedding planner/coordinator: Jamie LaRue, Maison d'Amour Events
Band: Fortune Child: @fortunechildmusic
Catering & Reception Venue: White Room
Gown Designer: Colby John
Gown Retailer: One Bridal
