Laura and Austin found out that each other existed July 29th 2017.They had matched on Tinder and Austin sent the first message. They didn’t meet in person until August 18th 2017 at Doc B’s at International Mall after Laura had previously canceled the first date attempt. Austin proposed down byTampa Bay with their brand new puppy Mason (who they had just brought home less than 24 hours prior).Austin said he wanted to play with Mason down by the Bay and when they got down there he found a bench for them to all sit on. As they were sitting there, he said that he had bought a new collar for Mason that was too big for her now but that she would grow into and hopefully last forever. BUT...that wasn’t the only thing he wanted to last forever! ha! That’s when he got down on one knee and asked Laura to marry him. He also had a “Will you marry me?” message engraved on the new collar’s tag. Laura was so distracted with letting the puppy down that she went running to get Mason before he could get the ring on her finger. Two of their friends were there hiding to take pictures.

Laura says of Austin,“We complete each other perfectly.We are very similar in our interests/greatest pleasures/beliefs (God, family first, football, exercising, eating, wine, traveling) and also very different. Austin is much more relaxed but also very particular. Laura is a planner and more high strung. Austin prefers cold weather and Laura would take the beach any day. I love the way that Austin always knows the perfect moments to kiss/hug/tell me he loves me. I can easily tell when he is extremely passionate about anything and he always gives 100%. Austin is my other whole. He loves me immensely, even at my worst and is the most loyal person I have ever met. He cares deeply for his family and close friends and has embraced my family as his own. He is always my biggest fan and supports me through all of my crazy endeavors. I know that even though there will be hurdles to overcome, he will always be right by my side.”

Austin says,“Laura is very strong willed.When she wants to accomplish something she spearheads the opportunity. Laura also as a very soft and mothering side. Her passion and experience working with children, combined with her innate desire to love and nurture, help to showcase the wonderful mother she will be one day. I love these characteristics.”

Together they enjoy trying new restaurants or recipes at home, drinking wine, attending sporting events, traveling and shopping.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is the first place where Austin and Laura attended mass together and they have loved being a part of the parish family and getting involved with University Dinners and meeting other new parishioners. It was wonderful incorporating so many gifts of our Lord in their photos. Austin has been confirmed into the church and he communion for the first time with wine on their wedding day - how very special!

They both love the color blue so they wanted to incorporate as much blue as possible.The men wore in navy and the bridesmaids wore shades of blue as well. Laura’s gorgeous gown was flowy and light...perfect for a Florida wedding but very unique.

Most of their wedding day was traditional, but they did want to incorporate as much football theme as they could into the day as they both love football! Everyone at the wedding felt loved, happy, included, and full (full bellies)!

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos