Sofia Gown in an Saint Clements Castle Wedding | Lauren + Luke

A local brewery set the scene for Luke and Lauren’s beginning, and now every year they go back to celebrate! Cape Cod, another special place to them both, was where they got engaged. This sentimental duo has a lot of heart, which found its way into their warm, welcoming wedding day. They created a bright, joyful atmosphere through florals and décor, and in honor of their pup, London, guests received pink and orange tennis ball favors for their own dogs!

A Gown Unlike Any Other

Lauren’s search for a classic dress that reflected her playful, timeless style took her to two wedding dress shops. Though she tried a style she liked at her first appointment, she headed to her second at Persnickety Bride. It turned out to be the best decision ever!

She slipped on Sofia, and it was love. “Nothing compared to my gown. Even now, with so many friends sharing their own wedding photos on social media, I’ve yet to see another gown that stands out the way mine did. It felt light and airy, with the floral accents I’ve always loved, making it truly perfect for me.”


More about Lauren and Luke’s day from our sweet bride below:

How did the two of you meet?

We met on Bumble toward the end of COVID at a local brewery. That spot quickly became special to us, and now each year on that same date, we go back to the brewery for dinner and a drink to celebrate where it all began.

Could you share your engagement story?

Cape Cod has always held a special place in both of our families’ hearts. Luke spent every summer there renting the same cottage with his family, and my brother recently got married on the Cape and bought a house there. We got engaged at the beautiful Chatham Bars Inn and later celebrated with dinner at our favorite restaurant, The Impudent Oyster.

What feeling did you want to create on your wedding day?

We wanted our wedding to feel fun, joyful, and welcoming. More than anything, we hoped our families would mingle, laugh, and truly get to know one another. Through our florals and décor, we created a bright and cheerful atmosphere that reflected that spirit.

Tell us about finding your gown!

I only visited two dress shops during my search. I actually found a dress I liked at the first shop, but I decided to see what the second shop had to offer—and I am so glad I did! Nothing compared to my gown. Even now, with so many friends sharing their own wedding photos on social media, I’ve yet to see another gown that stands out the way mine did. It felt light and airy, with the floral accents I’ve always loved, making it truly perfect for me.

What little detail or decision are you especially glad you included?

Including our dog, London, in our day was so meaningful to us. We also loved giving our guests favors that reflected our love for her—tennis balls to take home for their own dogs. It was such a fun and personal touch.

What part of your wedding felt most meaningful to you both (other than the getting married part, of course!)?

The speeches were incredibly meaningful. Luke’s sister stood by his side as his “Best Woman,” and my cousin was my maid of honor. Both of their speeches, along with my dad’s, were heartfelt, humorous, and shared the same beautiful themes: the importance of family and building a strong, lasting relationship together.

Do you have advice for couples planning their day?

Try to savor every moment—time goes by so quickly! Take it slowly, because decision fatigue is very real and can feel overwhelming. Trust each other, stay grounded in what matters most to you, and create a wedding day that feels true to who you are as a couple.

Lauren + Luke's Connecticut Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Sofia via  The Persnickety Bride | photographer: Ashley Abel Photography | venue: Saint Clements Castle & Marina | florals: Muse Art Co. | band: Quick Hits Band

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