Connie and Pano met at the chanter’s stand at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Connie was organizing chanters to chant solo hymns for the Akathist service during Great Lent and was told to talk to Pano so he could sign up to chant. Pano signed up and then didn’t show up! Later that night, Connie found a video posted on Facebook of Pano chanting with her cousin at another church, so she sent him a message to give him a hard time. They secretly dated the first couple of months, all while everyone around them kept telling them they should be together. When people finally did find out they were dating that whole time they were all so shocked!

Pano told Connie they were going to go to dinner for his best friend’s birthday. While Connie was getting ready to go to dinner that evening, Pano and his parents were in her driveway setting up for the surprise of her life. When Connie and Pano walked out the front door, a path of lit candles led them out to the driveway. The driveway was full of red rose petals, candles, and balloons. Pano led Connie into a heart created with rose petals and candles to pop the question.

Their elegant, classic wedding shimmered with ivory, gold and champagne accent colors and decor. The priests and chanters were all related to the bride and groom and/or very close friends. Their Koumbaro (best man) is also a priest so he played both roles (so there was a special outfit change during the service). Homemade desserts were made by the grandmothers of the bride and groom.

Considering it is where they met and they share a deep faith together, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church was the perfect ceremony site! Together, Connie and Panos enjoy taking walks and going to parks. Also, this traditional Greek wedding was very large - with 350 guests! So much fun and Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort is one of the few venues that can accommodate this large guest count so it was a perfect spot for the reception!

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

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