Ocala Wedding | Lauren + Pat | Victoria DeMore Photography | Central Florida Wedding Photographer

I want to tell you all a little story about how sometimes God puts you right were you need to be and opens the door for some amazing people to enter your life. After I graduated college and after looking for work in my field of study for so long, I decided to go back to my roots, roll up my sleeves and go shovel stalls at a private horse farm. It was there I lucked into meeting one of the best trainers out there. Lauren was a smiling, friendly face that I looked forward to seeing when she'd make her regular visits to the farm. Always quick to help, encourage, listen. Her smile, laugh, and bubbly personality are infectious. Over the years, watching her work and interact with horses, riders and colleagues, it's easy to see why she's a favorite around the shows. I've been fortunate to get to know her family over the past few years as well, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree; they are some of the smartest, friendliest people with the biggest hearts you will ever meet.

Fast forward to almost a year ago. I got to see her at a wedding we shot last year with Pat. It was quickly obvious that Pat completed her. Much the way I feel about Dustin. I thought Lauren seemed happy before, but with Pat at her side, she absolutely glowed. And you could tell Pat absolutely felt the same about Lauren. They have the same, glowing, positive, giving, fun-loving personality and share a love of horses. I love the kind of happy Pat brought into Lauren's life! It was no surprise to me when I get the Facebook notification they were engaged. I think of Lauren as a big sister I never had, a role model, a good friend, and had to text her immediately to congratulate her. I'm fairly certain the response was something along the lines of "Thank you!" and "You're shooting our wedding!" 

Wedding day arrives and true to fashion, Lauren and Pat have a fun, relaxed wedding, making sure everyone had a blast. The ceremony itself was short and sweet, under the big, gorgeous tree adorn with white orchids in the back yard - and surrounded by family and friends and love. We got to snag them for a few moments for photos before everyone's attention turned to the Kentucky Derby. Being in a town of horse-people, you cannot have a wedding on Derby Day without scheduling the day around post time! They had TVs put outside on the pool deck, a guitarist playing soft music, appetizers and drinks served, and wedding guests got to watch as  Nyquist took the first leg of the Triple Crown. The party continued from there to the reception. Many hours of eating, dancing, and merriment took place to celebrate Lauren and Pat. There were photo booth props for the kids (and some adults) to play with, so much dancing, the puppies even danced with the bride and her dad. If you want to learn how to have a good time, just take some lessons from Lauren and Pat! Such a fun wedding for two of the funnest people we know! An absolutely perfect day to kick of many happy years. 

Lauren + Pat
Venue: Private Residence - Ocala, Florida
Floral Design: Floral Architecture - Ocala, FL
Caterer: updating
Cake & Cupcakes: updating
Guitarist: updating
DJ: updating
Photographer: Victoria DeMore Photography - North Orlando, FL