Steve and Lauren fell in love in Washington D.C. and currently call Seattle home. Once they got engaged, a destination wedding in St. Augustine seemed like the perfect fit. “Since we have so many friends and family from all over the world, we chose St. Augustine for it’s proximity to my hometown and it’s unique destination charm for our other friends and family,” says Lauren.

Lauren and Steve’s dream day in St. Augustine brought friends and family from literally all over the world together to celebrate. “We were amazed that friends that we’ve made throughout the course of our careers came in from six different countries to join us!”

Due to time zone differences and living across the country from the destination, planning proved to be a little challenging. But with the help of a wedding planner, finalizing the remaining details was a breeze and Lauren and Steve were anxious to share beautiful St. Augustine with their friends and family.

“Hiring a wedding planner was the best decision I could have made,” says Lauren. “She introduced me to some of my vendors whom I otherwise would not have found and she was very attentive to the special challenges relative to planning a wedding across multiple time zones.”

Friends and family of the bride joined together to help make place cards, wedding favors, seating charts and gift bags for the bridal party.

When the time came for everyone to prepare for the journey to St. Augustine, Steve and Lauren worked to provide the easiest and most relevant information for their guests. “We published the most relevant travel information on our wedding website and referred our guests to it,” says Lauren. “It was the simplest way to inform people unfamiliar with the area about the closest airports and lodging options.”

Once all the planning was complete and details were finalized, Lauren and Steve were ready to celebrate with their loved ones.

For the couples preparing to plan for their own destination wedding, Lauren and Steve suggest, “Plan early, keep detailed records and delegate as much as you can to friends and family who are able to help.”

Vendors: Photographer: Pure Sugar Studios, Wedding Planner: Karen Erwin of St. Augustine Weddings & Special Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: Casa Monica Hotel, Florist: Rachael Kasie Designs, Stationery: Crane & Co., Paper Dance, Cake: Sweet Weddings Cakes, Hair: Grazyna Mercado, Makeup: Carrie Wilson, Gown Desinger: Veluz Custom Bridal, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Calvin Klein, Groomsmen’s Clothing: Calvin Klein, Bridesmaids Clothing: Selected by each individual