It Was Love At First Sight for the Dingesses

Lauren Sue Chambers & Rodney Allen Dingess
Holmes Beach, Florida | 7.2.21

photographed by Brittany Coonrod

At first, Rodney and Lauren didn’t even know the other existed, despite living only a few miles down the road from one another. With the help of social media and a little familial intervention, Lauren finally found herself watching Rodney walk down her driveway to pick her up for their first date. She knew right then: He was it. A couple years later found the couple doing the bridge walk on the New River Gorge bridge. Terrified that he would drop the ring into the river below, Rodney waited until they had ventured onto a nearby hiking trail to pop the question.

The couple planned a weekend destination wedding at a beach on the Florida Gulf Coast. Pinks and whites decorated their private section of sand, bringing a pop of color to the event without distracting from the gorgeous view. Lauren was escorted down the aisle by her father, meeting Rodney at the end to become husband and wife. An ocean breeze and light-colored beach attire kept guests cool as the couple said their vows. Ready to celebrate, the newlyweds and their guests dined on their choice of salmon, chicken, or steak, with spirits flowing from the open bar.

A simple cake and scrumptious cupcakes were served as a little something sweet before the dancing began. Everyone danced the evening away in celebration of the happy couple, creating what was sure to be an unforgettable weekend. As the night slowed to an end, the couple slipped away to start their honeymoon—though they didn’t have to go far, choosing to enjoy their honeymoon right there on Anna Maria Island where they’d said “I do.” Returning from paradise, Rodney went back to work as a coal miner and Lauren returned to her job at Mako Medical.