Lauren Cage & Marquis Coston

Married

Oct 5, 2024
Memphis , Tennessee

Style Guide

Color Palette

Style

Glamour, Themed, Whimsical

Season

Fall

The Proposal

In October 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, Lauren stumbled across Marquis’ macho-man profile photo and thought, “This has to be a catfish… let’s see if it’s real.” She messaged him, “Why haven’t I seen you in Memphis? Shot clock!”—and just like that, the conversation began.

They messaged back and forth for weeks before hopping on a video call to confirm what they both suspected: they actually did look like their photos. Bonding over a shared love of fitness, crime shows, and Asian food, their conversations quickly deepened. As lockdown made traditional dating tricky, Marquis got creative. He invited Lauren to work out at his private studio gym – an invitation Lauren gladly accepted, eager to show off her strength and skills. Soon, they discovered they’d practically been neighbors all along. Both had grown up in church in Memphis but had never crossed paths as teens.

It was clear: God had a plan to bring them together at just the right time. Since then, they’ve been an inseparable team—and the best travel partners around.

In Preparation

Be Our Guest! This fairytale-themed wedding was nothing short of magical, complete with lush florals, sparkling chandeliers, a Magic Mirror photo booth, and a whimsical storybook seating chart. Wells Design brought the vision to life with creativity and meticulous attention to detail, while wedding planner Staci Franklin ensured a seamless experience for the bride, groom, and 200 guests. Brainfood Memphis served a delicious menu featuring baked salmon, chicken breast, green beans, and mashed potatoes. The Frosted Oven not only crafted a stunning wedding cake but also provided Crest-letter “C” chocolate-dipped Oreos, Beauty and the Beast rose cupcakes, and “poison” candy apples.

The Big Day

On a lovely sunny Memphis day, the bride and groom began their wedding day at the church where they grew up—New Sardis Baptist Church. They shared a private first look with each other and also previewed the ceremony and reception spaces, allowing for even more beautiful moments to be captured on camera. They chose to exchange traditional vows, adding a timeless touch to the ceremony. The maid of honor has been the bride’s best friend since they were 12 years old, while the best man was the groom’s older cousin. Fittingly, their former youth pastor—now lead pastor—Pastor Harrington, officiated the ceremony in the sanctuary the couple attended as children. By 5 p.m., the celebration continued at Reign Reception Venue, where the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away in true Bridgerton-meets-Binghampton style! The night ended with a grand exit in a vintage 1860s Rolls Royce convertible—an unforgettable finish to a wedding truly fit for royalty.

Lauren and Marquis Venue

The Retreat

The honeymoon in Barbados was absolutely stunning and an ideal escape from the Southern winter. The couple stayed at The Crane Hotel, where they enjoyed a private pool and breathtaking views. They spent their days snorkeling and soaking up the sun. The Caribbean, with its warm weather and laid-back charm, remains one of their favorite destinations.

Hallmark Wedding Vendors