Scene Together: Couples on their wedding day

Lauren McComb + Dustin Dixon

Married January 29, 2022

Lauren was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, home to one the best beaches in the world, Siesta Key. She attended Florida Atlantic University on the East Coast, but soon after graduating, returned home to Sarasota. Although Lauren’s career started as a financial planner, her love for health and fitness was always her passion. This led her to switch gears and open four Pure Barre fitness studios throughout Tampa Bay. 

Dustin was born in the suburbs of Odessa, Florida, just outside of Tampa. Dustin was an avid tennis player from a young age. In fact, it was his summer training with IMG and Boletteri Tennis Academy that ultimately brought him to the Sarasota/Bradenton area. After four year of college tennis in Florida, Dustin left for dental school in Louisville, Kentucky to follow in his great uncle’s footsteps. He returned to Florida after graduating and started his company, Dixon Dental. 

Dustin and Lauren met in a simple, yet romantic way. They happened to glance at each other in, Crab & Fin, on St. Armands Circle. As soon as they locked eyes, nothing was stopping Dustin from making an introduction. They connected immediately. and felt a spark and undeniable attraction for each other.

Before their first date, they planned a call. Both were extremely nervous, wanting to make a good impression, and were unsure how to mention their kids and previous marriages. Neither could deny they both had difficult-yet-enlightening experiences.

As they started talking and explaining their circumstances they began to learn what they were looking for and dreaming of for their futures. Soon, their one hour call quickly turned into two hours, and the connection of a lifetime was born. It turned out to be the start of an amazing relationship upon which their family dream team could be built.

Two weeks after that chance meeting and call, they returned to the same restaurant to have their first date. They sat outside at a table with a beautiful ambiance and a live pianist. The conversation was even more intense in person. They felt like they had known each other a lifetime.

Lauren and Dustin’s relationship quickly developed into something serious, and there was little question where things were going. At around one year’s time, after waiting for the right time, both families came together as one. Liam, Owen, Ava, Elle, and Steele make up the dream team that will go on to do amazing things because their sibling bond is as strong as it is deep. 

Almost ten months before the big anniversary surprise, Dustin began searching for the perfect ring. He imported a stone special for Lauren and had a custom ring cast for it.  

On the day of the engagement, he made reservations at the exact table where they had their first date. After dinner he met his videography team inside the restaurant while Lauren thought he was using the restroom. He then put on a secret microphone while the team hid in the bushes near the table. He got down on one knee asked the most important question of this life. It was an easy ask for him, and for Lauren, an easy “Yes!” without a second thought. 

To celebrate, Dustin asked her to go to The Ritz for a cocktail so that the videographers could do a short interview about their night.  As they left for the hotel, Dustin asked Lauren to wait before calling anyone to tell them the good news. That’s because as soon as they arrived, their family and friends were all waiting to celebrate with them in a private room. It was an incredible surprise ending to an unforgettable night.

The evening before the wedding, the cocuple held a beautiful rehersal dinner with fireworks the evening before at Bird Key Yacht club with family, bridal and groomsmen party. “It was so intimate and exciting to start the weekend with spectacular fireworks!” says Lauren.

Though the couple had planned a courtyard wedding at the Ringling with an outdoor reception to follow, Mother Nature had other plans. It was the coldest day in 40 years, with high winds and cool air, so last minute modifications were made and the couple moved the reception to the Ritz Carlton. “It was my dream since I was a little girl to get married at the Ringling and I’m blessed our ceremony was able to stay there. The magic of having your wedding in two venues is a dream and it all worked out amazing.” 

Photographer: Hunter Ryan Photo 

Planner:  NK Weddings

Ceremony & Cocktails: The Ringling

Reception: Ritz Carlton Sarasota

Florals: Botanica

String Quartet during ceremony and cocktails:
Classern Quartet  

Wedding Cake:  Julie Deffense

Band: The Royals 

Draping and Lighting: Affairs in the air

Entertainment during cocktails: Cirque Vertigo

Hair and Makeup (bride): Lo Welch 

Hair and Makeup for bridesmaids: Kelly Anne 

Hair and Makeup for flower girls: Kim Calhoon

videographer: Voila Cinematic 

dance floor & champagne wall: Coastal Event Decor

Cocktail hour: @marriedwithmichaels

decor/ furniture rentals: So staged

Palacios Events

Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo  • Bridal Dress:  Ever After  bridal gown: vera wang • Tuxedos:  Suit Supply • Cufflinks: hermes • Second Look: Fovari • Tennis Bracelets: Verstolo • Earrings, Engagement and Wedding Band: Diamond Opportunities – Keith Paikin diamond