St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church

Wedding Mass

Ceremony

Reception

Andre's at Fox Run

Our Wedding

The story of Luke and Lauren begins nearly ten years ago, when a series of innocuous coincidences led Lauren to lead (and Luke to join) a small group studying angels at the Catholic Newman Center of their university in spring of 2016. A friendship was found in those weekly meetings, blossoming into banter, happy cameraderie, and the independent realization that something more could be awoken between them, if they willed it. But it was not to be, for prayer and discernment led Luke to pursue a vocation with the Order of Preachers, renouncing relationships to follow the call of the Lord. Lauren, meanwhile, followed her own calling, working with the Church to serve children born and unborn in a variety of ministries. The two of them stayed in touch and, after Luke left the path of religious life, from 2020 onwards have been meeting weekly with friends to play board games. In January of 2025, Luke was praying in Adoration for vocational guidance when he found his prayers unexpectedly answered with Lauren's name. In the weeks that followed, Lauren's name was a constant refrain in prayer whenever he presented himself before the sacrament, chasing him until at last he confessed his feelings. Lauren was wholly astonished, having long since believed that door was closed! Their first date was February 18th, the feast of an artist-saint of the Order of Preachers. Since then, Luke and Lauren have found in each other the joy and peaceful consolation which God gives to those who rightly discern His will, abundant delight in each other's presence, and a deepening affectionate love which they pray will continue to grow and strengthen as they enter into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. On October 7th, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, Luke proposed to Lauren at the Blessed Mother Chapel in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, and the two have been engaged ever since.

Our Story

Photos

Meg Comeau

Lucas Kammerer

Jacquelyn Olimpio

Simon Matthews

Gemma Matthews

Br. Ambrose Slama

Wedding Party

This Drury Inn is located 1.2 miles from St. Mary Magdalen. They offer complimentary breakfast as well as evening drinks and snacks! You can get a discounted rate of $189/night for a single king or $205/night for a double queen by using our code online, or mentioning the Kammerer/Matthews wedding if calling, before March 16th.

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Brentwood

This Holiday Inn, located 9 miles (14 minutes) north of the reception venue, will offer the group rate for a 2-night minimum stay if called and asked about the Kammerer/Matthews wedding before March 7th. Shoulder dates are available. They do not offer complimentary breakfast, but they do have a full service restaurant and bar.

Holiday Inn Saint Louis West at Six Flags by IHG

Travel

If you've never seen one of the most beautiful churches in the United States, please take this opportunity! The Blessed Mother Chapel to the left of the altar is where we got engaged. :)

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

The St. Louis Zoo is world-famous, boasting elephants, big cats, penguins, red pandas, capybaras, zebras, the list goes on—and admission is completely free!

Saint Louis Zoo

This wildlife refuge located between the church and reception site is a great place to visit for adults and families alike, with hiking trails, scheduled demonstrations, and over 180 threatened birds—and you can pop right over to Lone Elk Park just down the road for more walking and wildlife!

World Bird Sanctuary

Staying an extra day? One of Missouri's biggest theme parks is 20 minutes away from the reception venue!

Six Flags St. Louis

The City Museum is a crazy experience any kid, toddler to teenager, will love! Ever climbed through a mesh tunnel into a defunct airplane or slid down a ten-story slide? Just look for the building with the bus hanging off the roof.

Luke & Lauren

Luke & Lauren

Photos