Hundreds of people who knew a teen couple killed in a car crash a week ago gathered in a downtown Orlando church Saturday to bid the duo goodbye.

Family and friends, including large numbers of teens, packed into First Presbyterian Church seeking consolation for the sudden deaths of Laura Jeanne Grant, 17, and 19-year-old Edward Thomas "Eddie" Culberhouse.

The Rev. David Swanson told the mourners he had a message of hope for them, although he knew their loss was difficult.

"There is great sorrow, grief and pain," Swanson said. "And if we're honest, there's probably some anger."

Laura and Culberhouse had been headed to New Smyrna Beach on Feb. 6. She was behind the wheel when the 2003 Ford Expedition went out of control on Interstate 4 near the Lake Mary exit.

The SUV swerved toward the right shoulder of the road and overturned, expelling Laura and Culberhouse, who were not wearing safety belts, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The couple died at the scene.

Passengers Elizabeth Harrison, 18; Hershall "Billy" Keeton, 19; Connor Geis, 17; and Alisa Pelot, 17, also suffered injuries in the crash.

All had either attended or graduated from Boone High School.

Swanson told the mourners Saturday not to try to get through their pain and grief about the crash too quickly.

"God has something for you," he explained.

Several speakers shared their memories of Laura and Culberhouse during the service.

Amid descriptions of the teens' committed faith, details of Culberhouse's headstrong nature and Laura's devotion to photographing her friends occasionally lightened the atmosphere of the service, eliciting chuckles from the crowd.

Ben Kozlowski, co-owner of Chilly Spoons Yogurt Bar, where Laura worked, said the Boone senior was "sweet, kind…and a hard worker" who frequently texted messages to her mother and boyfriend.

Eddie Culberhouse had a slanted smile and could always find something good to say about other people, said Jim Keller, an Orlando counselor. The teen had kept a prayer card in his wallet that had been distributed more than a year ago at the funeral of his father, Edward H. Culberhouse, Keller said.

A photo slide show set to music featured dozens of pictures of the two as children, and later, as a couple. Friends said the two were fun-loving and generous.

Laura had recently won acceptance to University of Central Florida and Florida State University. Friends said she had talked about staying close to Orlando, where Culberhouse attended Valencia Community College and worked for the Orlando Magic on game nights.

Karen Pelot, mother of Alisa, said Laura was an extended member of her family, and that she and her daughter had often talked about what Laura meant to them.

"She'd look at me and say, 'Mom, I just love Laura,'" Pelot said.

At the church, ushers handed out an envelope with a message from "Laura, Eddie and our families."

Inside was a sticker emblazoned with a heart and the date of the couple's deaths.

It read, "Always wear your seatbelt."