We both started as freshmen at the University of Maine Orono in 2019. The very first weekend of the school year, we were introduced at an off-campus apartment party by Lauren’s bridesmaid, Taylor. After realizing we had both taken a gap year before college, we instantly bonded over our shared experience—and soon discovered we were enrolled in the same biology lecture and lab that semester. From there, we became lab partners, study buddies, and helped each other navigate our first semester of college life. Our relationship moved quickly—in the best way. Just two weeks after meeting, on September 14th, 2019, Jon asked Lauren to make things official by surprising her with flowers in a “borrowed” Chick-fil-A vase. Despite only knowing each other for a short time, we both knew there was something truly special between us. Throughout our time at UMaine, we supported each other through every challenge and milestone. The same apartment where we first met became a frequent hangout spot for relaxing after long weeks—and for plenty of “Wine Wednesdays" as it now belonged to our friends.. Jon was a huge support for Lauren as she worked toward transferring into the nursing program and tackling the demanding coursework that came with it. We pushed each other to keep going, even when things felt impossible. In the summer of 2022, Jon accepted a job in the Sebago Lakes area to be closer to Lauren, rather than spending another summer apart. He moved in with Lauren’s family and quickly became a true part of the Edwards household. That summer, we celebrated Lauren’s parents’ 25th wedding anniversary together in Hawaii and made memories we’ll never forget. Before the summer ended, we adopted our sweet cat, Maple, from Harvest Hills Animal Shelter—this was special, as it was once run by Lauren’s great-grandmother. Jon graduated from UMaine in May 2023 and began his career, while Lauren finished her final semester of nursing school. During that time, Jon continued commuting from Lauren’s parents’ home, fitting seamlessly into family life and proving just how strong our relationship had become. After Lauren’s graduation, we moved into our first apartment together in Portland in September 2024—along with Reecie, Jon’s kitty from home. On our five-year anniversary, September 14th, 2024, Jon surprised Lauren with a trip to Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, MA. It’s a place that holds deep meaning for us—Jon’s family has spent many Christmases admiring the lights there, and his Nan and late Bampy renewed their vows at the gazebo. It was there that Jon asked Lauren to marry him! We can’t wait to begin our next chapter as husband and wife and celebrate this special moment surrounded by our closest family and friends!