Hi everyone, it’s Peter & Lauren here! #GoingGates is just around the corner and we’re so excited to celebrate with you all. Here’s a little about us: Peter (Peter John Gates III) grew up in Matteson, IL and currently lives in Orland Park, IL where he works as a Manage Repair Rep. Lauren (Lauren Camille Chapman) grew up and currently resides in Plainfield, IL where she works remotely as a Copywriter. Although we didn’t know it yet, our love story began the summer of 2015 at a mutual friends graduation party. That day we found out we would be attending Illinois State University together come August. It was the perfect scenario. Boy meets girl and sweeps her off her feet, however it didn’t happen that easily. After exchanging a few text messages that summer, we lost touch. Fast forward to freshmen year of college. We’re finally on campus and I (Lauren) get a text from Peter asking if I wanted to get fries from Waterson Dining Center. Of course I said “YES!”. It’s funny, no fries were eaten during this first date, just hours spent talking and smiling. This was the beginning of our love story! Over the years we’ve graduated college together, travelled, had ups & downs, grown and made so many amazing memories. On December 4, 2021 Peter proposed in the most thoughtful way possible. He took me out to a restaurant for my birthday and had been in talks with the entire restaurant staff weeks before letting them know he planned to propose to me. After dinner, we ordered dessert…with a twist! My family, his parents, and my best friends also came out with dessert, along with chocolate covered strawberries. While I was in shock Peter came across the table, got on one knee and popped the question. Just like my response to our first date, I said “YES!”. The best yes I’ve ever said. We’re so excited to celebrate our union, as well as our future together on November 12, 2022 with friends and family!