While both studying at Florida State University, there were so many serendipitous opportunities for us to have met. We had a number of mutual friends and colleagues- Lauren worked at a restaurant with one of Taylor's friends and that connection brought us one step closer to meeting. We both frequented the same local dive bar, The Palace, and coincidentally around the same time, Lauren moved into a new apartment, blissfully unaware that she would be moving 5 doors down from her future husband. Another step closer to meeting. One summer evening, Lauren and coworkers decided to grab after-work drinks at The Palace. Taylor also happened to be there that night, and he and his friends ended up mingling with the group. Taylor had already noticed Lauren taking swings at the dart board on a few occasions but never approached her. On this night, however, Taylor mentioned something about her to his roommate, who then audaciously dragged Taylor over to Lauren and said "my roommate has a crush on you" and walked away....forcing us to break the awkward silence with an introduction. Taylor found out that Lauren had just moved in a few doors down. The plot thickens. One night when Taylor's roommates decided to bring the party back to their place, Lauren came along (she lived only 20 steps away, after all). When Taylor returned home, he was surprised to see the cute girl from The Palace sitting on his couch! We started chatting and hit it off. Taylor was often up at the crack of dawn (are you surprised?) and starting leaving sweet notes on Lauren's Prius on his way to class, little sentiments like "have a good day, neighbor ◡̈ ". Several months of texting and cordial hangouts later, we finally went on our first date to the North Florida County Fair. The rest is history.

Taylor always imagined the proposal should be a surprise, in Lauren's hometown and surrounded by family. While visiting her family for the holidays, he got his golden opportunity. After a day at the beach and a late lunch downtown with Lauren's mother and sister, Gabby, everyone decided to take a stroll along the boardwalk. Lauren had just purchased a new camera and was anxious for any opportunity to practice her photography skills. As she was snapping photos of the beautiful sunset over the water, Taylor suggested they take a photo together. This was somewhat out of character, as Taylor isn't the biggest fan of taking photos. But she waived her suspicion and agreed, handing the camera over to Gabby. When the time felt right, Taylor tried to grab Lauren to set the scene for a perfect picture as he got down on one knee. At first, she thought he was attempting "throw" her into the water as fake-out joke (something he would do). She tried to run away but upon realizing what was actually happening, she nearly blacked out from shock. This was followed by a "yes!" and tears all around.