We're getting married!

In late summer 2017, Lauren was dropping her older sister off at a church leadership retreat she hadn’t even signed up for, thinking she couldn’t attend due to a scheduling conflict. But fate had other plans. Her small group leader from church insisted she join anyway, even if it meant arriving halfway through. When Lauren finally made it, she was escorted to a group and found herself sitting directly across from Dane, the man who would one day become her husband. Though they hadn’t been introduced yet, Lauren couldn’t help but notice Dane’s warmth and quiet charm. Determined to get to know him, she found every excuse to strike up a conversation during the retreat. By the end of the weekend, they were inseparable, and what started as a spontaneous, unplanned moment turned into a deep friendship that blossomed into a beautiful love story.

Dane and Lauren’s first date was a perfect mix of nostalgia and fun. They started with 5 PM Mass at the church where they first met, a sweet nod to their beginnings. Afterward, they headed to Chili’s, where Lauren—true to form—ordered chicken and fries. Both quickly became cherished traditions for the couple (though Lauren has since expanded her palate!). It was a simple yet meaningful start to their love story.

After moving to Oklahoma, Dane knew he wanted to propose in Texas, a place that held special meaning to both of them. So, he planned a surprise weekend getaway to Fort Worth, keeping every detail under wraps. On their first day, he took Lauren to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, where she couldn’t shake the feeling someone was following them. Little did she know, the “stranger” was a photographer Dane had arranged to capture the big moment. Dane led Lauren to a stunning bridge he had discovered on a previous trip and decided then and there it would be the spot where he’d ask her to spend forever with him. As Dane got down on one knee, the skies opened up, and soft rain began to fall, making the moment feel like something out of a movie. It was romantic, heartfelt, and unforgettable—a perfect reflection of their love story.