Let's Get Married!

When you're 8 years old, the last thing you're thinking about is who you're going to marry. (Unless it's your celebrity crush, that's totally different.) So when Stephen Buhrman and Lauren Broadwell met singing in children's choir and taking First Holy Communion classes together, little did they know that one day they'd be wed. Their moms became good friends, resulting in playdates full of hide-and-seek (but remember, Rachel's room is OFF LIMITS), playing video games, and swimming in the pool. One time Stephen saw Lauren pick her nose in the 3rd grade. He hasn't let her live that down. Then one time Stephen and Lauren dated in high school, but he broke up with her. Lauren hasn't let him live that down either. The pair drifted apart after graduating high school and starting their next chapters – but when you know someone is worth holding on to, it's only a matter of time before you find your way back to each other. That's exactly what happened in 2018, and the two have been inseparable friends ever since.

When I woke up on August 8, 2021, you could have convinced me it was Christmas day. It certainly felt like it. As valiant as Stephen's efforts were to surprise me, I knew that sometime that day, he would ask me to be his wife. Stephen planned a nostalgic day of surprise: mass at the church we grew up together, the gas station where he asked me on our first date in high school (yes, gas station), the beach where we shared our first kiss, and several other sentimental stops along the way. He called it “Lauren & Stephen’s Greatest Hits.” And then we went to the Vinoy. My hand slipped into his as we walked the halls, ventured upstairs, and onto one of the 5th floor balconies. The same balcony where he told me he loved me for the very first time. A true storyteller, he told me how thankful he is for every part of our story up to this point; that he wouldn’t rewrite a thing. But the beauty in our story, is that we get to keep writing it — together. Then I blacked out a little bit. Stephen got down on one knee and I, after anticipating this moment all day, asked “Is this for real? Is this really happening?” Through a few happy, excited tears, he asked me to marry him. First I said, “Duh!” We laughed, and then I said, “Yes.”

Lauren Broadwell is strong. The world can be whatever you’re able to make it, but we also face uncontrollable obstacles. Lauren is strong enough to be the light during those times. She is strong enough to listen when it’s someone else’s obstacle. She is strong enough to admit she needs help when it’s too hard, and because she’s so gosh-darn kind and caring, she has the help that she seeks. Strength isn’t just measured by how much you lift, bro. Strength is carrying on and making it look so easy. I know it isn’t and if I’m able to have even half the strength that Lauren has, I’ll make sure I always have her back, as I know she’ll have mine. High key, she’s also super funny and very under appreciated in that area.

Stephen is patient; he is kind. He is a dedicated man of honor, who actively strives to lead his life on the same principles we read in 1 Corinthians 13. Stephen is reliable, honest (even when I don’t want to hear it!) and trustworthy. He’s incredibly smart and sharp, and his intellect is the driving force of his wit. Above all, Stephen is somebody I know I can count on, and who will love me without bounds. He’s my best friend.