Who can actually say that they crashed a wedding and met their soulmate? Well Lauren can. People are right when they say things happen when you least expect it. Cody and Lauren grew up in neighboring towns, know a lot of the same people and have many mutual friends, yet never met until the night of Cody’s sisters wedding in Eveleth, MN. Lauren was convinced by her best friend (who is Cody’s cousin) to attend the wedding by making a pit stop in Duluth where they went to college. Of course, Lauren will never turn down a good time or a wedding! At the wedding, Lauren managed to have a blast dancing and chatting with other guests while Cody spent most of the evening trying to escape a very persistent bridesmaid. (They still laugh about this to this day!) It wasn’t until late in the evening, after some liquid courage and persuasion (thanks Johnny) that Lauren asked Cody to dance. It was a dance that changed their lives not only because of Cody’s sweet dance moves, but they have been together ever since.

Cody planned the proposal by suggesting a couples photo shoot with his cousin, Justin for Lauren’s birthday at Hansens Tree Farm. At first, Lauren was very suspicious on why they would need pictures taken in March but went along with it anyways because Cody hates pictures. Cody convinced Lauren that the pictures were for his family and would be nice to have. Looking back, Cody was a little anxious during pictures and even mentioned at one point, “let’s get this over with.” (LOL) When it was go time, Justin had Lauren walk out in an area to “get the lighting just right,” little did she know her whole life was about to change when she turned around. That moment is so exciting and emotional but also a big blur all in one, a memory that will stay with Lauren forever is seeing Cody on one knee with tears in his eyes asking, “will you marry me?” Of course, the answer was YES with an “I knew it” and “about damn time” response. The best part is Justin caught it all on camera and they will have the photos forever. The rest is history!