In 2009, Lauren headed south to attend the College of Charleston. Ben grew up in Charleston, just over the Ravenel Bridge. Although he also attended the College of Charleston, it wasn't until after graduation that their paths would first cross. Finishing school, Lauren stayed in Charleston and began her career with the company she is still with today. Once Ben graduated, he opened a pizza shop in the neighborhood where Lauren lived, serving the best Grandma-style pizza Charleston had ever seen! Given Lauren's love for pizza, she soon made this one of her regular neighborhood spots. One night in the summer of 2018, Ben closed up the restaurant and met Lauren and her friends for drinks. The two immediately hit it off but there was one more test before Lauren was all-in. His name is Ollie, Lauren's dog and most trusted companion since 2014. Ben, not having been around dogs as much, was skeptical at first. Ben and Ollie were fast friends - test passed! Since that summer, Lauren and Ben have built a beautiful life together and live with Ollie in Downtown Charleston. Though Ben has since moved on from the restaurant business, that pizza shop will forever mark the beginning of their lives together.

On May 5th, 2021, Ben dropped to a knee and asked Lauren to spend the rest of her life with him. It was a balmy spring night where the marsh meets the banks of the Ashley River, just a few short blocks away from the home they share in Downton Charleston. The spot Ben chose was special for them. A place where they frequently walk their dog Ollie, cocktail in hand, to enjoy the sunsets over the river. At the time they didn't know they would choose Lowndes Grove as their wedding venue, which is just a stones throw away from the place they were engaged.