Lauren and Michael first crossed paths in college, where they were more friendly faces than anything else — a smile at a party, a hello around campus, just two people moving in the same circle, trying to set each other up with each others friends for formals and grab a dates, Nothing more, nothing less. After graduation, though, something shifted. Lauren realized she had developed quite the crush on Michael- but kept it silent. Over the course of a year, they exchanged messages, bantering back and forth. At one point, Lauren could not resist it any longer. Lauren came out and admitted her feeling, asked Michael if he could ever see them dating. His answer at the time was no, partly because of old college ties and friendships that intertwined them. But as time went on, Michael began to see Lauren in a new light. Her energy, her aura — it became impossible to resist. On Lauren’s 25th birthday, instead of a traditional gift, Michael sent her a message with a playful offer: a “redeemable coupon” for a wine-and-dine experience of her choosing. More than that, he promised to drive all the way from Palm Beach to Orlando just to spend the weekend with her. Lauren’s answer was simple: 100%. That weekend changed everything. What began as friendship quickly blossomed into something deeper — a bond unlike any either of them had ever known. Michael traveled over 175+ miles a weekend, driving from Palm Beach to Winter Park (which if you know is over 2.5 hours). After Michael got a new job in Miami, he still continued to drive to her- only this time, 4 hours a trip. Michael told Lauren 'If there was a tornado and Lauren was on the other side of it, he would drive through it every time.' They were there for each other through every single life obstacle and came out stronger on the other side. Michael also became the last person to meet Lauren’s beloved grandfather, whose approval of him meant the world. From then on, it was clear: they weren’t just best friends anymore. They had found their match, their partner, their forever.