Like many these days, Brian and I met online! We were looking for a genuine relationship, which is so hard to find these days! We both had complicated relationships in our pasts but still had hope that the right type of person was out there. If you’ve ever tried online dating, it can be overwhelming and frustrating all at the same time. It’s hard to know who is supposed to make the first move and what rules apply. I always thought Brian had made the first move online, but he reminded me a few months into our relationship that I winked at him first, and then he messaged me! Lol! We talked about cars and the usual small talk to break the ice. I asked what he drove and instantly wondered if my car was faster. We later proved that to be false.. and well... it wasn’t a proud moment for the Stang. Our first date was halfway between our respective cities in Celebration, FL. I had been on several dates before meeting Brian and was just about to give up hope in online dating. When I first saw Brian outside of the restaurant, I was smitten over his handsome smile! I’m sure that the grin on my face was there the entire date. In fact, after ordering sesame seed encrusted ahi tuna, I kept checking my teeth because I was so paranoid that I would have a seed in my teeth and I couldn’t stop smiling! Lol! When we first started messaging each other we didn't realize that we lived a few hours apart (we both had our preferences set to local people only) until it came time to plan the first date! I honestly talked myself out meeting Brian at first because I didn’t want to deal with the distance. A couple days later I kicked myself for not at least meeting him. Here’s the super hot guy who’s interested and I say NO? Really Lauren?! I reached out and thankfully he was still interested in meeting! I’m still not sure how Brian’s profile came up on my screen in the first place, but I sure am glad that I winked at his super handsome photo on Match.com! I’m still smitten to this day!

After our first date, I knew instantly that Brian was different. He took the time to make an effort to communicate on the phone. He actually wanted to talk on the phone and not just text! I remember the week after our first date, Brian had to go on a work trip, but made it a point to text with me through the day and then call me once his work day was over. We’ve talked everyday since... even if it’s just a short text snuck into a super busy day during a work trip, we always manage to talk everyday. The saying that opposites attract was meant just for us! We definitely have a lot of opposing personality traits which leads to lots of joking and teasing... and let’s be real, some frustration too! As much as we tease each other though our love for one another is the common ground that keeps our bond strong! One of my favorite things about Brian is his ability to always make me laugh! Even when I’m TRYING to be mad at him to make a point, he knows exactly what to say to make me crack! Ha! I love him so much for that.

People that know me know that I am shy and somewhat awkward around people I don’t know well. Meeting a special someone by chance felt impossible, so I decided to turn to the most trustworthy place to meet someone… the Internet. I decided to limit the search radius to my local area and went on a few dates here and there but never really found what I was looking for. Then I received a “wink” from an attractive girl who was leaning on a bright orange Mustang in their picture. This got my attention despite it being a Ford. I returned the wink, and then despite what Lauren will admit to she sent me a message not long after that. We chatted a bit, but after realizing we lived on almost opposite sides of the state she didn’t seem as interested. I was a bit let down, I figured no harm in making a bit longer drive to at least meet someone… worst case you eat a nice meal at a restaurant. But shortly after (to my delight) she seemed interested in meeting again, so we decided to have dinner. I was excited, but then the realization set in I had to find somewhere at least mildly impressive in an area I was 100% unfamiliar with. After going to the place with all of life’s answers, Google, I found what I thought would be a good place in Celebration FL. After overanalyzing everything up until the last second and a couple minor wardrobe additions I headed over. Of course, the normal things started running through my head… will she look like her pictures? Will I be able to spot her when she shows up? Will my stupid body hold off sweating long enough for me to seem normal? We spotted each other and then sat down. This was by far the most normal feeling date I had ever been on. We both seemed to be an equal level of nervous, which was surprisingly not very much. We both liked cars which was a great ice breaker and the conversation just seemed to flow. After the date we said goodbye and each headed in opposite directions home. All I could think was “did I just meet my future wife?”

We both wanted to see each other again despite being far away. After a few more dates, we both realized there was something there, but an obvious distance obstacle to overcome. We fell into an alternating schedule of visiting on weekends and nightly phone calls during the week. We both looked forward to the weekends and being able to see each other. Of course, as to be expected the distance caused some turbulence and emotional times here and there. We also learned we have completely different ways of communicating but have always managed to work any differences or miscommunications out. Lauren has moved twice so that we could be and stay close together which is beyond what I thought a partner would do to be with me and for that I am eternally grateful. This is one of the things I love most about Lauren. She is so considerate and selfless, especially if she knows that it’s something that will make someone happy and I am so lucky to have that in my life!