Courtesy of a summer interning at the Saint Paul Saints baseball team, they were desk mates first. After a few short weeks of spray painting tires and helping each other with projects, Sam challenged Lauren to a round of mini golf and they had their first date in June, 2018. As the summer went on they spent not only every day at work together, but most of their limited free time together exploring the cities. Sam couldn't let Lauren go back to Iowa before making their relationship official, so with the help of a banging sunset and the best sunset playlist of all time, Lauren said yes!

The big day starts and ends with how all proposals go, Sam developed his master plan and kicked things in motion on their annual summer trip to visit Sam's grandparents in Sawyer, Michigan. Sam and Lauren started the peaceful morning on the beach soaking in the morning waves and talking about the outfits they planned to wear at "family photos" that evening. After a day of golfing and more beach time, Lauren's parents happened to drop by on a tour de National Parks vacation. What was supposed to be a drop by turned into dinner, which turned into board games, which turned into the best night. After dinner, Sam snuck away while his brother Max showed Lauren a video highlighting their relationship and ending with an invitation for her to join Sam on the beach. Jumping on her noble steed, the golf cart expertly placed in the yard, Lauren jetted off. Following the big question and the easiest yes, Lauren and Sam had the joy of celebrating on the beach with both their parents, brothers and Sam's grandparents. They all capped the night off with champagne celebrations and heartwarming calls to family.