Austen and Lauren’s journey started at Texas A&M University, where they were both pursuing engineering degrees. During sophomore year, they each applied and were accepted into Zachry Leadership Program (ZLP): a 5-semester professional and personal development experience for 32 Aggie engineering students. Although Austen and Lauren exchanged handshakes and polite remarks at an introductory event, they didn’t really get to know one another until the first pre-semester retreat. During evening downtime, Austen and Lauren found themselves head-to-head in a competitive game of Settlers of Catan. Lauren tried to convince the other players to help her usurp Austen's lead, but Austen swindled her into trading him the final resources to win the game. They exchanged a few not-so-polite remarks after Austen’s triumph, and both left the table happy to have made a new friend.

Upon returning to campus, Austen and Lauren went about their schedules as usual. They found themselves in the same on-campus building frequently, and started sitting together between classes to study in each other’s company. While the first few occasions may have been incidental, Austen and Lauren eventually learned each other's schedules and made a habit out of their impromptu meetings. It didn’t take long for their study sessions to move off-campus to coffee shops and restaurants, and the two developed feelings for one another. During this time, Austen continually reminded himself of an off-hand comment Lauren had made early in their friendship: "I would never date someone in ZLP." Despite this headwind, he asked Lauren to be his girlfriend over a fajita dinner at Polly's Cocina. Although Austen swears that he did not get a straight answer for 10 minutes and had to pose the question again, Lauren claims that he was just nervous and didn't hear her say "absolutely" the first time. This dispute remains unresolved.

Now as an official couple, Austen and Lauren were concerned about how their relationship would impact their experience in ZLP. After all, the program would continue with the same 32 people until graduation - What if it didn't work out? So, they agreed to stay apart during ZLP classes and events to get the most out of the program individually. Although some of their fellow students discovered their relationship over time, it took over two years for the news to reach the ZLP program director, Seth Sullivan. He tried to keep an eye out for any ZLP sweethearts, but Austen and Lauren managed to avoid his purview. Even as the secret was out, they maintained an unwavering relationship as they went on to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees together.

Austen and Lauren were fortunate enough to receive job offers in Austin, TX, and began the next chapter of their relationship there. As they were starting their careers, Austen knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Lauren. He acquired a Montana Sapphire to use as an engagement ring centerpiece and worked with a custom jeweler to craft the perfect ring around it. While on vacation with some friends in Cancún, Austen booked a romantic dinner at a beachside restaurant. They left early for the reservation, and Austen took Lauren on a walk alongside the shore with the ring in his pocket. When they reached Austen’s hidden photographer, he kneeled in the sand to ask Lauren to marry him. Needless to say, Lauren accepted and the two couldn’t be happier together. Their longtime mentor and friend, Seth Sullivan, has graciously agreed to serve as their officiant on the special day. We're so excited for you to join us as we say "I do" at our wedding on April 5th, 2024. See you soon!