It all began on March 6, 2020. Laura and Ben were swiping on Bumble when fate (and a good algorithm) brought them together. Laura messaged Ben first because that’s how Bumble works. With just a few minutes of chatting, the Adventures of B&L officially began! They planned to meet in person right away, but then the world shut down. Instead of dinner out, their first “date” happened over Facebook Video Messenger. Hours flew by and it felt like they had known each other forever. Soon their virtual dates became wonderfully creative cooking the same meals, mixing cocktails, and playing games on the app House Party. After months of video dates, they finally met in person on July 11, 2020 in Santa Monica. They grabbed Sidecar Donuts, headed to the beach, shared cocktails and music, and got very sunburnt because they were too busy enjoying each other’s company. Against her mom’s “no touching during Covid” rule and to stay “6 feet apart”, Laura gave Ben a hug goodbye, and from that moment, the rest was history. From then on, they talked every day, went on countless adventures, and officially became boyfriend and girlfriend in December 2020. Laura and Ben share a love for trying new recipes, hunting down the best restaurants and cocktails in Los Angeles, movie nights at the Culver Theater, concerts, and spending time with family and friends. They also love visiting the zoo, watching the neighborhood ducks, meowing back at cats, talking to squirrels and birds, while trying to convince them to stop by their balcony for snacks. At home, the fun continues taking weird Snapchat filter photos, binge-watching horror movies, or Ben sneaking around corners to scare Laura (his favorite). By 2023, Laura began asking Ben if this was long-term (she was clear about what she wanted from day one!). Ben calmly assured her they were always on the same page, and to trust him. That July, they looked at engagement rings “just for fun.” Laura found the one and promised to “forget about it,” though she secretly kept all the photos on her phone. A year later, while Laura was visiting her brother Adam, sister-in-law Cynthia, and nephew Owen, she called Ben to video chat and noticed ... he was at her parent's house! She spotted her mom in the background carrying a tray of wine glasses to the table while her dad got ready to sit down. Ben told Laura he brought one of her struggling plants over for her mom to save, and decided to stay for lunch. Laura began to think: Was this really just lunch or was he asking her parents for their blessing? On November 10, they decided to go on a hike to Franklin Canyon Park, where they were excited to enjoy the nice views and also spend time with the ducks, turtles, and fish. When Ben got out of the car, Laura noticed he brought his backpack, which he normally does not do for hikes and typically just brings his water bottle... but she brushed it off. They walked, greeted the ducks and turtles, then found a shady bench to rest. As Laura admired the trees, Ben pointed and said, “Look over there , did you see that squirrel in that tree?” When she turned back around, he added, “And also… THIS.” He opened a little black box holding the very ring she had picked out a year earlier. Laura was speechless, repeating, “Wait…really???” over and over again. The answer, of course, was YES! Laura and Ben are beyond excited to begin this next chapter, and to celebrate their wedding day surrounded by the family and friends who have been part of their story all along.