If you'd have asked either of us 5, 10, or 15 years ago if we thought we'd wind up together, the answer would have been: "No." Well, actually, if you asked Daniel, he would have said no because he never thought that he'd actually get to be with Lauren (it turns out he had a secret crush). Daniel and Lauren met 16 years ago in college. One cold, fall day Daniel climbed up the stairs of the campus shuttle bus and noticed that the only seat open was next to a pretty girl. He struck up a conversation despite this pretty girl trying to ignore him. She did not understand why this stranger was so keen on chatting so early in the morning. After Lauren got off the shuttle bus she figured she'd never have to see this random guy again. Wow...she couldn't have been any more mistaken! It turns out, that Daniel and Lauren had the same set of friends, so they continued to run into each other on campus and even wound up living in the same dorm Sophomore year. Lauren and Daniel eventually became friends and spent lots of time hanging out together during their college years. After college, their friendship grew even stronger; they used to talk every night! Then, in 2012 when Lauren moved to Minnesota, Daniel suggested they try dating. They dated for 2 months and the whole relationship was a disaster! Neither of them knew how to navigate the difficulties of a long-distance relationship or the new facets that a romantic relationship would add to their friendship. Thankfully, they remained best friends. Fast forward another 7 years to 2019, and after several twist and turns in life, you'll find Daniel trying to convince Lauren that they should try dating again. Lauren was adamant that she was not interested, but Daniel was persistent. He knew he was in love with her and he had a sneaking suspicion that she was in love with him too. It turns out he was right! And after 1.5 years of dating and 9 months of living together, Daniel proposed to Lauren on May 28, 2021 and she said YES!

Daniel proposed to Lauren in Florida on May 28, 2021 while they were visiting her paternal grandmother. Daniel took Lauren to the beach where they enjoyed a beautiful picnic complete with Greek food, grapes, cheese and crackers, and white wine. While having a wonderful time eating, laughing, and listening to music, Daniel got down on one knee, opened the ring box, and read a beautifully prepared speech to Lauren. Lauren was so taken aback, she asked Daniel to read the speech twice. Of course, Lauren said YES!

Lauren's engagement ring has a very special significance to her. It is a double heirloom ring. The uniquely-shaped band belonged to her maternal grandmother, her Meema, who passed away in 2005. The stunning diamond in the center of her ring belonged to her mother, Maureen. This diamond is the same diamond her father, Ken, proposed to Maureen with 38 years ago and Maureen wore this diamond until she received a new engagement ring at their 25th wedding anniversary. Lauren is honored to be able to have a piece of these women with her everyday!