Despite numerous close-encounters, Lauren and Addison met at the coffee shop where Lauren was a barista. Addison ordered a double-shot of espresso to go. Lauren: I remember thinking "who is this guy and why does he want two sips of coffee in a giant cup?" Addison: I remember thinking "I think I have ordered this drink from this same barista many a time why's she blushing? There's quite a line behind me she should speed up" That weekend, Lauren found herself leaving a concert early and reaching out to Addison on a whim. Addison found himself at home and not able to afford Lolla. They got Italian Ice and walked to North Ave Beach, where they talked for nearly 8 hours straight. Lauren: I remember thinking that I didn't want the date to end. Each step nearing my apartment became smaller and smaller, hoping to hear another story or maybe even grab another kiss. Addison: I remember the warm summer night. I was really happy we met and didn't want to check my phone to see how late it was. Even though I didn't make it home until a few hours before school the next day I woke up for class happy as can be.

When Lauren and Addison met, his family was planning a trip to celebrate his father's retirement from teaching. While their trip to Greece was delayed 3 years due to COVID-19, Lauren slowly became a part of the family. By the time the world opened back up, she was invited on the family trip. Addison, having fallen hopelessly in love, made plans to extend the trip to include the most romantic historically relevant location he could think of - Paris, aka the backdrop of the French Revolution and the tale of Marquis de Lafayette. After her obligatory espresso and croissant, the family made their way to Musée Rodin where Addison had planned on asking Lauren to marry him. Lauren was suspicious (mostly due to Jared, Addison's brother, lurking with a camera) and did not want the proposal to be in front of a crowd. She ran past the main courtyard into a more secluded garden. Having caught up to her, Addison took a deep breath and got down on one knee. It was not until after the question was asked and Lauren said "yes" that they realized where they were - Rodin's "Gates of Hell". Even years, later, Addison and Lauren joke of where their marriage begun: "it can only go up from here".