Lauren and Andy met at what their friends call “accounting summer camp” — or more accurately, their postgraduate accounting programs in Norwalk, CT. Lauren and Andy immediately became friends, sharing their love of the Freeport Pretzels and Spotted Cow. As time progressed, that friendship turned into more, and Lauren and Andy moved back to Chicago as a couple! Their family grew quickly when on their way back home from Norwalk, Lauren and Andy stopped in eastern Michigan to pick up a Bernese mountain dog named Archer.

Fast forward to June 11, 2025, Lauren and Andy went to a showing of The Parent Trap (Lauren’s favorite movie) outside Wrigley Field (a place they spend too much of their time). During the showing as Lauren’s face lit up as fireworks exploded above the boat where Nick Parker and Elizabeth James enjoyed a lovely dinner, the switch in Andy’s mind finally flipped, and he had finally found a proposal plan. After several weeks of planning to recreate this moment, the day finally arrived on August 20th when Lauren and Andy hopped in an Uber headed to the marina for a private boat cruise on Lake Michigan. After arriving at the Marina and waiting for the boat captain to greet them, Lauren and Andy boarded the boat where cocktails and a hand-selected menu of Lauren’s favorite foods, including mini-Chicago hot dogs and bananas foster, were waiting. After finishing dinner (and their sambuca), the boat captain guided Lauren and Andy to the front of the boat as the Navy Pier fireworks were about to begin. The fireworks began to light up the sky as Andy worked through his nerves and tried to steady his balance on the rocky waters. Finally, when the moment felt right, Andy asked Lauren to stand and got down on a knee for the big question. Thankfully, she said YES and Lauren and Andy sipped champagne for the rest of their cruise and continued the celebration afterwards by meeting a few friends at one of their favorite spots, Happy Camper.