Back in March 2018, Lauren was working behind the deli counter at Sully’s on Coffee Road, slicing meats and living her best life. One day, while she was off, Brittany started working there. A coworker texted Lauren saying, “Hey, we got a new girl,” and obviously Lauren did what any normal person would do—immediately stalked Brittany on social media. After a few shifts together, some of the girls decided to go to Applebee’s for St. Patrick’s Day (because nothing says bonding like cheap appetizers and green beer). The night ended at Nancy's house, just hanging out. Next thing Brittany knew, she was invited on a random camping trip to Cuyama, where she was suddenly meeting Lauren's friends and family. Pretty soon, Lauren was spilling the tea to Marissa about this new thing she had going on with Brittany, and Brittany was telling her cousin Katelyn she had a crush on Lauren. And, well… fast forward 7.5 years, and here we are—finally making it official and tying the knot!

Lauren caught wind that Marissa, Jerry, Ami, and Andrew were all heading to Colorado for a company Christmas party. Being Lauren, she wasn’t about to miss out—because honestly, who wouldn’t want to use twinkly Christmas lights and hopefully some snow as the backdrop for a proposal straight out of a cheesy holiday movie? So, naturally, Lauren went full-on control freak mode: flights? Booked. Hotel? Locked down. Rental car? Check. What Brittany didn’t know was Lauren had also secretly bought a ring. Sneaky? Totally. Genius? Definitely. When we landed in Denver, we swung by to see Brittany’s brother Jason and sister-in-law Sarah, where Brittany met her new nephew Jack. After catching up over lunch - and Lauren secretly letting Jason and Sarah in on the plan to propose - it was time for us to head to Boulder to meet our friends. At the hotel, Ami was suddenly the drill sergeant of glam: “Makeup on! Hair done! No excuses!” Meanwhile, Lauren was standing there like, “Uh, can I just wear my t-shirt and gym shorts?” But Lauren played along because, well, this was all part of the plan to keep Brittany totally in the dark. After everyone was ready, we headed to downtown Boulder where Ami picked out the perfect spot for the proposal. Of course, Ami made Andrew snap a photo with her in front of the Christmas lights first, then Jerry and Marissa. Finally, it was our turn. Lauren told Brittany she loved her, pulled out the ring, and asked her to marry her. Brittany blinked a few times like, “Wait, for real?” Then she looked down at the ring box and started crying happy tears (which, let’s be honest, probably confused a few passersby who weren’t ready for that level of holiday romance). When Lauren asked if that was a yes, Brittany happily said yes. Cue the cheesy holiday music and happy dance!