Lauren and Dillon’s story is one they love to tell… and it is because of the unexpected way it began- speed dating! Dillon had tried it a few times with no success and was on the verge of calling it quits. In fact, he was deciding up to the very last minute whether to even show up that day. Lauren, on the other hand, was ready to try something new and to make a bold move. On the day of the event, as Lauren entered the room, she caught Dillon’s eye and felt something. As the event started, they were both anxious to sit across from one another to feel if that initial spark was real. From the moment Dillon sat across from Lauren, they both instantly knew there was something here. This unique meeting turned into a date at Dave and Buster’s where they gushed all over their love of Lord of the Rings, Lauren’s love of travel, Dillon’s voice impressions, wrestling, horror films, favorite music, and the list goes on. In fact, time flew by so fast it was amazing that through all the talking, Lauren found the time to beat Dillon at (most) of the arcade games!. The connection was undeniable, the laughter constant, the competition stiff, and it didn’t take long before love made itself very much at home in both their lives.

Once Dillon had the perfect ring that he designed himself, waiting was simply not an option, so naturally, he planned a proposal within weeks. He also knew one thing for certain: it had to be a complete surprise! So the morning of Feb 14th, Dillon awoke Lauren with a kiss, to which she said, “Valentine’s day is so lame, right?” He laughed nervously knowing she was definitely going to change her opinion soon. He said they were meeting his parents for brunch, so Lauren threw on some comfy clothes, NO MAKEUP, and a messy pony tail; aka the perfect proposal outfit. Once they made it to the parking garage, she noticed a familiar site. “Is that my parent’s car?” She said, and Dillon sat in stunned silence in the driver’s seat. “That definitely is them, that’s their LSU Louisiana license plate,” “Why do you know your parent’s license plate?!” He exclaimed in response. However, the plot flew completely over her head, and she just suspected them of coming in for a totally non-proposal reason. Dillon went along with her idea that they were just surprise visiting for the weekend with a sigh of relief; although the exciting truth would soon be revealed. They began to walk to the restaurant where they first met speed dating. Lauren was confused because Dillon’s dad doesn’t like their food. However, as that thought faded, Dillon halted and turned. “I know you hate Valentine’s Day, but it was the day I first told you I loved you..“ Suddenly, Dillon got down on one knee, and asked her to be his wife. Then the most romantic thing happened; it began to pour rain through the sunshine and clouds. She shouted yes, snatched the ring from the trembling box, and a random man brought them champagne (a hotel employee we later learned). Elated, confused and wet, Lauren saw her dad then approaching from the entrance with open arms and she ran to him in an embrace. The rest of their families came out to celebrate the good news., turning their already unforgettable day, into a full family celebration.