It all started with Bumble. An intelligent and lovely young woman nervously trying out dating apps, and a rambunctious and inquisitive young man who was about fed up with them. They matched on the app, made simple conversation, and she tried her hand at a joke to break the ice - he got so confused but thought it was cute. They talked until the time of their first date, which is forever lost to history, as a fender bender on Lauren's car ensured their first date would never happen. They rescheduled and got their second date under way, kicking it off with casual conversation, laughter, smiles, and overall enjoyment. Lauren also wore a head turning white sweater that made her look absolutely beautiful. Dre was head over heels as they started to spend more time together, going on numerous dates, with Dre asking her to be his girlfriend, to which she said yes (the first of many). That lead up to a wonderful Valentine’s day date that solidified their spot as the Duck and Dumplings place known as The Dogwood. Dre was inspired by this woman to treat her in the best way he knew how, and she felt every piece of that in that Valentine’s date. The next few months were filled with meeting family and friends. Unfortunately COVID kicked its ugly foot through the door, but this didn't hold them back. They pushed through COVID, often hanging out and playing what would become their favorite game together: Animal Crossing. Dre would enjoy cooking for Lauren and making her laugh while she brought an undeniable light to his life. The next few years were amazing and sometimes tough, working through changes in work focus and the dreaded CPA exam, but they got through together, always encouraging each other and being the one person the other can count on even to just listen. After they established themselves as a couple, they got to talking about the next steps: marriage, kids, a home, and it all started with one thing, the proposal. Dre knew he had to plan something special. He had saved up to be able to get the ring and setup the venue for her party. Shortly after the culmination of Lauren's CAMS exam, he surprised her with a celebratory brunch at the fancy, Restoration Hardware Rooftop, sitting at a table right in front of a fountain. Dre knew this was the woman he wanted to be with to become a husband and father. As they left the restaurant that winter day, they were right in front of the Christmas tree in the shopping district. Lauren, wanting a picture with the Christmas tree, was confused by the familiar looking woman and the photographer who was near her. Everything came into view for her as she saw the man she loved fall to his knee. They had discussed it for so long, but there she was, getting slightly rained on, with Dre looking up to her. She said Yes! The party afterwards was a thoughtful celebration with the ones who loved them both, all but Lauren's mama (who in Dre's *objective* opinion had the BEST video message to give to her daughter), as she couldn't come due to her getting sick just days before with COVID. Lauren's friends and Dre's sisters came together to ensure he didn't bonehead up the party, and it went off without a hitch. Leading to our happily engaged couple of Lauren and Dre!