A Lifetime of Adventures!

The date they met depends on whether you ask Ethan or Lauren this story. Ethan will say the two met at a Halloween party of a mutual friend’s house in 2009. That was October of their Junior year at UC Davis. 7th and B, as the group called that house, had a nice backyard where Ethan and Lauren “apparently” played a game sitting across from each other at a picnic table. Although Ethan considers this the first night of a long adventure ahead, the two never directly talked, and therefore didn’t meet. (Obvious who is writing this, yet?) Lauren remembers them gathering with the same group and in the same place for a while before actually meeting (from house parties, to houseboats, etc). The first night Lauren counts as the two beginning a bond that would last a lifetime, was the night at Little Prague. They had fun dancing the night away, and then Ethan left for a semester in DC.

Davis, CA -- Incline Village, NV -- Denver, CO -- Washington, DC -- Bay Area, CA After Ethan did things like giving Lauren his jacket on a chilly night, taking her to Tahoe for the weekend, and letting her enjoy her Fiber 1 cookies without (much) judgement, they became an official couple in April 2011. Ethan and Lauren dated for most of the seven years between graduating college and getting engaged. After graduation, they moved to Incline Village, NV and spent the year as ski bums while studying and applying to grad school. Although Northstar had things like challenging terrain, it had nothing on Diamond Peak and The Loft Bar. They met some of their favorite people and lifelong friends over card games, camping trips, and shot skis. When Ethan chose University of Denver for law school, Lauren couldn't be more excited, as her family grew up going to Denver every year. Although some of the hardest years mentally and emotionally, DU Law students became family and the experiences they encountered over their 6 years there were unparalleled. They ate Nachos regularly at the Morrison Inn, walked Wash Park every season, enjoyed everything about RiNo, and so on. Lauren built the foundation of her career during her years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade at Cory and Ethan discovered the world of 50 state lobbying. The next year brought about one of their most fun and adventurous experiences as they moved to Washington DC. They ate crab dip twice a week, jogged the Mall often (mostly to photograph Mags), toured museums, and found the coolest bars (ranging from the Tombs with Coors Light pitchers, Joes Stone Crab and their bubbly rosé, Little Miss Whiskey's with the Awesomeness, and most importantly 1789). The rest is history.

Ethan and Lauren found themselves week after week looking at each other on a Friday night, knowing there were a million of amazing things to do at their fingertips in the heart of Washington DC, and saying - let’s go to 1789! They loved the nook that the 1600s monastery bench turned bar shelving and classic historical marbling and decorations created. One December evening, they went to “their bar” at 1789. Although the two had MANY conversations about getting engaged, Lauren had no idea that this night would be the night. On December 14, 2018, the room was decorated for the holidays and the gorgeous fireplace that Lauren always admired was lit and it was perfect. They enjoyed a delicious meal and the company of their bartender, Bob, and friends. When their friend Maria suggested they take pictures by the fireplace, Lauren was thrilled thinking this was the best idea ever! As they got to the fireplace, the couple took turns getting pictures together - and on their turn, Ethan began saying everything Lauren had wanted to hear for so long. Then he got down on one knee. It was nothing short of perfect for the two of them. After realizing the moment was happening and getting through a couple, “are you serious?” questions, Lauren said “of course!”