Cheers to our new journey!

They met, as many are doing these days, online! OkCupid was the website they started chatting on after Jesse had moved to Chattanooga from LA. Lauren was his first date in Chatt! After some back and forth messaging, an official date was agreed upon at Clumpies Ice Cream on the North Shore, a Chattanooga staple. Lauren remembers seeing Jesse off in the distance and thinking "whoa, he is cute in his black t-shirt, dark skin, and hair! What a stud." Jesse thought, "do we really have to wait in this long line for ice cream?" They walked around Coolidge Park as their ice cream melted and just talked.

Their third date was at the Tivoli theater downtown where they do showings of old movies. Lauren suggested they see Jaws and Jesse agreed. They both had fun watching this old classic in a very cool theater, and after the movie was over, Jesse walked Lauren to her car. He stopped and pulled her to him and said, "come here." Best first kiss!

In the middle of the craziness of the world (i.e. the pandemic) Jesse and Lauren decided to move in to a home together! Not the best timing but Jesse's lease was coming up and both felt confident that moving in together was their next step as a couple. They searched and searched for housing and the rental market was a challenge! However, they found an adorable house that was affordable and allowed the 3 kitties to luxuriate in their own space. How they love being spoiled by their 2 crazy parents!

Lauren had just gotten home from Helen, GA with a few of her close friends for a birthday trip. She was glad to be home and excited for her birthday the next day. Jesse asked Lauren if she wanted to wait for her birthday present and she said no! She was sitting on the couch, looking like a bum in pajamas, and Jesse came from the other room with something behind his back. He got down on one knee, told her that he loved her, and asked her to marry him! It was very sweet and made Lauren tear up. Of course, she said yes!! Unbeknownst to Lauren, he had already talked to her mom and dad asking for their permission to marry her! Her momma had to keep it a secret for a whole week!