Well, most of that is true ;) The two of them ending up working at a random Applebee's in Okemos is nothing short of Serendipitous. They hit it off right away! Soon it was clear there was something deeper between them. However, it would be short lived. Joe was moving to California. And, not to be out done, Lauren decided to move to Korea. Over the years, they kept in touch and checked in on each other. They would even catch each other about once a year during the holidays. Finally, Lauren decided to take a break from Korea and Joe convinced her to take a job in California. Although, at first, they decided to just be friends. It was obvious that would be an impossibility. After a wonderful summer together, Joe asked her to move to California so they could finally take the shot they've been wanting for so long. The rest, as they say, is history. *The Proposal* Joe had the perfect ring and the perfect woman. All he needed was the perfect moment! So he plotted and schemed but it all fell through. He carried the ring around with him everywhere, waiting for the right moment (and fighting the urge to propose in the kitchen after a night of wine tasting while Lauren fed the cats). Finally, Joe had a real plan. They were heading cross country for a wedding. Surely there would be plenty of perfect moments! So Joe packed the ring in his hiking bag and, once again, waited. Although there were great times along the way, nothing felt right. Until the last night before the wedding. They were camping under the stars. Hanging by the fire. Just enjoying each others company. Joe decided to go for it! With the ring in his pocket, Joe just started talking. About everything Lauren had done for him. Everything she meant to him. "I've been waiting for the perfect moment, but what could be better than this. So I have a question for you." He got down on one knee, which wasn't hard because of his very short camping chair. And she said Yes!! It was perfect. It was "us".