In August 2019, Lauren and Joey began their new lives at Loyola Chicago. It was only a few days in when mutual friends brought them together. Lauren thought Joey was quiet and funny. Joey thought Lauren was outgoing and confident, constantly threatening people with MMA despite her petite frame. Over the first several months of college, their differences and similarities drew them closer. They had their first date at Benihana. After a night of laughs and effortless conversation, the two knew they had something special. On January 13, 2020, Lauren finally got the courage to tell Joey to make it official and ask her to be his girlfriend already! That day, they became a couple. It was very unfortunate that just months later, a global pandemic would pull them apart. The FaceTimes, the texts, and the calls were never enough. Long distance proved incredibly difficult. Yet through the uncertainty and challenges that followed, their love only grew stronger and showed how much they needed each other. When they were finally reunited, it felt like they had passed the ultimate test. After several more years in Chicago, Joey returned home to Michigan, and Lauren soon followed. Joey and Lauren both knew that it was time to take the next step. On January 13, 2026, exactly six years later, Joey got down on one knee to ask Lauren to spend the rest of her life with him. That day would become the happiest and most meaningful day of their lives. They are now eagerly waiting to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter of their lives together.