From Long Distance to Life Long Love

Meeting online is the new normal for most couples. What isn't normal, is trying to navigate socializing during a pandemic. In January of 2021 Lauren and Josh began chatting. Quickly, the occasional chat evolved to speaking daily and then all day every day. Sharing stories and common interests, the messages flew back and forth and video chats lasted for hours. After 22 months of talking, in October of 2022, the stars finally aligned and Lauren took a leap of faith to go meet a handsome Midwest man. Lauren flew to Madison and Josh greeted her with a throw pillow that said "100% That Witch" which she appreciated much more than the traditional bouquet! After sharing a plate of cheese curds and some Brandy Old Fashioneds at, where else, The Old Fashioned in Madison, Lauren knew this was the person she was going to spend the rest of her life with. Josh was a fantastic tour guide for this first trip together. Under a gorgeous full moon, at a lakeside restaurant in Madison, the couple officially decided that they would settle down together in the Oshkosh area. The idea of not being together was simply not an option after falling head over heels for one another. After house hunting, visits back and forth to Philadelphia and Wisconsin, and lots of logistics... Josh found the perfect home for the two of them (and Lauren's 3 kitties!) in Omro. Lauren began packing up her condo in Philadelphia and after over 3000 miles of driving back and forth, several flights, and a UHaul...they were all settled in their new home! Well, maybe not settled, that's still a work in progress, but everyone had made it there safely and the couple was ecstatic to be together finally! Lauren got to meet much of what would become her new, very large, extended family - The Stingls and Schulzs - in Wisconsin and the couple enjoyed exploring the area that was new to both of them. The kitties were loving their new home - getting to explore a house with stairs and lots of windows! Both of Lauren's parents, Patty and Jim, came out in the fall to visit the couple in their new home. Jim got to tour Lambeau Field on his visit - a first for both him and Lauren! Patty enjoyed a tour of Milwaukee as well as Lauren and Josh hosting their first (early) Thanksgiving Dinner at their home! In October 2023, the couple celebrated their first anniversary in a very Wisconsin way - at a Mac & Cheese Festival! It also was a busy month for Josh as he helped Lauren get the house ready for their favorite day of the year - Halloween! The couple enjoyed hosting neighbors while many children got handfuls of candy from Lauren, dressed as The Wicked Witch of The (Mid)West! The holidays were joyful, busy, and loads of fun! With lots to look forward to in 2024, the couple toasted New Year's Eve at midnight Central Time *and* Eastern Time, a nod to Lauren's native time zone. Valentine's Day would not be the most romantic or eventful day for the couple in February. Josh popped the question on February 28th! Josh booked the same hotel the couple stayed at during Lauren's first visit to Wisconsin and at the same restaurant (he even made sure to book the same table) in Madison - also under a full moon! - Josh got down on one knee and Lauren immediately said, "YES!" Lauren and Josh appreciate everyone who has been with them through their journey and look forward to spending their lives together, growing together and deepening their love and commitment to one another every day. They thank you for sharing in their joy!