Mike and Lauren met on a Wednesday night in February, at a Grateful Dead cover band that played weekly in Somerville. After a few dates it was clear they had something good. The first three months were a whirlwind. They fit in lots of music, lots of food, and lots of dog walks before Lauren left to work on Nantucket for the summer. They continued their relationship long-distance which, lucky for Mike, included a few trips out to the island before Lauren returned home at the end of August. That September, Lauren fell critically ill and Mike never left her side. After a month-long fight followed by a year-long recovery, Mike and Lauren grew even stronger in their relationship. It was clear they could handle the "in sickness" part of the vows they knew they would eventually take.

Lauren and Mike took their annual trip to Stowe, VT where they enjoy walking in the woods with the dogs, snuggling by the fire, and indulging in the local food&drink. It was a gray Saturday afternoon and the two decided to hike Mount Mansfield. Lauren complained the whole way up but when she got to the top Mike had a surprise for her. The sun broke through the clouds and while Lauren was busy taking in the view, Mike took out the ring. He said, "Lauren..." She turned around replying "What?" without looking down. Mike smiled sweetly and said, "I love you. Will you marry me?" First came the tears, followed by uproarious laughter and phone calls to family. Needless to say, the walk down was much more fun than the walk up.

Four moves, two dogs, one pandemic, and forty Phish shows later, Mike and Lauren are thrilled to be tying the knot and can't wait to celebrate with all of you!