Lauren and Nick met in high school theater. Usually part of the cast, Lauren decided to try her hand backstage as an assistant stage manager for a middle school production of The Lion King. Nick, usually the stage manager, thought that was pretty cool. While they grew close they didn't end up getting together until a year later, right before Lauren went off to college. Nick got the courage to ask her out. Turns out Lauren was patiently waiting to say yes. They were inseparable almost immediately. Nick first dropped the L word on a camping trip that summer. Lauren got a stomach bug and responded by throwing up all over the tent. Luckily he said it again, and she had a good feeling about saying it back. What was meant to be a fleeting summer romance soon unfolded into a life full of love, adventure, and endless laughter. For eight years, they’ve chased their dreams, their careers, each other—and, most persistently, their cat around the apartment.

Nick and Lauren got engaged on Vancouver Island, British Columbia on a beach near Sooke, BC. It was their first night during a long weekend getaway, and Lauren was confused why Nick insisted on a nice restaurant instead of a taproom when they had been travelling since 5am to catch the ferry. Nick getting on one knee was a pretty good reason. Good omens included a bald eagle flying overhead and a rainbow just after. The weekend carried on in that same magical spirit, with hiking trails, yummy food, and whales appearing right on cue.