In true 2020s dating fashion, we both swiped right!

Early on Patrick knew that dating someone who's first love was cooking, the key to her heart would be through food. One of the first dates they went on was at Sur la Table for an Italian cooking class where we made fresh pasta, Bolognese, bruschetta and ravioli. Amidst the flour, fun, and teamwork Patrick knew he had stumbled on someone very special. Fast forward 2 years later and they were off on an amazing trip to Italy. As "luck" would have it (or meticulous planning on Patrick's part), on the second day in beautiful Florence they were once again booked for a cooking class. They had an amazing time overlooking the Tuscan Hills, cooking fresh pasta, making tiramisu, and rounding it off with copious amounts of Italian red wine. After sitting down to their freshly made meal they were called up to accept their certificate of completion where Patrick got down on one knee (the semi good one) and asked Lauren to marry him! We're not really sure if she actually said "yes" but the head nod was undeniable.

Lauren grew up in New Orleans where she was surrounded by good food and (probably one too many) good times. She attended the University of New Orleans before moving to Florida to pursue her graduate degree as a Physician Assistant. She worked in psychiatry for 6 years, but decide to make some big changes this year! She made the leap into working on her recipe website, LaurenFromScratch.com full time. As part of her business she writes, creates and photographs all her own content as well as writing and consulting for other bloggers. She spends most of her time developing recipes, and keeping Patrick happily fed.

Patrick was born in Italy and raised in a very small village on the southern tip of Loch Ness in Scotland. He started playing rugby at a young age and the sport grew into a lifelong past time. Patrick moved to the US at age 17 and he has been in Florida ever since. He graduated from the University of Southern Florida. Patrick continued to play rugby through college and for Tampa Krewe after graduating. Patrick is now a VP at a medical software company. He enjoys taking his motorcycle out for rides, and of course being an official taste tester for Lauren's blog.