Shardad and Lauren met almost 7 years ago at Canyon Lake. Shardad's best friend Shea, hosted a little get together/party on 4th of July and Shea's girlfriend at the time, (now wife!) Kendal, is one of Lauren's closest friends. The two met briefly and spent the afternoon on the lake with a big group of people, but their love story didn't start until years later, early summer 2017. They began seeing each other and hanging out more often in different social settings with mutual friends, and after many months of Shardad asking Lauren out on dates and being denied. It wasn't until Memorial Day Weekend that Lauren finally agreed to go to Vegas with him but just "as friends". They both had so much fun in Vegas and Lauren began to see a different side of him, so Lauren finally agreed to go on a date with him once they returned home. They had their first date at an Angels game in early June, fell quickly in love, and the rest is history!
Shardad proposed to Lauren on December 23rd, 2018 in her Dad's favorite place- her family's backyard. It was the most special, well planned, and unforgettable night! Lauren's mom, Linda throws an annual Christmas Party the night before Christmas Eve every year at her home, so Lauren was prepared for the party that night. Little did she know that as she went to go pick up the food her mom had ordered for the party, that Shardad had planned with Lauren's mom, sister and friends to have all their closest family and friends to show up to the party early and witness the proposal. As Lauren walked inside the house with the food, she saw Shardad standing in the backyard and everyone standing behind him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lauren walked outside and Shardad got down on one knee and popped the question! Of course, Lauren said YES! Thank goodness she did because it sure would have made for one awkward night if she said no!
We cannot wait to start our journey as husband and wife together, but we know we wouldn't be where we are today without each and every one of our family and friends! Thank you for all the love and support, either individually or as a couple, we are so grateful and beyond excited to celebrate with you all up in SLO! xo Lauren and Shardad