Tide The Knot With The Clarks

HOW L&T CAME TO BE: Lauren and Todd were two college students pursuing different paths. Todd was preparing for a career as a golf professional, while Lauren was studying to become an elementary school teacher, eager to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children. Their paths might never have crossed if not for a single swipe on Bumble. In true Lauren fashion, she made the first move with an energetic greeting, “HEY HEY HAWTTTT THANGGGG,” that immediately caught Todd’s attention. After several weeks of getting to know one another through numerous conversations and shared interests, they decided to meet in person for the first time at Cookout. When Todd returned home that evening, he told his roommate, “She’s got a lot of energy”—a statement that remains true to this day. A few weeks later, Todd asked Lauren to be his girlfriend atop a hotel in Raleigh. Her response was simple and perfectly fitting: “Can you handle me?” From that moment on, they knew their story was only just beginning. LOVE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS: As the years passed, Lauren and Todd navigated new challenges together, the most significant being time spent in a long-distance relationship. This season was especially meaningful, as they were each other’s first boyfriend and girlfriend. Lauren graduated a year ahead of Todd and began her teaching career in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A year later, Todd graduated and moved to Bluffton, South Carolina, where he began his career as an Assistant Golf Professional. Although they lived in the same state, the distance between them—along with graduate school and demanding careers—often kept them apart. After two years in Myrtle Beach, Lauren packed up her life, along with her furry companion, Mako, and moved to Bluffton to be closer to Todd. Their shared goal was simple: to build a life together, not only in the same state, but in the same city. TOGETHER IS BETTER: Becoming a part of one another’s everyday lives only strengthened their bond and brought them even closer together. After three years of building a life together in Bluffton, Todd knew that proposing to Lauren was the natural next step. On a beautiful fall evening, September 27th, on Hilton Head Island, Todd dropped to one knee and asked Lauren to spend forever with him. After more than seven years together, Lauren and Todd excitedly began the next chapter of their journey—preparing to unite their lives and seal their love as one. TOAST TO THE ONES WHO PAVED OUR WAY: Lauren and Todd’s story would not be possible without the unwavering love and support of their families. Lauren’s parents, Lee and Christopher Ellington, celebrated 34 years of marriage this past September, while Todd’s parents, Janet and Richard Clark, celebrated 37 years of marriage this past August. These lasting partnerships have set a meaningful example of love, commitment, and marriage—one that Lauren and Todd strive to follow. To their friends and loved ones, your presence and support have been an integral part of Lauren and Todd’s journey. Thank you for walking alongside them, encouraging them, and celebrating each milestone along the way. They are deeply grateful to share this moment with you as they begin their new life together as husband and wife. Now, it’s time to celebrate—cue the music, join them on the dance floor, and help Tide the Knot with the Clarks!