On a snowy winter evening, Lauren accepted an invitation for a drink by her former college roommate, Alex Heller, at Wynkoop Brewing in Denver. Alex was meeting her friend Paul Soldo, who brought Cody along, a respective college buddy. Over beers, the two got to know each other and found out they were both Colorado natives and went to rival high schools. They immediately bonded over music. Lauren learned that Cody was a guitarist in two bands and was intrigued. He had a gig a few weeks later and Lauren skipped her night class to see him again...

After seeing each other at Cody's show and meeting up with friends in Fort Collins, the two finally got to have their first date after Lauren buckled down to study for a big test. Cody knew Lauren liked seafood and in hopes of impressing her, he took her to his favorite seafood restaurant, Big Mac and Little Lu's. Lauren loved its laid-back Florida Keys vibe. Over the years, the two have frequented the restaurant for milestone dates- like after they got engaged!

During a Labor Day camping weekend in the Colorado wilderness, Cody and Lauren set off hiking on a clear Saturday morning. The two enjoyed breathtaking views through a valley with castle-like rocks looming overhead. Several miles later, they crested a ridge to catch sight of three fourteeners. Awestruck by the scenery, they rested and enjoyed the sunshine. Cody bent down on his knee holding a small box and asked Lauren if she would marry him. Through happy tears, Lauren answered "Yes!" Back at camp, Cody serenaded Lauren with one of her favorite songs by The Beatles on acoustic guitar. Together they designed a custom engagement ring with a Colorado mined aquamarine.