Like many modern love stories, ours began with Lauren messaging “seriously speed puzzles?” to Colin’s Hinge profile detailing the nerdiest thing about him. Spoiler this was the beginning to the long list of nerdy things about Colin, and Lauren asking “seriously?”. After many failed attempts to get Lauren on a date, Colin convinced her to meet Easter morning over coffee and donuts. Lauren was immediately smitten with Colin’s good looks, charming smile, and playful sense of humor. Colin was taken with Lauren's outgoing personality, love of adventure, and mischievous smile. A second date to Barcelona Wine Bar was quickly secured. Lauren, arriving early to the date, walked to the bar to get a drink. To her surprise she found Colin with a finished glass of wine to calm his nerves. After a long second date with lots of laughs and wide ranging conversation Lauren asked who else Colin was seeing and insisted he end it, Colin agreed. Fast forward 3 months later after many weekend trips to Florida, the lake, and hiking Colin was assigned to 6 weeks in India. What Lauren thought was the end of a summer love, Colin instead asked her to meet him afterwards in Tokyo, Japan. Lauren accepted.

Little did Lauren know, Colin had a ring and was waiting for the perfect trip to pop the question. There were many trips Lauren was convinced he was going to ask- while overlooking the Shenandoah mountains in Virginia after running a half marathon, the gorgeous anniversary trips to 30A Florida, the beautiful hikes in Sedona, day trip to Antelope Canyon or experiencing the vast Grand Canyon for the first time, but Colin had other plans. They were going to Acadia, Maine over labor day weekend. The morning started with a visit to the Cadillac Summit enjoying the first place the sun touches the United States, followed by “bubble” hike at Jordan Pond. After sharing a snack and enjoying the views Colin pointed out some deer he could see from up high. When Lauren turned back around Colin was on his knee and asked her to marry him. She HAPPILY accepted almost tackling him off the mountain.