We met through work - in Rome! We were both temporarily assigned to Rome, Nick from his station in Germany and Lauren from DC. Nick volunteered to pick Lauren up at the train station every day to give her a ride to work. After working long days together in a small office, and spending plenty of commute time one on one, the connection was undeniable.

Nick got tickets to see Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center for Lauren's Birthday. Before the show, we enjoyed a nice dinner under string lights in the backyard, followed by a glass of sparkling wine. Nick brought out a birthday gift from a friend, and while Lauren was opening it he announced "And there's one more thing..." Out came Lila with a ring box on her back! After a quick game of chase Nick got the ring and proposed, and of course Lauren said yes! We celebrated with a lovely evening at the Kennedy Center.