Our story began like many in today’s age when we met via dating app. We instantly felt an undeniable connection fueled by similar interests and hobbies. Due to both of our busy travel and work schedules at the time unfortunately, we couldn’t commit to a first date. Eventually, our desire built up enough to start an unorthodox first meet up and date at Revel Urban Winery. The night of our first date Collin was at The Aronoff seeing Wicked with his family and Lauren coincidentally had dinner plans with friends at Boca. We realized this was the time to meet, it was better than never! Our first date surpassed everything we could’ve hoped for (Collin kissed me within the first 10 minutes)! Since then we’ve been fulfilling our happily ever after.

I had known for some time that I was ready to spend the rest of my life with Lauren but wanted to make sure the day was as special for her as she is to me. We had a San Francisco & Napa Valley vacation planned, and I thought it would be romantic to propose in wine country. It was also significant to us since our first date was at a wine bar. I was nervous that she would suspect I was going to pop the question on vacation, and it didn’t help that she asked what I was using the hotel safe for (allegedly for my watches). However, the day went off without a hitch. It was our first full day in Napa, and we started off at a smaller winery named Peju. Again, I was afraid she was going to wonder why we chose to come here first, but there was a sign claiming impressive accolades quelling her concern. After an exquisite tasting they took us on a tour of their rustic grounds finishing at a whimsical table set under a tree where we were able to hear the running water from the nearby koi pond. It invoked the exact reaction I wanted from Lauren; tears and “What is happening?!”. Eventually she was able to say yes, and it was a magical remainder of the trip. We still reminisce about that being the perfect day.