Just Married!

In summer of 2015 when Lauren was back in Chicago visiting family, she and Patrick matched on OKcupid. Shortly after connecting they realized that they lived 2,000 miles apart; Lauren was living in Los Angeles, and Patrick in Chicago. After a month or two of skype dates being the closest they had met in person (is this what dating in 2020 was like?!), Patrick booked a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles to see Lauren for the weekend. Not more than 3 months later, Lauren was moving back to Chicago to be with Patrick! They have been going on adventures together ever since.

After the polar vortex of 2019, Lauren and Patrick decided to get out of the cold and move to Los Angeles, back where it all began. On May 17, 2019, Patrick took Lauren to where they had their first date: the Santa Monica Pier. They had margaritas and a tequila shot, and then went on the Ferris wheel. At the top of the Ferris wheel, he proposed! Lauren still finds this extra endearing because Patrick is afraid of heights.

Not wanting to wait a minute longer, Lauren and Patrick decided to elope on September 3, 2020, in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. Joining them was Kristen (Maid of Honor and Lauren’s sister), Chris (Elope-man and friend), and Phoebe (Flower girl and beloved pup). The adventure began with a drive out to El Dorado Dry Lake Bed in a pink stretch Escalade limo. There they were greeted by their fantastic photographer and 110 degree heat. The dry lake bed made for beautiful scenery while enjoying delicious cupcakes and champagne! Then, off to the chapel! Lauren and Patrick exchanged vows at A Little White Chapel with the famous drive-thru tunnel of love ceremony, complete with a pink Cadillac as a tribute to Elvis. After a short and sweet ceremony, they headed downtown Vegas for more photos among fun street art, and then to the Neon Museum. The Neon Museum houses a fabulous collection of iconic, unrestored Vegas signs, and was the perfect spot to finish up with some photos. They ended the evening with nachos and wings. It was an amazing and unforgettable day!