Eat. Drink. & Be Married.

We are sure when you read this you thought that the two met at the University of Maryland or Purdue Fort Wayne University. However, this story is quite the contrary. In September of 2015, Jared Rhodes moved to Jacksonville, FL to work at Jacksonville University. Back then, new employees were welcomed to the group through a night out at Jacksonville Beach. Lauren's role was a bit different back then, so she joined the welcome party. After a few laughs and a direct statement by Lauren, the night ended with a beach walk under the stars at Jacksonville Beach and your typical phone number exchange. Five years later, a few more outings, a couple of texts and phone calls go by, and on June 2, 2020, Jared proposed to Lauren on that very same beach!

While 2020 has brought on many mixed emotions for people, it will forever be a year to remember for us. What brought us together will now forever be a moment added to our adventure wall. The proposal was pretty much like every story you hear where the future bride is making it difficult for her future husband. However, what made this proposal potentially the best story every told is that Jared involved everyone close to Lauren in the forming of his plan. He thought out everything! Videos were submitted from loved ones on Lauren's side of the family setting the stage for that big moment. Once the video ended with an emotional and heartfelt note from Jared, Lauren turned over her shoulder and saw Jared kneeling on one knee with the perfect ring in his hand! Lauren BALLED uncontrollably. We mean the most ugly cry you can imagine, but never managed to get a "yes" out. Thus prompting Jared to ask... "are those yes tears or no tears?" Lauren immediately shook her head to signal yes, but was finally able to get the words out while Jared began to play Part II (Jared's side welcoming Lauren to the family)! After hysterically crying, Jared helps Lauren to her feet where she notices a work colleague (Whitney) filming the entire thing, and a small audience of people we did not know cheering! Meanwhile, as all of this is going on, our sweet Ryleigh is playing in the puddles formed by the Atlantic Ocean on the beach... in her own world to say the least. At the end we call came together; hugging, kissing, and laughing for yet another memory added to our memories museum!

Anonymous Inquiry: "What does the perfect day look like?" Our response: In Florida, having Fun with our Family & Friends. On July 3, 2021, we will say "I Do" at the Hammock Dunes Club located in Palm Coast, FL. This lovely venue is the perfect size to accommodate both of our immediate and extended families. With an evening ceremony start, we ask that individuals arrive to the venue in semi-formal (the bridal party will be in formal attire) attire in enough time to have your car valet parked, and for you to take in the gorgeous scenery before the sun sets around the reception time. We are extremely excited to share this next adventure with so many of our loved ones, and truly look forward to adding the photos from #TheRoad2Rhodes2021 wedding to our "Adventure Wall". With Love, Lauren & Jared