Lauren was in the market for a Bible study, so her roommate, Taylor, introduced her to another leader at their church, Caroline, and her co-leader, Jacob. Andrew had been attending Caroline and Jacob's group for a year by then, and had met his best friends there. During the first week of Bible study, Lauren ended up sitting next to Andrew and Owen. Andrew spent the whole study whispering witty jokes and scripture references to Owen, and Lauren got a kick out of it. She introduced herself to Andrew afterwards, and told him she thought he was hilarious. Over the next couple of months, Lauren and Andrew noticed each other's knowledge and interest in theology, and Andrew started looking for an opportunity to get to know Lauren better. One morning, Lauren's car broke down and she asked the group if anyone could give her a ride to Bible study that night. Andrew, half asleep, got a text from his friends telling him to text her *immediately,* and he obliged! When he picked her up, he opened the door, asked her about her day, and kept the convo rolling. A few days later, he asked her on a date! Their first date fell on College Serve Day, so they spent the morning doing yard work together. As Andrew was hard at work pulling out weeds, Jacob shouted, "WOW everyone look at Andrew, he is so strong and such a hard worker! He's built like Donkey Kong," which caused Andrew to turn bright red. Lauren ran inside to tell the girls about it, and the couple they were serving heard the whole story. At the end of the event, they offered to pray over the group. The husband started, and the wife cut in towards the end: "please bless these young people, as they're out there dating and searching for their mates. Bless their mates and their efforts." Caroline and Lauren were on the floor cracking up. A few hours later, Andrew picked Lauren up for their epic 7-hour first date--they started with bowling, and kept finding excuses to keep hanging out. Lauren was impressed with how respectful, kind, and joyful Andrew was, and he loved seeing Lauren's competitive side come out. The rest is history!

On the morning of March 6, 2026, Lauren knew she was getting engaged that day, and was beyond excited! But she had class :( That morning, Andrew made her coffee and drove her to class. Afterwards she was planning to get coffee with a friend, but the friend canceled last-minute because she didn't want to accidentally spoil the surprise planned for that night! Lauren was antsy, but finally made it through her last class and met Andrew at his car. He drove her home, walked her inside and gave her a note telling her to get ready, because Katie and her mom were picking her up in a couple of hours, and he would meet her at THE tree! She was so excited, and had a blast putting on cute PJs, doing her hair and makeup, and finally putting on her special proposal dress. In the meantime, Andrew ran to his place to get dressed up in his matching outfit (picked by Owen). Katie, Taylor, and her mom got to the apartment and kept her distracted until it was time to meet Andrew. Her mom drove her and Katie to campus, and they walked her to the Century Tree, where their families (and her dogs) were waiting. She saw Andrew standing under the tree with most beautiful flowers. Andrew was nervous and shed some tears, but Lauren was so so excited. The ring was perfect! Afterwards, Andrew surprised her with an engagement party with all of her closest friends at their church. They both had a great time playing games and watching their friends do impromptu karaoke. It was such a joyful way to end a meaningful and exciting day!