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Tiffani Laughton

&

William Johnson

October 17, 2026

Petoskey, Michigan
195 days195 d11 hours11 h32 minutes32 min16 seconds16 s

Our Story - Chapter 1

Tiffani and William’s story began in August 2022 on Hinge. For anyone who knows how extroverted Will is, the fact he even downloaded a dating app was a shock. Will ‘liked’ Tiffani’s photo and commented on her cowgirl boots, and the two started messaging. After a couple of days, Will asked Tiffani to Rockwell Republic that Saturday, August 20th. When the day arrived, a massive monsoon overcame Grand Rapids. Tiffani was mid-nap and almost canceled because she didn’t feel like getting ready - thank God she didn't! Meanwhile, Will was out fishing on Gun Lake with now-groomsman, Bryan. The two were having a great day until the same storm hit the pontoon, forcing a race back to the cottage. Tiffani arrived first and nearly finished her drink before Will showed up. For anyone who knows her, this is a miracle; she is always late for everything, which is now one of Will’s biggest pet peeves. They spent hours talking, but neither wanted the night to end. Will began to get nervous; he’d expected dinner, but Tiffani had originally planned to keep it casual with just drinks. Tiffani’s friend and bridesmaid, Madi, texted about a "house party" since a music festival (Breakaway) was delayed by rain. As soon as they pulled up, they realized Madi had overestimated the term "house party" - it was a small group of friends standing outside. They shared a quick drink before finally admitting they needed food and Ubering to Tiffani’s favorite spot, Condado Tacos on Bridge Street. The next day, Tiffani kept Will guessing for a few hours before agreeing to see him again. That Wednesday, they went to Gun Lake Live where Tiffani met Will’s friends, Jon, Erica, and Bryan. The following day, while meeting friends downtown for bridesmaid Madison and husband Matthew’s wedding weekend, Tiffani realized she’d “forgotten” her license in Will’s wallet. He brought it to dinner, meeting the rest of her friends and joining them again after their wedding that Saturday. By Labor Day, Will invited Tiffani for a "camping" trip on Gun Lake. This wasn't tents and sleeping bags; it involved sleeping on Will’s speedboat, The Velocity, alongside Jon and Erica on their boat. The only rule was they couldn't return to the cottage for anything. Will was intrigued to see if Tiffani could handle a ‘low-maintenance’ weekend. She passed with flying colors (he’s still shocked) and couldn't wait to do it again. On October 5, 2022, Will asked Tiffani to be his girlfriend. When she inquired why, he responded with the anti-climactic: “Because you’re a cool girl.” Will claims he was under pressure, and it has been their favorite inside joke ever since. That November, Will added Tiffani to his flight to Seattle last minute to meet his twin sister, Lauren. Later, on a ski lift at Caberfae Peaks, Will accidentally let it slip that he “LOVES” her, and Tiffani said it back. The next two years were a whirlwind of boat days, trips to Seattle and other adventures, and wine tasting and ski trips up north. On New Year’s Eve 2024, they were at Shanty Creek Resort for their annual ski trip. Because of bad snow conditions, they went to the Traverse City wineries with Jon and Erica. The third stop, Bonobo, was having a pajama party complete with a DJ and spiked hot cocoa. Will suggested a photo on the overlook. Tiffani, suspecting nothing, was adamant about keeping their hot cocoa mugs in the photo, adding stress to Will’s plan to get the ring out. Will eventually set down his cocoa, got down on a knee, and said “I’ve been carrying this around all day looking for the perfect moment...Will you marry me?” Tiffani was shocked and said YES. Having it just be the two of them at one of their favorite Northern Michigan spots (with Erica to get photos) was perfect. It was even more surreal when the owners of Bonobo, HGTV’s Carter Oosterhouse and actress Amy Smart, congratulated them with a signed bottle of champagne. They spent the night celebrating and calling loved ones to share the news!

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