We're getting married!

While they had known of each other through mutual friends, Ty and Lauren officially met at a high school party during their junior year. A few months later, the world shut down due to COVID—but that’s when their story truly began. With limited options for socializing, Ty started inviting Lauren to hang out with his friends. From Sonic parking lot nights to backyard bonfires, their friendship quickly blossomed into something more. Then came the summer—the last one before real jobs and responsibilities. Every single day was filled with adventure together: fishing, swimming, back road drives, picnics, drive-in movies, and soaking up every golden hour they could find. It was the perfect summer, minus the two weeks they were stuck quarantining with COVID. August came, and they entered their senior year of high school. It was a year filled with unforgettable memories: the Reitz vs. Mater Dei football game, Christmas dances, ski trips, prom, Lauren’s final tennis season, and graduation. It was also the year they started dreaming about the future. Ty decided to pursue electrician school, while Lauren planned to attend the University of Southern Indiana. By then, they both knew—they were each other’s forever. That July, they went on their first beach trip together with Ty’s grandparents, who have lovingly included Lauren every summer since. When Lauren started college, Ty—though not a student himself—was still right by her side through it all. He became her rock during those four years, and his unwavering support meant the world. Together, they filled that time with travel: spring breaks in Florida, a dreamy trip to Cabo, getaways to Gatlinburg, Alabama football games, the Auburn Rodeo, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and quick escapes to Nashville, St. Louis, and the lake. College was also filled with many themed parties at the Maryland house and nights out at Leroy's. As Lauren approached graduation, Ty had a surprise in store. He told her that the photographer who had taken his high school senior pictures was offering a free couples shoot for her portfolio, complete with a professional-looking advertisement. Naturally, Lauren’s biggest worry was what to wear. She settled on a white dress with blue flowers and matching blue cowboy boots. The next day, they headed out. Lauren, full of questions—Where are we going? Did I pick the right outfit? How long will it take? She sang along to the radio the entire drive, unknowingly adding to Ty’s nerves. They arrived at the Coliseum—a spot Lauren had always wanted photos at. Ty, knowing this, had chosen the location perfectly. As the shoot began, the photographer posed them and said, “Lauren, turn around for a trust fall shot. I’ll tell you when to fall into Ty's arms.” Then she added, “Actually, turn around and make sure you know where he is so you don’t fall on the ground by accident…” And there he was—on one knee. And the rest, as they say, is just the beginning of forever.