We met one early morning at a Vanderbilt football tailgate. Brad remembers walking over to the neighboring tent and striking up a conversation with Lauren about geology and she knew a surprising amount about rocks and volcanoes. He remembers talking for a long time (forgetting about his tailgate friends in the next tent) and knowing instantly that they would become great friends. Lauren remembers striking up a conversation with a tall funny guy who was the life of the party. He mentioned he was a geologist and her first thought was, "of course he is! Why do I befriend so many geologists?!" Their friendship was solidified after that day.

Brad and Lauren built a solid friendship over the next 3 years before realizing their relationship was something more. They bonded over their shared love for rock climbing, music, science, breweries, and adventure. They became the person each other would lean on in rough times, knowing they could always depend on each other. Who knew that a chance meeting at a tailgate would eventually lead to this perfect partnership?