Brett and Lauren spent the better part of eighteen years in the Bloomington-Normal area, living just seven miles apart and attending rival high schools. Despite going to many of the same sporting events and being in the same places at the same time, their paths never crossed. It took Lauren living in St. Louis for six years for Brett to finally notice her!

One day, as if by fate, Lauren’s profile appeared on Brett’s Facebook as a suggested friend. After a few mutual follows on social media, it was Lauren who made the first move and reached out to Brett. From the moment they started talking, something just clicked. Brett didn’t waste any time and made his first of many trips to St. Louis to meet Lauren in person. Fun fact: he even asked her out on that very first visit—and she said no! Although it seemed too good to be true at first, they soon realized that’s just what it feels like when you find your person.

Though much of their relationship has been long-distance, Brett and Lauren made time for each other and their shared love of travel. From Kansas City to Hilton Head Island, from Baton Rouge to Nashville, they’ve explored the country together. Whether they were attending weddings, celebrating Mardi Gras, singing along to Kenny Chesney, or cheering on their teams at Notre Dame and the University of Illinois, every moment together was an adventure.

Perhaps their greatest accomplishment, however, is being the proud parents of their energetic and loving Golden Retriever, Baker. Though Baker will be sorely missed on the big day (despite Lauren's best efforts to get him involved), he’s forever a cherished member of their family.

After a year of dating, Brett visited Lauren in Florida, where she had been staying for school. While enjoying a quiet morning walk on the beach, Brett surprised her with a proposal! What Lauren didn’t know was that her sister, Audra, was secretly there too—disguised and hidden, capturing every moment on video! Lauren said yes, and the couple spent the rest of their time in Florida celebrating the engagement. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day and the beginning of their next chapter together.