Lauren and Ray (Alex) met each other while attending the University of Texas at Austin. Their story began while working together at Gregory Gymnasium. However their love didn't spark until a couple years later during a graduation trip to Las Vegas, cliche isn't it? After a summer romance full of hiking, good food, and live music, Lauren had to leave Austin to attend graduate school 4 hours away in Galveston, TX. This is where they thought their story would end as neither wanted to pursue a long distance relationship. However, God had a different plan in store for these two.

Over the next 3 years, they not only kept in touch, they grew even closer together. With frequent visits, and phone calls every evening, the long distance only made them cherish each moment together more. They always looked forward to the weekends they would get to spend together lounging on the beaches in Galveston or going to UT football games in Austin.

After Lauren graduated, she moved back to Austin where the two could finally live in the same city. They were both nervous but very excited! They soon became very close with a local church and have found a new purpose in their relationship. They are very lucky to have so many wonderful people in their lives who love them and build them up each day. They wouldn't have made it this far without you guys!

THE PROPOSAL!

Ray and Lauren planned a white elephant Christmas party with all of their closest friends. Little did Lauren know, this was not just your average Christmas party. Ray had manipulated the white elephant gift exchange to where he had the last number. During his "pick" he found a card under the tree (that was not there previously) and read it aloud in front of all our friends and family. It was a sweet, thoughtful, poem he had written. It ended with him getting on one knee, pulling out a BEAUTIFUL ring, and popping the question. (forgot to mention, this party was also a tacky sweater Christmas party so Lauren was rocking the most hideous, tacky, battery operated sweater as she was proposed to) Thanks for that Ray!