Paul's sister, Kate, had passed along Lauren's phone number to Paul. Lauren and Paul connected first through text, then decided their first date would be the day after a Notre Dame football game. In true 'Lauren and Paul' fashion, they both were tailgating and decided to meet up near the statue of Father Sorin. From there, Lauren and Paul continued going on dates and spending all their free time together.

Paul spent MONTHS planning out the proposal. He told Lauren there was a band alumni breakfast which Kate had invited them to. He took Lauren back to the same spot on Notre Dame's campus where they first met. Sean, Hannah, and Andrea were hiding behind trees and in bushes, awaiting the proposal. Pictures and purple flower petals were hanging in a tree near the Father Sorin statue. Lauren was quite surprised and had no idea the proposal was about to happen. Paul also planned a surprise tailgate with friends and family.