Carson and Lauren met at Hillsdale College on October 24, 2020. Carson was playing pool with his friends when he noticed Lauren, a familiar face since campus wasn’t very large, walking down the hallway. She was on her way to drop off groceries for a friend. Like something out of a movie, they recognized each other, did a double take, and Carson gave a small wave.

The next evening, they reconnected at a friend’s house. Lauren discovered that Carson made short video clips for his football team and, needing more diversity and content, extended him an invite to an event she was hosting! Since campus was quieter than usual amidst the pandemic, she and her friends decided to host their own private event and film festival—The Larrys. True to his word, Carson showed up—and the rest is history!

Since then, they’ve become the best of friends, classmates, colleagues, long-distance boyfriend and girlfriend, neighbors, travel partners, and soon, Mr. and Mrs. McNellie!

Thank you for your generosity, we look forward to celebrating with you!