Lauren and Ruben first met at the Triangle fraternity house on the University of Louisville campus to play a game of "Dungeons and Dragons" run by a mutual friend, Phil. That first gaming session was the start of a long friendship full of laughter, games, and "nerding-out." After about nine years, Ruben and Lauren decided to set aside their fear of losing a great friendship and took the chance of finding something more. They went on their first date on November 10, 2018.

From there the friendship grew stronger than ever. They learned that they brought out the best in one another and made great and loving partners. Over the next few years they continued to game and share long conversations on their favorite nerdy topics with one another. They stayed strong through ups and downs and found comfort with one another during the uncertainty at the peak of the pandemic. They shared in the joys of their families as siblings got married, celebrated each others accomplishments, and bought a home together in Jeffersontown.

On July 3, 2021 Ruben took Lauren to brunch at one of their favorite restaurants, and then they proceeded to complete a scavenger hunt. They went around Louisville to some of their most memorable and favorite places. At the final location of the scavenger hunt was a little garden where Ruben proposed, and Lauren said yes! They are both excited to celebrate their love with friends and family at their wedding on April 15, 2023.

If you would like to contribute to either a honeymoon fund or home improvement fund you can do so through Venmo to @lauren-kern-26