It all began with a study abroad trip to Granada, Spain and a lost coat check ticket....

In the Winter of 2011, two strangers, Lauren and Sean, embarked on a month-long study abroad trip to Granada, Spain through their Alma Mater: The University of Delaware. The days consisted of exploring the beautiful historic city, taking Spanish classes, consuming delicious tapas, drinking fine wine (and Tinto de Verano), and developing some of the strongest relationships with others on the trip that either have ever had. Although their friendship flourished over the first few days, it was not until the middle of the trip when Lauren realized the crush she had on Sean. The group was out dancing at El Camborio, a bar with beautiful views of La Alhambra. When it came time to leave, Lauren realized she had lost her coat check ticket. Without the ticket, Lauren was not able to retrieve her checked items until the club closed (at an early 6:00am...). While looking around, fearful that she would be waiting alone for the next few hours, Lauren spotted Sean. For the next two to three hours, Sean kept Lauren company and even took her to get Spain's finest snack: churros con chocolate. (Shout out to Matt Hadrava who also kept Lauren company and unknowingly third-wheeled a developing romance).

Although Sean was quite flirtatious with Lauren towards the end of the trip (please view photo above for evidence), it was not until the two returned to the university that their relationship really developed. Lauren had been thinking about Sean a lot but was not sure if Sean felt the same. Lauren soon learned that Sean did indeed feel the same, and, in fact, had his eyes set on her in the first few days of their trip. Knowing that their feelings were mutual, the two began what would turn out to be an amazing, loving, and life-long relationship.

For nearly three years, their lives went like this:

Lauren was finishing college in Newark, DE < ----- > Sean began his first job in Ft. Myers, FL

Lauren began grad school in Ft. Lauderdale, FL < ----- > Sean continued his job in Ft. Myers, FL

6 months together in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Lauren was still in grad school in Ft. Lauderdale, FL < ----- > Sean started a new job in Philadelphia, PA

Finally, in late July 2016, it was time for the two to be together for good. Lauren graduated from grad school and moved up to Philadelphia to be with Sean on July 21. The next day, Sean told Lauren he wanted to go to Wildwood Crest, New Jersey once he was off of work. Sean headed off to work and Lauren went about her day eating a Wawa hoagie and preparing for a fun weekend at the shore.

Meanwhile, Sean was in his car calling Lauren's father to ask him for his daughter's hand in marriage. Having received his blessing, Sean prepared for his proposal for that night.

The first signs Lauren missed:

Sean - "Your nails look really nice when they're painted. You should get them done while I'm at work."

Sean - "I've really been craving champagne lately. Let's stop and get a nice bottle on our way to the shore."

The couple arrived at the shore and immediately went down to catch some sun at the beach. About an hour in, Sean said he wanted to go on a beach walk. Lauren thought nothing of it since the two usually took long beach walks at the shore. However, it was a bit strange when Sean said this: "Before our walk, let's go home and clean up and get ready." And then Lauren thinks to herself, "But we're already on the beach. Why wouldn't we just go now?" ** third sign Lauren missed.

Clueless, Lauren went back, put on a nice sundress, cleaned up and the two set off for their beach walk. He took her to the jetty, a very secluded spot of the beach. The two walked out onto the jetty as the sun began to set. There was no one around but the two of them. And then...it happened! Sean got down on one knee and asked Lauren to marry him. Lauren, in all of her excitement, screamed yes and grabbed the ring out of the box instead of letting Sean put it on her finger. Not exactly how it goes in the movies.

The two walked back, happier than ever, shared in their excitement with Sean's family, and popped open that "nice bottle of champagne" Sean had been craving for so long.

It was the perfect night.