Jacob and Lauren’s story began in the fall of 2017 at Iowa State University, thanks to a few mutual friends — and a little dorm called Barton Hall. (Fun fact: that’s exactly why their beloved pup is named Barton today!)

When they first met, they instantly bonded over a surprising discovery: they both grew up just a few miles apart in Woodbury, Minnesota — yet had never crossed paths until that fateful day. Life really does have a funny way of bringing the right people together, doesn't it?

Back in 2017, Jacob and Lauren were just friends — cheering on the Cyclones at football games, dressing up for Halloween parties, and making memories over late night pizza (Shoutout Steve Simon!). It was a friendship full of laughter and shared adventures.

Fast forward to 2020: the world slowed down, and somehow, amidst all the uncertainty, Jacob and Lauren found something certain in each other. What started as late-night conversations turned into something more, and they realized maybe — just maybe — their friendship was always meant to be something bigger.

Since then, they’ve been building a beautiful life together — weathering long-distance love while Jacob launched his dream career and Lauren finished graduate school, moving to sunny Florida, and raising their sweet dog, Barton. Every day, they fall more in love and feel endlessly grateful to have found not just a partner, but their very best friend.

In May 2024, Jacob planned a date that Lauren would never forget. (Even if she might have had a few suspicions!) With the ocean as their backdrop, Jacob got down on one knee, and Lauren said "yes!" — literally bouncing with joy.

Now, with hearts full of excitement, they can't wait to celebrate their love story with all the people who have been a part of it. January 24, 2026, has been a long time coming — and it's only the beginning of their forever. ❤️

Travel coming soon!