If you ask Neil: We really met by happenstance. Convenient timing. If it had been even a year or two later, I may have never gotten the chance to meet her. I wouldn’t have gotten to see her grow, succeed, and conquer everything in her path. I can’t even imagine if that had been the case. She really is the most extraordinary person in this world, and I really am beyond blessed to be able to have her as the center of mine. It will take a lifetime of love and laughter to show her what she really means.

Lauren and I met my senior year, her sophomore. We actually started talking the year before. She always remembers these things better than I do. One night back in 2013, twelve, almost 13 years ago now. That’s crazy. We talked off and on through the days, and then it turned into all the time. As long as we were awake. It didn’t take long to realize we both had feelings for each other. Then before we both knew it we were together. Then came what some of my friends and family called at the time: questionable decisions. The difference in our ages was worrying to some. (I knew they’d instantly love her like I do.) And I’m sure glad I made the decisions that I did. I can’t imagine the last decade of my life being any other way. With anybody else. The few year age difference between us never played a significant role in our relationship. Even with me graduating two years before her. We still made time for each other in between both of us working and her finishing up high school. It’s always felt right, but as we transitioned from seeing each other every day to only a few times a week our relationship still continued to grow. It really wasn’t hard to see that what we had was the beginning of something special.

So, the day I knew I loved her? I think I always kind of felt it, but the day I realized how much I really love Lauren, how deeply I cared for her was actually one night during the winter of her junior year. She was coming home from work and she hit black ice. The car was flipped on its side off the road. But she wasn’t hurt. I’ll never forget that phone call. Part of me will always regret thinking that she was playing a joke on me. But it only took seconds to realize that something seriously wrong had happened and that she was in danger. Even to this day I don’t drive that fast. Sorry mom, thank you for all you did that night. I knew I had to get to her. Cars can be replaced, but I realized quickly that she couldn’t be. I still get the worst feeling every time she leaves the house. Even for a business trip to the store. That night changed both of us… but even something like that couldn’t break her. I know she carried that with her for a long time, but we were able to get through it. I can’t explain the feeling I felt on the day she graduated. With everything she has gone through she came out on top. Finally, some weight lifted off of her shoulders.

Watching Lauren and I grow together has been inspiring. From basically kids in school not focused on what was going outside in the world to watching her excel in college, learning new skills, improving her techniques, perfecting her craft, to now owning her own business today. She never ceases to amaze me each and every single day. Her drive and love for every aspect of her life is probably what I love the most about her. Cute butt, too. 😅 The life that we have created together has only just gotten started, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for us. More than anything I’m excited to get to experience it with her. There’s nobody else I’d rather walk through life with than my best friend and my love.

As I sit here writing this, reflecting on the last 11 years of our lives together. The moments. The memories. The people that have come into our lives, and those that are no longer with us. Those moments shaped us into who we are today, and built the bond that we share. Without every detail and memory along the way, who knows where we would’ve ended up. I wouldn’t change anything if it didn’t lead me to her.

L&N

Wedding Day