Mike and Lauren’s story began in the fall of 2020, right in the middle of navigating the unpredictable world of pandemic dating. Their first date took place (outside of course) at the Middlesex Fells Reservation, where they spent the afternoon hiking with their two dogs, Ty and Kona. It was a simple outing, but little did they know, it would be a moment that changed their lives forever.

As they walked along the trails, Ty, Lauren's older but loyal pup, started to get tired and wasn’t too thrilled about jumping over a large log that stood in their path. In that moment, Mike didn’t hesitate. He scooped Ty up without a second thought and carried him over the obstacle, showing such kindness and care for her dog. In that instant, she knew that Mike was someone truly special—someone who would not only take care of her but also of her loved ones, furry friends included. (Seeing Ty’s pathetic expression on his face while he thoroughly loved being carried was also on Mike’s side)

First camping trip in October 2020 to Acadia National Park.

Since then, Mike and Lauren have enjoyed countless outdoor adventures. Between the beach trips, spontaneous camping in the VW bus, and over night backpacking trips in the White Mountains and Havasupi AZ - they’ve shared endless moments of laughter and treasured the simple joy of each other’s company. Their first road trip in the VW Bus was in the summer of 2021 when they spent time in the Finger Lakes, NY, continued on to the Adirondack, NY, over to Burlington and Stowe in Vermont, and back home. This adventure sparked more road trip dreams for them.

In 2022, they traveled to Iceland for their first times where they rented a camper van for 10 days and camped around the entire country, completing all of the The Ring Road. Next was their greatest adventures - surviving a 70-day road trip across the U.S. in summer 2023 together with the 2 dogs in Mike’s VW Vanagon. Traveling from coast to coast in a van tested their patience and resilience, but it also proved to them that, no matter the challenges, they could tackle anything together.

Mike proposed to Lauren on a sunny fall day on November 17, 2024 at Borderlands State Park near the water while on hike with their dogs. The Best Man, Johnny, was there to capture the moment for them both. Although they lost Ty prior to their engagement, his memory of bringing them together will forever remain in their hearts. They have now welcomed a new member into their family: Storm, a spirited and energetic Golden Retriever who has brought new joy to their lives. Together with Kona, Mike, Lauren, and Storm have been settling into their new home in Stoughton, MA, navigating life as first-time homeowners and continuing to build a future filled with love, adventure, and the warmth of family.

After years of laughter, love, and many more hikes (and road trips!), they are excited to take the next step in their journey—together forever. They can’t wait to celebrate their marriage all together with their friends and family in the great outdoors of Vermont, where they have shared countless memories over the last few years.