Jon & Lauren met at their previous companies sales meeting for Abita Brewing Company. Lauren saw Jon from across the room and thought he was cute. Neither of them had any idea what an innocent conversation over an Abita Beer would lead too where they are today.
A few months after they met, Lauren took a promotion with Abita and relocated to Columbus, OH. Lauren quickly knew Jon was something special when he dropped everything and came to Ohio to help move her in. Oh, and no big deal, met her parents the same day. He laughed at her dad’s bad jokes and they all drank a few beers while Jon slowly endeared himself with the Lincoln family. Lauren argues that this was the exact moment when her dad gave his approval of Jon.
This may have shortened the distance between New Orleans and Chicago, but there were still many months of 357 miles between these two.
Jon quickly learned Lauren’s love for traveling. Jon shared his love for Iceland and she naturally started tracking airfare. Miraculously, she scored a round-trip flight for under $300. Jon somehow convinced Lauren to go on a cross-country trip in a camper van. To paint a picture… the camping company forgot to give them bedding, the couch folded down to a bed, there were minimal travel bathrooms along the way, and the water came from the streams. It took a minute for her to embrace it, but Jon had it all planned out. Within six months into dating, it became a trip of lifetime. It is safe to say, when you know you know. They’ll be back one day.
Shortly after their Iceland trip, Lauren decided it was time to make the move to Chicago. They moved into a two-bedroom apartment north of downtown in Lakeview with their dogs Casey & Charles. If there is anything to know about Jon, it’s that he thoroughly enjoys sharing history and being a tour guide of his favorite city of Chicago. He enthusiastically showed her the ropes which consisted of a true a Chicago Hot Dog, Sears Tower, Portillo’s, Potbelly, Pequod’s deep dish, Navy Pier, Christ Kindle Market, Toon’s (The Cheer’s of Chicago), Frontier (where she could watch the Saints), and the one and only, Wrigley Field. His first tour of Wrigley with her consisted of so many historic facts, she may have had to be of woken up… kidding (but not). Let’s just say, she quickly became a Cubs fan. GO CUBBIES!
Lauren had planned a special day for Jon at their favorite neighborhood bar, Toons. She managed to get 20 of his close friends to join her on surprising him with a birthday party followed by a Cubs game. Little did she know the surprise would be flipped on her. For the previous 5 days, Jon had the ring in his pocket and was waiting for the right moment. When he saw everyone gathered for his birthday, he knew the moment was right. After singing Happy Birthday and blowing out the candles, Jon dropped to a knee. It’s safe to say she was floored, to the point where she fell over and forgot to say yes. A day full of surprises!
4.13.2019
In under 2 years, they have traveled to: Iceland, New York, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Columbus, Michigan, Louisville, and Jamaica (Three-Peat!) and hope to continue adding to that list. "Not all those who wander are lost."
They hope you love the Jamaican culture as much as they do. You'll find that most Jamaican people's hearts are full and open, unguarded and always seeking human connection.
One love, one heart, Let's get together and feel all right. -Bob Marley, One Love
When Jon and Lauren first visited Jamaica, they quickly realized that many Jamaicans were in need. It was their mission their next trip to give back. Lauren organized a fundraising event which consisted of many raffle items. With unbelievable support from family, friends, co-workers and strangers, they packed THREE suitcases full of school supplies and raised enough money to buy a local Negril school a computer full of educational software and a projector. It was the highlight of the trip when they delivered the items and toured the school with many of their friends, all of which will be in Jamaica again for the wedding!
If you feel inclined, please consider bringing a school item with you to Jamaica. It can be as small as a pack of pencils. All collected items will be delivered by Lauren & Jon to a school in need before they begin their honeymoon.
It may be paradise to us, but it’s also a third world country desperately in need of simple items that we often take for granted.