Lauren ~ "On a cold December night just before Christmas, I gathered up some of my girlfriends and we made our annual visit to Corned Beef and Company, a mainstay in the heart of downtown Roanoke. It was also the place I used to DJ, so how fitting that I would meet my future husband at such an establishment that boasts a handful of dance floors, sure to carry you well into the night."
John ~ "Who knew the night of an ugly sweater party at Corned Beef, that I would meet my future wife. Not to mention I was recovering from my Lasik surgery which I would like to think helped me spot Lauren from all the way across the upstairs dance floor. After some encouragement from my friend Alison Lee, I took my shot and introduced myself over the music that boomed through the speakers. After a few dances, numbers were exchanged and we called it a night."
Lauren ~ "Fast forward to February of 2017 and we meet again. This time in Athens, Georgia where I was covering a gymnastics meet for SEC Network and John was finishing up his job training. But something looked quite a bit different about John. Oh that mustache!"
John ~ "I had some regrets that night about not shaving my mustache. After meeting Lauren’s coworker Holly Rowe, I learned that it wasn’t a great look and I was about to lose a bet. Needless to say, Lauren stuck around and gave me another chance."
Lauren ~ "Our text exchanges turned into phone calls. Our phone calls turned into FaceTimes. Those FaceTimes turned into driving eight hours to visit one another once a month. The distance just couldn’t keep us apart. And neither could the age gap that I remind people of often. Seven and a half years to be exact. Robbing the cradle?!"
John ~ "No, robbing the casket!! December 28, 2018 I decided that Birmingham was going to become my new home where I could be closer to the love of my life. Almost a year later, I would ask Lauren to marry me on one of the Ten Thousand Islands overlooking the Gulf of Mexico."
Lauren ~ "Of course I said yes! But only after skipping around on the island for a few minutes. I had to keep John waiting, just as I always do. Thank goodness one of his greatest strengths is patience."
John ~ "I guess I’ll just have to be patient a little longer as we await the big day, when we both get to say “ I do.” I love you Lauren, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you!"
Lauren ~ "I love you too!"
We all know the story of COVID. Unfortunately our big plans and lifelong dreams were put on hold and our patience was tested, time and time again.
From 200 guests to eight, from Virginia to Alabama, from Mountain Lake to the Highlands Chapel - but as he always does, God revealed his plans for our wedding day. It was intimate, beautiful, and perfect for us in every way.
May 30, 2020 is a day that will be etched in our hearts forever!