It all started at a music festival in 2018. Mario was waiting for the next performer at a stage, and Lauren was alone, claiming a spot for her friends. And then the unexpected happened – her phone died. What should have been a moment of panic quickly turned into two strangers talking and laughing together.

When they finally parted ways, Lauren walked off questioning if she’d completely imagined the spark between them and accepted that Mario was just a friendly stranger she’d never see again. Little did she know, that whole night Mario couldn't stop thinking about her, realizing he’d made a mistake by not asking for her number. Lucky for him, the universe handed him a redo – out of the thousands of people at this music festival, they bumped into each other the very next day. This time, Mario didn't hesitate, and fast forward seven years later, they’re getting married.

In those seven years, they’ve traveled to Mexico, Japan, and Europe, gone on more Disneyland trips than they can count, met each other’s families (who instantly acted like they’d known each other for years), moved to LA together, and learned how to support one another through career changes, personal challenges, and everything in between.

Then came the proposal. Lauren thought they were heading to an upscale anniversary dinner and was excited to wear the new boots she’d just bought. Mario, however, had been planning a month-long oceanside proposal—and the boots did not fit the vision. He gently encouraged heels instead. Suspicious? Yes. Did she still wear the heels? Reluctantly, yes.

On the way to dinner, Mario insisted on taking photos near the beach. Lauren was annoyed that her heels were sinking into the path and was not in a picture-taking mood. Mario, internally a ball of nerves, offered to carry her heels and casually suggested switching to the spare sandals that he brought with him (he really thought of everything). The moment they arrived to the proposal set up, Mario stopped and handed Lauren’s heels back to her, with a shaky voice and tears in his eyes saying “change your shoes”. They both bursted into tears and laughter. Six years had built up to this. They both admit they blacked out—neither remembering what was said or if they said yes (though the photos confirmed that they did).

Now, in Year 7, they can’t wait to celebrate with you and have all of their favorite people in one place.