They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but nothing beats being with the one you love after a long time away. Brandon and Lauren’s relationship has been through times of long distance and closeness, and the couple is ready to stay by each other’s sides as they start their lives together.
The Way it All Started
Brandon and Lauren met at East Carolina University, but it wasn’t long into their relationship that they were separated for a short time. Lauren got COVID shortly after they met, but that didn’t keep them from getting to know each other.
“It was a long 14 days of chatting on the phone and FaceTime before we got to spend more time together in person,” Brandon said. The two weeks of constant communication provided a firm foundation as the relationship grew, and they were soon faced with an extended period of separation.
“That first year at school, we lived a mile apart and were inseparable, but it was followed by two years of long distance as Lauren graduated school a year early,” Brandon said. “We worked hard to be together, and it was all worth it!”
Made For Each Other
It is easy for Lauren and Brandon to see they were meant to be together. Between their shared values and the quality time they spend together, the couple agree that their relationship has a solid foundation that they can’t wait to build upon.
“With Brandon, it was always so easy right off the bat,” Lauren said. “As the years have gone on, I feel like our personalities even out each other. We are best friends.”
Brandon echoed his fiancé’s sentiments, sharing that they love spending time together.
“We really don’t have a hard time deciding on our plans, whether it’s for tonight or for the next 5 years,” he said.
Finding the Ring
Through screenshots and conversations, Brandon knew Lauren wanted a yellow gold engagement ring featuring an emerald cut diamond. The piece is somewhat sentimental, mimicking the rings of some of Lauren and Brandon’s beloved family members.
“I knew I definitely wanted yellow gold since my grandma, my mom, and his mom all have a yellow gold setting,” Lauren said. “I had sent Brandon different rings I liked over the years, but when I saw my ring, it definitely looked like it was meant for me. It is more perfect than any style I could have ever sent him!
Shopping with Fink’s
Finding Lauren’s ring at Fink’s was a blessing that saved the proposal. Brandon originally ordered a ring from a large chain jewelry store. The ring was supposed to arrive right before they left on the vacation where he was going to propose. Then, Brandon got news that temporarily sent him into a panic.
“The ring was set to come in the mail, and a week after I ordered it, I got an email saying it was out of stock and my money was refunded,” Brandon said. “This was now only 3 weeks out from the cruise where I was planning to propose, so I went to Fink’s.”
Brandon knew Fink’s Jewelers had a great reputation, and he needed to find the perfect ring in record time. Fortunately, Fink’s Birkdale Store Manager Chris was able to save the day. By working with ring designers and understanding the urgent need for the ring, Chris was able to get Brandon the perfect ring for his proposal – and in the nick of time, too.
“I was in a rush big time because Lauren has smaller fingers, so her ring would have to be custom-made. Chris went out of his way to make sure I got the ring on time. He was an excellent communicator and made me feel at ease,” Brandon said. “This was great because I was seriously sweating that I wouldn’t have a ring for the planned proposal. I got the ring three days before the planned cruise and am now a lifetime loyal customer of Fink’s.”
The Proposal
With the perfect ring purchased, Brandon was ready for his surprise proposal. Lauren had no idea that her sweetheart was going to ask her to marry him on this particular vacation.
“I never thought he would do it in a public place,” she said. “I figured he would ask in a mountain cabin just between the two of us.”
Brandon knew that Lauren’s family usually had family photos taken on their cruises. She wanted photos of the proposal and to keep the big moment a surprise, so Brandon took advantage of the family’s regular cruise custom.
“It was also special because I always wanted an authentic photoshoot during the proposal, and he proposed during what I thought was a planned photoshoot with our extended family on the cruise,” Lauren said. “This wasn’t weird to me because my family had gone on cruises when I was younger and had family photos taken, so I wasn’t thinking he would propose then.”
Lauren said “yes” to forever with her best friend. Now, with the perfect ring on her finger and the surprise proposal a success, the couple is ready for their future.
Looking Forward to the Big Day
Both Lauren and Brandon cannot wait to celebrate their big day with family and friends. They are eagerly awaiting the wedding, and since Lauren was surprised by the proposal, she has a few surprises brewing for the wedding day.
“I have a few things I am going to surprise Brandon and my friends with during the wedding, so I am excited for the day to come,” she said.
Brandon said one of the biggest surprises he’s excited about is seeing Lauren in her wedding gown.
“I can’t wait to see Lauren walk down the aisle, especially because she has gone to great lengths to hide what her dress will look like for me,” he said.
Their Future Together
Brandon and Lauren are ready for whatever the future has in store for them. They’re looking forward to a lifetime with their best friend by their side.
“Whatever happens, I know we will have each other and our faith,” Lauren said. “We both have great families and support systems and I cannot wait to watch our own family grow in faith and love together.”
Brandon agreed that he can’t wait to see what their future looks like.
“It’s a journey that I wouldn’t want to walk with anyone else,” he said.
