We're Getting Married!

Like every true love story, Justin and Lauren met through the Tutor Center at Upper Iowa University. Justin attended microeconomic study sessions to better understand the subject. After a little bit of back and forth over Snapchat, the two ended up chatting for hours at a house party (which happened to be at Justin's rental). They bonded over classic rock, working out, and cars...& the rest was history.

Once the couple graduated, they decided that their next step was to move to Illinois to find jobs. While job searching, the couple moved into the Wombles Household to save a little cash for the next step in their relationship.

In early December 2019, Justin and Lauren started renovating their house. There was blood, sweat, and tears put into the renovations on their home, including LOTS of paint and various installations (light fixtures, appliances, & closet hardware). The couple officially moved into their first home together on this date! Of course, they couldn't have done it without the help of both of their families. The Helle boys make washers & dryers seem light & Lauren's dad knows a thing or two about installing...basically everything.

Justin insisted on going hiking on a rather chilly November morning to Starved Rock. While a little hesitant, Lauren said okay and dressed in various layers. When they stopped to admire the St. Louis Canyon, they decided to ask a stranger to take their photo in front of the waterfall. After a few touristy photos, Justin got down on one knee and asked Lauren to marry him & she said "YES!!!" Then, more surprises...the "stranger" that was taking photos was Lauren's best friend (Brie) AND Justin had planned an impromptu engagement party with their friends that night!