Aidan and Lauren were both out with friends on a Friday night when they met at Hair of the Dog, a bar on the Lower East Side in NYC. Lauren was at the bar first, and was desperately begging her friends to leave to go to a dancing spot down the street. She finally got her group to leave, and on her way out the door, Aidan was walking in at the same time. He stopped her in the doorway and said, “You’re the prettiest girl at this bar. Can you stay? I’d like to talk to you.” On a mission to dance, Lauren said no and left the bar! She regretted this decision a few minutes later and went back to the bar to find the tall, handsome blonde man who had asked her to stay. After some searching, they found each other from across the room, and the rest is history!

Aidan planned a trip for him and Lauren to go to Maui, Hawaii to visit his doubles partner from college. On Saturday evening, before dinner they decided to go on a beach walk to watch the sunset, and because they were all dressed up for dinner, Lauren wanted to take a photo together (of course!). Aidan pointed out a random man on the beach to take their photo. Turns out, this man was not random and Aidan had asked him to be there for the proposal! After taking some photos, he asked if Lauren wanted to check them to make sure she liked them. As Lauren was looking at the photos, Aidan pulled the ring out of his pocket and got on one knee! It was truly the most magical, special moment. They called their family and friends, and celebrated the engagement with (lots) of champagne the rest of their Hawaiian vacation!

Charleston has always held a special place in Aidan and Lauren’s relationship. Having visited Charleston frequently as a kid, Aidan loved the city and Lauren had never been. The first night they met, Aidan actually told Lauren that he was going to take her to Charleston one day. Two months later he made it happen and Lauren fell in love with the city as well. Throughout 2020 Aidan and Lauren spent over five months living in Charleston with the McNulty’s, and they thought it was the perfect destination wedding for Lauren’s family in California, their friends in New York, and Aidan’s family in Ireland. We can’t wait to share this incredible city and celebrate with you all!