we can't wait to party with you

Joe was the general manager at the restaurant Vessel, a favorite spot of Lauren's. She saw Joe there often. It may or may not have been the reason she was a regular... On Mardi Gras day 2017, Joe's best friend, Ryan (groomsman, and also a friend of Lauren's), introduced the two of them. Lauren somehow didn't recognize that the sparkly, purple underwear-clad man before her was the same person she had been mildly stalking, and quickly turned her attention elsewhere. (Much to Joe's obvious dismay.) About a week later, Lauren took her family-mom, dad, brother, and grandmother-to Vessel for her birthday dinner. Joe approached the table and said, "didn't we meet on Mardi Gras day?" To which Lauren reacted with wide eyes and panic as she tried to recall what she did that day. "My grandmother is at the table! Oh God," she was thinking in her head. "I was the one in purple underwear!" this handsome man then exclaimed. So much for keeping it grandma-friendly. Lauren really did not remember until he mentioned their mutual friends, Ryan and Ali. Throughout the meal, Joe continued to check in on the table and if you ask Lauren's parents, also overtly flirt with her. A business card was given, texts were exchanged, and about two weeks later, Lauren asked Joe out on a date. Now, Joe doesn't get a lot of weekend nights off, so the first available Saturday he did have happened to be the night of Lauren's good friends, Sarabecca and Costa's, wedding. Taking what she felt was a huge leap, she invited him to come along. He accepted. They had an amazing time. After the wedding, not wanting to go home, they headed to Tipitina's to see Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. From then on, they were together.

As we all know, the COVID-19 situation is rapidly changing, and due to recommendations from medical professionals, and city and state officials, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the wedding for this Saturday, March 21. We haven't yet decided anything about a future date, but know that it is not the time to do this now (as Dr. John would say, "right place, wrong time"). Thank you for all of your consideration; we apologize for any inconveniences related to travel and/or lodging. Be on the lookout for further communication from us. We love you all and look forward to partying with you one of these days. Lauren and Joe