Clear Cut Couples: Lauren and Nick
Lauren & Nick met at the University of South Carolina. The two always knew of each other, running in the same circle of friends, however never became more than just acquaintances. Nick moved to Chicago in 2015 from Atlanta and Lauren was living in San Francisco. Lauren would occasionally visit Chicago for work, many times documenting her trips on social media. Over the years, Nick would drop messages in her Instagram DMs, making hints he would love to meet up and catch up. Since Lauren's trips were always quick and focused on work, she never found the time to take him up on his offer.
Leave it up to Nick's ability to close deals, he was finally able to convince Lauren to meet up for that drink in October 2018. She agreed to having Nick meet her at a work happy hour in Chicago at Sienna Tavern. He arrived alone and caught Lauren's attention immediately. Not seeing Nick in many years, she was instantly attracted to the man he had become. She was beyond excited and smitten but knew she needed to "keep her cool" as she would be going back home to San Francisco in just a few days.
The distance couldn't keep these two from falling in love. Lauren & Nick spent the next 6 months exploring each other's homes, conveniently scheduling work trips in the same cities, and even spending New Year's together. By May 2019, Lauren made the decision to leave the West Coast behind and make Chicago her new home.
Since that first drink, they have been together for over four years! And they have shared incredible memories during that time. Their favorite trips include Costa Rica to ring in 2020, spending COVID lockdowns for a few months down in Fripp Island, SC, their favorite oasis, learning and picking up golf together in 2020 in CT at Lauren’s parents’ country club, Tulum with their best friends.
They love to play golf together, check out a new cocktail bar or restaurant in Chicago, vacation in South Carolina, visit family, and catch comedy shows together.
The proposal was August 15, 2021 at Navy Pier in Chicago. Nick sat Lauren down on a bench and expressed all the things he loved about the relationship and Lauren as a person. He said he wants to grow old together and build a life and family together and then got down on one knee and proposed. Bystanders clapped and cheered for them. They then celebrated just the two of them at brunch and Nick surprised Lauren with a staycation at a penthouse hotel room with champagne waiting in Chicago.
The after celebrations were a surprise! The ring was absolutely perfect. “It sparkled so much right against Lake Michigan’s blue waters and sunshine.”
As for their wedding, they’re planning to have 100 of their closest family and friends celebrating in Charleston, SC at Lowndes Grove on November 11, 2022.