Buckle up, we're going back to September of 2017. I was a sophomore in Highschool working my first job as a cashier at Giant Eagle. Alec had recently graduated Highschool and was working as the lead cashier at Giant Eagle. I know what you're thinking, the new cashier falls for the lead cashier, yada yada yada. Well, between you and me, I think Alec made it his mission to take me on a date. Alec had asked me on a date serval times to which I rejected at first and with much persistence I finally said "alright fine." Little did Alec know, I was in fact falling for him, the lead cashier.

Our first date was hiking at Blue Hen Falls with two other friends. Those who know me know I don't exactly go out of my way to "hike." I can honestly say I'm glad I agreed to go hiking because one of our favorite, funniest memories was created there. Anyways, a couple days later Alec took me on our first proper date to Olive Garden. I remember everything about the date from Alec borrowing his mom's brand-new car, to his freshly cut hair, to his crisp teal Calvin Klein t-shirt, and to the fact that I ordered soup and salad. Ask yourself, "when have I ever known Lauren to order only soup and salad?" Yeah, never. It was at that moment that I realized I was no longer falling for Alec, but I had fallen for him.

I knew Alec was the one when I realized that everyone in my life and his life had only positive things to say about him. It wasn't only the way he treated me, but the way he treated everyone around him. The people we loved saw the same things that I loved about him. Alec's smile, loyalty, genuine heart, pure kindness and simply the way he made others feel.

Nine years together and counting. We've grown up together, navigated life's changes, and watched each other become the people we are today. We've shared countless memories, milestones and moments that have shaped our relationship into what it is today. There's something so special about marrying the person who has been by your side through all of life's challenges and triumphs. We couldn't be more excited to continue growing and choosing each other for all the years to come.