Zach + Lauren {engagement} :: Birmingham, Ala.

How did you two meet?

Lauren: "Zach and I met on his first night in Birmingham. Some friends from church were having a movie night, and he had been invited. I remember him being introduced to the group, but I didn't think too much of it."

Zach: "We met the night I moved to Birmingham at a friend’s movie night. I remember seeing her on the couch and thinking to myself, 'She is really pretty! I think I am going to like Birmingham!'"

What are some things you two enjoy doing together?

Zach: "We love traveling, cooking, movies, music, and of course anything related to Auburn."

Lauren: "Honestly, I have so much fun doing literally anything with Zach! Long car rides are probably some of my favorites because we get to talk about anything and everything with no distractions! We had a long car ride to move him out to Arizona in May, and it was awesome! Many people suggest taking a road trip with your significant other before you marry them to be sure you can stand them after being cooped up in a small space for a long amount of time! I definitely agree! In the future, we really want to travel over seas!"

Lauren-- what's one thing you admire most about Zach?

Lauren: "What I admire most about Zach is his patience. This is a virtue that does not come naturally to me. I always knew that I would need a patient man for a husband, and I have found exactly that and so much more in Zach. I also love that he is on my side no matter what. He is my biggest fan and supporter and is always so encouraging in anything I wish to do. He never puts me down, and I have gained so much confidence since dating him. He truly is my best friend, and I cannot wait to marry him!"

How and when did Zach propose?

Zach: "I proposed on April 2, 2017. I tried to surprise her after her birthday, but she caught on! We had brunch that we were both a little too nervous to eat, and then went for a walk on Jemison trail where I got down on one knee and for some reason she said, 'yes!'"

Lauren: "Zach proposed on April 2, 2017. It was a Sunday afternoon, and we had gone to Another Broken Egg for brunch after church. He then took me on a walk in Jemison Park and got down on one knee near the concrete bridge that allows you to cross the stream. It was a PERFECT day. My birthday was two days prior, and he mentioned something about a walk after church at dinner that night. I said I would bring clothes to change in after church, but he insisted that we stay in our nice church clothes which I thought was odd. I went the rest of the weekend wondering if this could be it, but didn't want to get my hopes up. So I made sure my nails were painted and had a nice dress on just in case! ;)

Zach-- what's one thing you admire most about Lauren?

Zach: "It’s hard to pick just one thing, but I love her fire. She is strong and pushes me to better myself and experience new things. She makes each day new and exciting. She is the best person I know and I cannot wait to experience life with Lauren!"