I had the absolute best time with Lauren and Jake during their engagement session, and let me tell you, they made my job so easy! From the very first click of the shutter, they looked like models. I barely had to direct them because they just clicked together naturally, sharing sweet laughs, quiet moments, and so much chemistry in front of the lens!
Even though the evening skies were cloudy, they absolutely shined! Their connection, their laughter, their love was so sweet to see. We started in Downtown Jefferson City, soaking in the urban charm and historic architecture, then made our way to the Runge Nature Center, where nature gave us a lush, moody backdrop that felt straight out of a romantic movie.
How They Met
Lauren and Jake’s love story began all the way back in grade school at St. Stanislaus, when Lauren was in 7th grade and Jake was an 8th grader. While they didn’t start dating right away, their roots go way back, which makes this chapter of their journey all the more special!
Their first date? Perfect as can be for young love. Jake came over to Lauren’s house one summer afternoon, and they went swimming and hung out. Lauren was nervous, as most of us are at that age, but she knew there was something special about this cute older boy she was crushing on. Jake remembers being just as nervous, meeting her family at only 14 years old is no small thing, but clearly, even then, they were building something meaningful.
They officially became a couple in April 2015, and they’ve been growing together ever since!
What’s so clear about Lauren and Jake is that they’ve truly grown together. From navigating long distance during the college years, Jake in Missouri, Lauren first in Arkansas, then later in Wichita, to constantly supporting each other through life’s highs and lows, their relationship is grounded in love, respect, and loyalty.
Lauren admires Jake for his sense of humor, patience, and constant support. Jake says the thing he loves most about Lauren is her loyalty, he’s never had to worry, never doubted her, and always felt secure in what they share.
Their favorite things to do together? From playing pickleball, walking, and lake days to cozy mornings with coffee and date nights out, they make the everyday moments feel special.
How He Asked
After nearly a decade of dating, Jake knew the time was right to ask Lauren to marry him! Every fall, both of their families make a tradition of heading to Hermann, Missouri, for Oktoberfest weekend, so it only felt right that this special place would become part of their proposal story, too.
Lauren had no idea what was coming!
The weekend started like it always did. It was a Friday, and Lauren had worked a few hours that morning before heading to Hermann with her family and her best friend, Kaylee. Jake had told her he’d be there on a work trip, which didn’t raise any red flags since his company really does have events there during the fall.
Meanwhile, Jake was already in Hermann, pacing nervously in his parents’ Airbnb with a ring and zero plan on how to actually get Lauren to the spot he had in mind: the Captain Wohlt Inn, where he’d secretly booked a room. He had a photographer scheduled for 5:00 PM and a proposal spot all picked out in the garden, but no smooth way to get Lauren there without giving the whole thing away.
At the last minute, around 4:30 PM, Jake’s dad came up with the idea to tell Lauren that Jake’s uncle Greg (who is also Jake’s boss) had surprised them with a room at the Captain Wohlt Inn. As fate would have it, Lauren’s mom texted Jake around the same time suggesting the exact same thing! Neither of them had spoken to each other about it. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked. Jake took it as a sign that the plan was meant to be.
When Lauren arrived in Hermann, she started getting ready for dinner with her family and Kaylee in their Airbnb. That’s when Jake called and asked her to swing by “their Airbnb” (the one he said his uncle had rented for them) before dinner. This was the first time Lauren started to feel that something was up. Jake typically isn’t the one making the plans, and now he was coordinating Airbnb stays and dinner meetups? That wasn’t like him.
Even on the short drive there, Lauren noticed everyone around her acting a little off. But when she arrived to the Inn, Jake’s energy gave it away. He was clearly anxious, rushing to show her the room, eager to keep things moving. Lauren noticed, but still didn’t quite piece it all together.
As they walked outside, Lauren and Jake passed by the garden at the Captain Wohlt Inn. Jake had coordinated with his photographer, who cleverly had someone posing for senior pictures nearby so Lauren wouldn’t think anything of it. They were just a few steps outside when Jake stopped, turned to her, and dropped to one knee!
Jake had planned a speech, but in the moment, his nerves took over and the words just vanished. But it didn’t matter. In a quiet, sweet moment, he asked Lauren to marry him, and of course, she said yes!
She was completely surprised. After nearly 10 years together, she had a sense that the proposal was coming soon, but she never expected it to happen that weekend! But the weekend wasn’t over yet, it was just getting started.
Jake took Lauren to 1837 Cellar Bar, where another surprise was waiting, all their closest friends and family, gathered to celebrate with them. It was the perfect ending to a perfect proposal! The rest of the weekend was spent visiting favorite local spots, laughing, soaking in the moment, and making memories they’ll never forget.
From a nervous 14-year-old boy meeting Lauren’s parents for the first time, to pulling off a picture-perfect proposal a decade later, Jake planned it all perfectly! And now, they’re counting down the days to “I do!”
