Half a world apart and not even aware of each other’s existence, Martin and Lauren found themselves feeling called to take a different route than many of their college-minded friends after their graduation from high school, taking time off to serve in missions before pursuing their college education.

Some call it fate, others destiny, but with a story like this, it’s hard not to see God’s sovereign plan at work. Because when Martin stepped on that airplane to Belize and Lauren got a good look at this team member, something stirred within her heart. She laughs now sharing her initial thoughts that it’d be hard to not be distracted by this handsome blue-eyed, blonde-haired Sweden during the months of training and missions to come. ;)

However, Lauren never breathed a word of her affections for Martin to anyone but her family back home and a few team leaders so they could hold her accountable and help keep her heart in check. While many girls would have found themselves lost in romance and conniving to grow close to Martin, Lauren stood secure and determined to fix her eyes on Jesus.

And that is what Martin found most attractive about this endearing, energetic and outgoing American girl who always seemed to be smiling from ear to ear, making each moment a bit more exciting. Martin noticed how genuine her passion for Jesus truly was, and saw the deep love she carried in her heart for every person she knew.

It was towards the end of their trip, upon their transfer to Mexico that Martin invited Lauren on a bike ride and picnic, and he was able to share about the admiration he had for her, still while being completely unaware of Lauren’s mutual affections. And so it was there in Mexico that their relationship begin, not knowing at the time where it would lead, and spending the next year and a half learning about each other’s lives and cultures, and falling more and more in love with each step of the way.

It was their twenty-month anniversary that Martin invited Lauren on a picnic once more, but this time they were in Chicago, enjoying the evening by each others sides with an incredible view of the city. But Lauren’s favorite view of the evening was seeing Martin before her, knelt to one knee with the most stunning diamond ring in his hands, asking her to be his wife. :)

Martin! Lauren! I feel so blessed by you guys! Thank you so much for making the time for your engagement session NINE DAYS before your wedding!! Ahhh December 29th is so soon! I love you two and can’t wait to watch as you pledge your love for one another in front of your closest and dearest friends and family. Enjoy a few of my favorites from your engagement session, Merry Christmas, and I’ll see you soon!! XOXO!