Lauren and Jackson are a Hinge success story. After a day of chatting on the app (Lauren was charmed by Jackson’s witty prompts, and Jackson was drawn to Lauren’s travel photos), Jackson asked Lauren to go for a drink in Atlantic Beach. This turned into many hours of bopping around town and talking about everything under the sun. By the end of the night, they had their first kiss in the most romantic of places: Pete’s Bar. They were both smitten from the start, but tried to play it cool (this was unsuccessful, especially for Lauren). Looking back, they are glad that life (including new jobs and a global pandemic) brought them home from Philadelphia and New York City, giving them the chance to meet. No photos were taken that night, so instead, here’s one of their favorites- snapped at Naomi and Brian Bolze’s wedding.

By December, Jackson and Lauren were meeting each other’s families and friends. They later retroactively declared December 17 as their official anniversary. Around the same time, Lauren posted a photo of part of Jackson’s face as a soft (pretzel) launch to her Instagram story.

Moments after the New Year's fireworks (and a few glasses of champagne), Lauren told Jackson, "I think you might fall in love with me." Jackson replied, "What if I already did?"

For Christmas, Jackson surprised Lauren with concert tickets in Savannah. The show was canceled, but they went on the trip anyway. That weekend kicked off a whirlwind year of travel: from Jackson learning to ski (with only minor wipeouts), to dancing at friends' weddings, to singing along in Nashville honky-tonks. Their hearts were full, their pockets decidedly less so, and they wouldn’t trade a single minute of it for the world.

After an amazing year and a half of dating, Jackson moved in with Lauren on Margaret Street in Neptune Beach. The apartment was just 650 square feet - and quite literally beneath Lauren’s parents' apartment (her dream scenario; he was a very good sport). Looking back, they’re still not sure how they fit in that tiny space, but that chapter was one of their favorites. Jackson really earned his stripes during this time, winning over the family, which was no small feat. When Deb started worrying about Jackson like he was one of her own, and the brothers started a group chat about football and tee times, Lauren had a feeling he might just be the one.

Lauren and Jackson took their love of travel to the next level with a trip across the pond to Paris and London. It was Jackson’s first time abroad, and they made the most of it. He’s still dreaming about pub beers, fish and chips, and an unforgettable Jags win at Wembley Stadium.

Lauren and Jackson welcomed a child out of wedlock - Franklin Edamame Fernandez-Bradley. Known to most as Frankie, he traded a life on the streets for the lap of luxury as their ill-mannered but impossibly cute little son. Frank is a member of society (the Jacksonville Humane Society, that is).

Lauren and Jackson bought their first home—the top floor of a historic building built in 1923. They adore everything about it: the original (if slightly slanted) hardwood floors, the charming (but non-working) fireplace, and the beautiful (yet nearly impossible to replace) windows. They're tackling the joys and quirks of homeownership together and having fun along the way. Nestled between Riverside and Avondale, their sweet neighborhood feels like home, and they’re thrilled to be putting down roots in a community they love.

He proposed! After Lauren confidently told all of her friends she knew exactly when Jackson would pop the question (a family trip later that month), Jackson pulled a fast one and proposed at the Jacksonville Airport, right as she was returning from a work trip. Needless to say, Lauren has never been more surprised in her life. Now, every time they walk through the airport atrium to catch a flight, Jackson says, "Remember when we kissed here?"

Lauren and Jackson avoided wedding planning and extended the Fiancé love bubble with an "engage-moon" through London, Ghent, and Amsterdam. They even considered saying "I do" in Europe, before all roads eventually led them home.

It’s almost their turn! After 15 (and counting) weddings as each other’s plus-ones, Lauren and Jackson couldn’t be happier or more excited to finally tie the knot right here in Jacksonville, in their very own neighborhood. They’re thrilled to know this is just the beginning of their love story. See you all on 1-31-26!