Stephen and Laura met in the most modern of ways—on a dating app. After matching on Hinge and exchanging a few messages, Stephen graciously declined to answer Laura’s standard questionnaire for potential suitors and instead invited her out for coffee. Laura countered and they compromised, settling on an evening at The Breakers. Their first date almost didn’t happen, however, as Laura received a call about a paralyzed squirrel needing rescue that very evening. Thankfully, she managed to save both the squirrel and the meet-cute, but only one stood the test of time (RIP squirrel).

After a handful of memorable dates—including a ring-making class for their third—and plenty of heartfelt conversations, Laura and Stephen realized they had found something special. Soon, they blended their four-legged families under one roof in Stephen’s Boca Raton apartment. At the time, Stephen was navigating the demands of medical school while Laura worked as a substance abuse counselor. Despite their hectic schedules, they made time to foster their little family. Stephen was happy to introduce Laura to his passion for skydiving, but after a few exhilarating (read: terrifying) jumps she decided to keep her adventures underwater- sticking to scuba diving instead. Eventually, they moved to West Palm Beach, where they upgraded to a yard for their boys, Mac and Beau, to enjoy.

Stephen graduated medical school in the middle of the pandemic, and the couple began their next chapter in New Orleans, where he began his neurosurgery journey. While Stephen tackled long hours and the complexities of the human brain, Laura found a new passion in wildlife rescue. Together, they became unlikely champions of New Orleans’ possum population, spending evenings caring for orphaned joeys and proving that love really can be wild.

Meanwhile, Mac and Beau kept life interesting with their antics, offering comic relief and plenty of snuggles. Life in the Crescent City became a vibrant mix of challenges and triumphs, with the city’s rich culture providing the perfect backdrop for their ever-evolving love story. Stephen and Laura plan to remain in New Orleans for the next several years as Stephen completes his neurosurgery residency.

Now, as they prepare to say “I do,” the bride and groom are overjoyed to celebrate with the people they love most in the sun-soaked beauty of Palm Springs. They can’t wait to toast to new beginnings, shared adventures, and all the possums they’ve yet to rescue.

See you there! 🌴