One of my favorite things in the world is hearing a great love story and these two have one of those stories that could be made into a movie, seriously! Lauren and Jonny have known each other since they were in elementary school, but it wasn’t always hugs and kisses (read below for the full story). They had their engagement session at a sunny orange grove in San Juan Capistrano, California, with their dog, Scout (handsome fella isn’t he?). Congratulations Lauren + Jonny!

Before the Ring:

This is how Jane, their photographer, tells it (I just love this!):

“Once upon a time, Lauren’s mom watched all the neighborhood kids after school. The first day that Jonny came over after a long, hard day at Glenview Elementary School , it became very clear that Lauren had a serious crush on this boy. Despite the many attempts made in efforts to get Jonny to see things her way (following him home, buying him Metallica CDs for his birthday, and hiding in the same spot as him during hide-and-go-seek games), it just was not happening. It was actually having the opposite effect on Jonny as he constantly threw red handballs at her head during four square, tossed the CDs in the trash, and called Lauren a tomboy every chance he got. Fast Forward 12 years, now adults, Jonny and Lauren ran into each other from time to time while out with friends. When Jonny was single, Lauren was taken and when Lauren was single, Jonny was taken. It seemed as though it was never meant to be. One fateful night, Lauren decided to take Jonny up on his offer to come check out his place (smooth talker-check). Although Lauren had an amazing time catching up with Jonny that night, she was moving out of town the following weekend. Jonny insisted on visiting Lauren every weekend, and he did. The pair has been inseparable since.”

The Proposal:

Eventually they moved in together and both have never been happier. Lauren woke up one morning after having a telling dream that after finishing Grad School, Jonny got down on one knee and asked her to marry him at her graduation party. Jonny made Lauren’s dream a reality when he proposed in front of all their family and friends at her graduation party.

Photography: Jane D Photography / Location: Historic Los Rios District / Mr. & Mrs. Banner: DIY