Story

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Our story begins in service, as we met while distributing food to those in need at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Navy Yard.

In September 2024, Ross remembers first noticing Lauren as she was leaving and thinking he’d missed his chance to talk to her.

His prayer for another opportunity was answered the following month when they returned to volunteer and finally had a real conversation, punctuated by a now-noteworthy group selfie where Lauren got very close (a detail still disputed).

Ross was definitely the one who got in close…

The First Date

A few weeks later, they ran into each other again at Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Ross had come with his roommate Alex, his female cousin, which briefly left Lauren questioning his relationship status. After Mass, Ross asked for Lauren’s number and introduced Alex, much to Lauren’s relief. Alex later offered Ross her enthusiastic review: “Very good job.” Two days later, Lauren and Ross had their first date at Smoke & Mirrors in Navy Yard, overlooking a beautiful view of the Capitol.

That first date, much like their relationship would become, felt natural and grounded in a shared Catholic faith. What struck Ross most was Lauren’s beauty, and it didn’t take long for him to realize her inner beauty was just as remarkable. What struck Lauren most, beyond his uniquely hearty laugh, was Ross’s cool yet warm confidence and comfortability. She immediately admired his curious intellect, grounded steadiness, and a genuine goodness.

That mutual ease and admiration only grew as they spent more time together, grounding the relationship in peace from the beginning. They made it official the night Ohio State won the National Championship – a great night for Ross.

A Faith-Filled Life

The following year was a whirlwind of yoga and coffee dates, trips to the mountains of Vermont and Colorado, and hours of outdoor training as Ross prepared to climb Mont Blanc and Lauren trained for the Chicago Marathon. They spent time on Lake Nantahala with Lauren’s family and Lake Erie with Ross’s, quickly becoming part of each other’s worlds. Ross likes to remind Lauren that time on Lake Erie was technically a return to her roots, as she was born in Cleveland with family roots in Cincinnati, though she was raised in Florida. Even @ivythecavi had her influence, inspiring the Batchelders to get a cavalier puppy of their own. Ross was also welcomed into a Barnhorst tradition: matching Christmas pajamas.

Through it all, their Catholic faith has remained the anchor, something each had rediscovered in their own lives. One of their earliest dates was Eucharistic Adoration, followed by Ross’s first confession as an adult – during which Father Michal remarked to Lauren in the confessional, “I saw you came with Ross, eh? I look forward to celebrating your wedding one day.” Whether at daily Mass or praying a Rosary on a long car ride, their love is rooted in the love they receive from the Father and through the Blessed Mother, who has faithfully interceded for them since the beginning.

They ended the year with a trip to Rome for the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

After much discernment, they knew they wanted to marry each other. Having secretly acquired a ring and secured Dr. Barnhorst’s blessing, Ross set the stage for a surprise engagement near the Vatican.

Blessed with a beautiful sunrise, Ross asked Lauren to marry him in Piazza Pia near the Tiber River, looking toward Vatican City. They then walked together through the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica—their first steps as an engaged couple, passing into a new life of grace and hope.

Grateful for the gift of each other, they look forward to the adventure of marriage—serving one another and building a life together in Old Town.