Lauren and Jeremy
Lauren is a 28-year-old copywriter who lives in Queen West. She says “I dress casually and kind of ‘athletic,’ but I’m into style and beauty. I like to doll myself up when I get the chance!” Lauren’s friends would say she is “smart, sweet and friendly.” In her free time, she likes to run — “I’m training for a marathon; so much running!” — as well as read, check out museums and art galleries, and go to the movies. Lauren met her long-term boyfriend Jeremy on Tinder. My parents come from a small town in Northern Ireland, and a lot of my extended family still lives there — I’ve always had a close connection to my two wee Irish grannies. Recently one of them celebrated her 85th birthday, and my parents made plans to visit. My boyfriend Jeremy surprised me with tickets for us to go over, too. Jeremy knew how much it would mean to me to be able to be there for the birthday, and when I opened my gift and found the tickets, I bawled my eyes out.
It was going to be such a nice vacation, too. We had been in our house in the west end for just more than a year, and were feeling pretty settled in with our routine. We love exploring Toronto, checking out different coffee shops and being regulars at the local brewery, but going to another country known for its rolling green hills sounded like what we both needed.
Fast-forward a couple of months, and we’re off. We left Toronto on Monday, arrived on Tuesday, and my granny’s birthday was on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were reserved for packing in as much touristy fun as possible for Jeremy and I, and Saturday was a family thing. It was amazing from the start. I could tell Jeremy loved everything about Ireland, and I was so happy to be sharing it with him.
On Wednesday, we went to a beautiful resort for the birthday dinner, and I was extra-excited because Barack Obama had stayed there a few years ago. After dinner, we headed to the bar, and following a few drinks, my family did what they do best and started grilling Jeremy about when he was going to propose. My aunt even suggested he do it right then and there, and said she would loan him a ring. Jeremy and I both laughed it off.
The next day we got up early and headed out with my parents to visit Portrush and the Giant’s Causeway. We arrived to one of the most gorgeous days, with the sun shining, and not a cloud in the sky. Well, it’s Ireland — there were a few clouds. We headed down the winding hill to where the rock formations meet the ocean.
Jeremy and I walked out further to enjoy some space and time on our own. It was nice to just be together, hanging out and taking it in. At one point I ordered Jeremy to take a picture of me for Instagram, looking deep and staring out into the ocean. Of course, he obliged and snapped a few of me in my pose. He then told me to turn around and take one with me facing the camera. As I did, I saw that he was down on one knee.
My first reaction was complete surprise. He was actually proposing, in this incredible, beautiful, romantic place. Somehow, I still remember exactly what he said to me: “I love you with my whole heart. Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” I yelled “Of course I will!” and proceeded to run straight at him. I didn’t even look at the ring. He actually shut the box as I was running at him in fear that I’d push him over and the ring would fly into the ocean. After the initial shock, I was jumping up and down and screaming with excitement. Afterward, we walked along the coast hand in hand smiling at each other.
Of course, my parents were nearby, and my dad was in on the whole thing, so he was able to take some “just engaged” photos. My mom had no idea. Having them there was so special. We even got big applause from the security guard, who had a little tear in his eye. Looking back on it, Jeremy was carrying his backpack around everywhere — he didn’t even put it in the overhead compartment on the plane. I just put this down to him freaking out about his passport. Needless to say, I am forever indebted to the friend who told me to get Tinder, where I met Jeremy. I’m so glad I took that chance. I met my soul mate and I get to spend the rest of my life with him, and I couldn’t think of single thing that would make me happier.
Lauren rates her date (out of 10): 10 Want to be a dating diarist? Email datingdiariescontact@gmail.com.