GROOM: Shane (Age 42)
BRIDE: Lauren (Age 39)
LOCATION: Tampa, Florida
RELATIONSHIP DURATION: They have been together for two years, engaged for one year
ENGAGEMENT DATE: February 2024
Lauren and Shane are an eclectic couple who were down on love, hopelessly resigned to being single and alone, until they serendipitously met online. They first connected two years ago on a dating site—though they both insist it “doesn’t count,” since Lauren’s beauty school students created her profile and Shane’s brother set up his. Despite entering the dating world with zero expectations, a long phone call that lasted until sunrise, a spontaneous beach getaway, and countless dinners later made this unlikely duo inseparable. Now, after a year of engagement (and one awkward proposal), they’re ready to finally clear the air before walking down the aisle.
Their relationship is loving but complicated… to say the least. Lauren, a successful cosmetologist and salon manager is currently living a completely new chapter of her life. Raised in a devout Christian household under the watchful eye of conservative parents, she was always the dutiful, and obedient daughter. Her first marriage ended several years ago, a decision her family still sees as a mistake. Since then, she’s reclaimed her independence, gotten tattoos, left a job she hated, and found her voice, autonomy and independence outside of her family’s control. Although Lauren is happily engaged, Lauren’s family doesn’t like or accept Shane.
When Lauren and Shane first became an item, Lauren’s father was skeptical; so he went so far as to dig into Shane’s history and after learning about Shane’s colorful past, he quickly wrote him off. Today, Lauren’s parents won’t speak to or accept Shane, and Lauren’s brother won’t even talk to her. It’s a frustrating position for the couple: Shane finds the situation unfair because he is being pre-judged by people he hasn’t even met and Lauren is torn, forced to choose between her fiancé and her family. Her deepest fear is getting married to Shane and not having her family present. Despite Lauren feeling like her family is at fault, the ordeal has raised questions for her about Shane.
It’s true that Shane does have a past. He is a recovering addict who once struggled with alcohol and prescription pain pills after a career-ending hockey injury. A former professional hockey player, Shane’s journey took a dark turn after his injury, and part of his healing included prescription medications that lead to a battle with pain-pills, alcohol and gambling addiction. He’s come a long way, and is currently in recovery, going to meetings and is clean and sober. Despite sobriety, Shane does have a predilection for gambling, spending money and not being honest about it, which creates friction in the relationship.
While Lauren has accepted Shane’s past, she hasn’t forgotten it. Between a missing class ring she suspects was pawned, a late-night mystery text from a self-proclaimed stripper, and an anonymous message accusing him of cheating, there are still some questions she needs answered before she is comfortable getting married. Lauren has been engaged three times before, and this time she’s not settling. She wants a forever partner. Lauren is the breadwinner in the relationship and has a good job, and is on the verge of getting a promotion and a big raise which would solidify their future. However, this begs the question: Is Shane truly ready to be with one woman and leave his past behind? Or is Lauren just the safe choice: a stable home, a big heart, and a solid paycheck?
Shane, on the other hand, has questions of his own. He wants to know if Lauren really loves him—not just the version who’s a willing listener and does what he is told? Does she still have feelings for her ex-husband, with whom she was married to for over a decade? Has she ever cheated in the past? Has she ever cheated on him? And is she truly in love—or just afraid of being alone? With a big, soft heart and deep insecurities tied to his own complicated family dynamics, Shane fears ending up with someone who sees him as a stepping stone, not a soulmate.
Together, they’ve been through it all—financial struggles, addiction recovery, former relationships and a painful family rejection. Yet despite the hardships they’ve also built something real: a deep, passionate connection and a shared life that feels like home. They say they’re ready to face the truth… but this lie detector test might be the ultimate test of their future. Lauren doesn’t tolerate dishonesty. “Tell me the truth and I might get mad and throw something,” she says. “But lie to me, and it’s going to be a whole lot worse.” Secrets, suspicions, and long-buried fears are about to come to light—and the truth might be more than either of them is ready to hear.
Example Questions From Lauren to Shane:
Does it bother you that my family doesn’t like you?
Has my family offered you money to leave?
Could you be convinced to leave if you were paid enough money?
Were you going to meet up with the stripper whose number you got while out with your guy friends?
Did you know who the girl was that texted me that you were unfaithful?
Did you pawn my class ring and old wedding band?
Have you hooked up with anyone since we became official?
Do you think that I am your soul mate?
Did you stop hockey because of an injury?
Did you become an addict because of an injury?
Did you truly want to be with your ex-girlfriend?
Do you really want to marry me?
Are you scared of the doctor? Is that why you don’t go?
Example Questions From Shane to Lauren:
Do you still love with and want to be with your ex-husband?
Are you settling to be with me? Am I a comfortable and an “easy” option for you?
Do you truly love me?
Do you like having sex with me? (Shane has erectile dysfunction)
Have you ever cheated on me?
Did you ever cheat on your ex-husband?
Would you leave me for a million dollars?
Am I your favorite boyfriend that you have ever had?
Do you truly want to marry me?