Newlyweds Lauren Andrawos and Garrett Yocam are embarking on their new life as a married couple and have already made Norton Commons a big part of their future. At 30 years old, this vibrant couple’s story is one of connection and reconnection, setting them up for a life they love in a neighborhood they adore. 

Lauren and Garrett, both natives of  Southern California, first met in the third grade, sharing the innocent spark of a first crush. As they grew older and navigated their teens and early twenties, the two were taken in different directions. Garrett’s family moved away during their high school years, and his path no longer crossed Lauren’s.

During that time, both went off to college, still in different directions. Garrett earned his degree in business and marketing from the University of Alabama, while Lauren studied merchandise product development at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. As if pulled by an invisible string connecting soulmates, life unfolded in a way that would reconnect the pair after college. The two began dating about four years ago, and that childhood friendship blossomed into a lasting romance.

Garrett was living and working in Nashville at the time, and though it was relatively early in their relationship, he convinced Lauren to move from California to Tennessee. The couple enjoyed their time in the Music City, but after three years, they relocated to Prospect, KY, for Garrett’s job as a medical device territory manager for BD, specializing in hernia solutions. It was love at first sight once the couple toured Norton Commons when looking for a new place to plant their roots. To Lauren and Garrett, NoCo exemplifies community in every sense of the word. In fact, they love the neighborhood so much that they are already considering NoCo as their forever home.

The relocation meant Lauren would need to leave her previous job in Nashville, but she quickly found a position that excited her and one that would help to forge connections in her new neighborhood. As the Business Development Manager at Marshall Lifestyle Medicine in Norton Commons, Lauren serves to expand the company’s book of business while also forming and strengthening relationships in the community, both professionally and personally. Even with busy professional lives, they always make time for each other, new friends, and community events. 

The couple quickly immersed themselves in the neighborhood culture, and their love for Norton Commons is evident in everything they do. “The first thing we did was buy a golf cart, of course”, Lauren admits. From neighborhood happenings like Karem’s Chili Cookoff and the Fall Festival, to silent discos, Garrett and Lauren regularly participate in local events, always eager to meet new friends. Garrett is an avid golfer, and with NoCo’s proximity to so many great golf courses, he can easily get in a round at every opportunity. “We seriously love living here so much”, Lauren shares. “We absolutely love it and don’t plan to leave.”

Though they plan to stay in NoCo indefinitely, vacations are always a welcome respite from the everyday. Hawaii, particularly Maui, is among the couple’s favorite travel destinations and a place that holds deep sentimental value for Lauren. Having spent every summer there growing up, it’s more than a tropical paradise; it feels like a second home to her. Maui remains their go-to escape, a place where they hike, explore beaches, and reconnect with nature and each other.

Of all her trips to the Aloha State, one was unforgettable—Garrett surprised her with a proposal, surrounded by both of their families who had secretly flown in to celebrate. “It was the most magical moment,” Lauren recalls. “Palm trees swaying, ocean breezes, and the people we love most all together in the place that means the most to me.” They stayed for over a week, soaking in sunsets and making memories that will last a lifetime, and Lauren was reminded that some places hold your heart forever. The wedding took place in August 2025, in San Diego, surrounded loved ones in celebration.

Back in NoCo, now a married couple, Lauren and Garrett are regulars at Gustavo’s, Karem’s, New York Pizza, and nearby Harry’s. They also enjoy cooking together at home and like to experiment with new foods and recipes. Lauren’s award-worthy white bean chili is legendary among friends. A home-cooked meal is likely followed by watching a crime documentary to unwind or cheering on The University of Alabama if it is game day…Roll Tide!

The couple shares their Mistflower Circle home with Henry, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy and beloved member of the family. Norton Commons’ dog-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect place for Henry to thrive. Whether it’s walking around the neighborhood or running free at one of the many dog parks, Henry is just as much a part of the community as his humans. With Henry as the “only child” at the moment, the couple looks forward to expanding their family here in the future. 

Lauren and Garrett’s story is a testament to the power of timing and connection. From childhood crushes to committed partners, this is only the beginning of their life’s adventure.