Ringing in 2022

Remember the meme that went viral back in 2015 featuring four local sisters, three smiling and showing off their engagement rings, and one (ring-less) sister pouring the champagne? The funny, relatable photo quickly made its way around the Internet and still resurfaces every now and then. (To jog your memory, see this 2015 story.) The Finkelstein family had a lot to celebrate that year – twins Melanie (Lipp) and Melissa (Gutman) were both engaged, and Amy Finkelstein Mincberg had just welcomed a baby. Fast forward to 2017. Lauren, a DJ for Houston radio station MIX 96.5 at the time, was still searching for “the one.” Coworker Sarah Pepper, also a DJ, had been working out in the building gym when she spotted a good-looking guy she thought could be a good match for Lauren. Turns out he had a serious girlfriend, but he said he’d be willing to set up his single brother, Gabriel Sauceda, on a date with her. Lauren and Gabriel’s first date was at B&B Butchers, and the two have been inseparable ever since. It was love at first sight. This New Year’s Eve, champagne was poured to ring in 2022 – and to celebrate as Gabriel proposed to Lauren, surrounded by their families and dogs. “Gabriel and I couldn’t be happier to plan the next chapter of our lives, and finally get rid of that meme once and for all,” Lauren wrote, with a smiley emoji.

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