The Situation & Lauren Pesce: A Timeline of Their Love Story
When Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino first appeared on MTV’s Jersey Shore, he wasn't exactly tame. At best, he could be described as a hard-partying player -- not the type who could handle commitment. (For example, things didn't go too smoothly during his fling with Paula.) But, alas, we were wrong: It turns out that Mike knew all about love as he had just gotten out of a multiple-year relationship with his college sweetheart, Lauren Pesce, before moving into the shore house. And once the reality show was over (the first time, at least), the two reconnected, and, well, the rest is history ... well, kinda.
Fast-forward to today, and Mike is pretty much a different guy than he was during the first years of Jersey Shore. He's been in a loving relationship for quite some time now, which has fans of the show curious about all the juicy details.
How long have Lauren and Mike have really known each other? Where did they meet? When or how did they get back together? When did things take a serious turn?
(Yes, we're nosy!)
Thanks to all the loving throwbacks and interviews these lovebirds enjoyed, we were able to piece all the deets together for those interested in Mike and Lauren's love story. These days, we have a pretty good idea about the couple's relationship timeline -- which is great, considering they're about to take another major step and walk down the aisle very soon. (Yay for wedding inspiration.)
Mike and Lauren's love story can be found, ahead. Yes, it's been rocky. Yes, it’s been crazy at certain times. But somehow, the two have made it all work -- and right now, it looks like they're on their way to having their happily ever after.
Pre-'Jersey Shore' Break-Up
Perhaps Lauren and Mike just assumed things would get pretty wild, and that it probably wasn't the best time to be in a relationship -- so the couple took a break. Lauren admitted she "didn't like a lot of the things he did," on the show as "The Situation," so she wasn't tuning in regularly to watch her then-ex -- and we really can't blame her.
Mike & Lauren Reconnect in 2012 After the Show
Apparently they Lauren and Mike into each other at the gym, which is pretty fitting.
(GTL, hello?)
They Grow Their Family ... With a Dog!
It's unclear when the couple decided to move in together, but Lauren and Mike did get a dog in 2013, who they named Moses Sorrentino.
(So cute!)
They've Had Some Ups and Downs
Lauren has stuck with her man through it all -- including when The Situation battled addiction to prescription drugs. Mike even told People that in 2015, when he cracked his rib, she was pleading, ‘'You know [painkillers] are not good for you -- whether they're doctor prescribed or not. You've been down this road before.'"
Lauren & Mike Appear on 'Marriage Boot Camp' in 2015
There, they worked out some issues stemming from Mike's struggle with addiction.
Lessons Learned
During their time on Marriage Boot Camp, Lauren and Mike learned some great takeaways they will use today. "It really helped us out and it still helps us out to this day," Mike once confessed to People. "You sort of learn how other people communicate and [that] they're coming from a different perception or a different view, and you have to value that view and listen to respond."
They Planned on Getting Engaged in 2017
"Me and my lady are moving in the next step of our personal life and are moving towards getting engaged," the reality star told In Touch Weekly in 2017 about the possibility of getting engaged to Lauren. "I'm trying to keep it somewhat of a surprise to her because she's around me all the time, but she understands the situation we're in."
Celebrating Major Milestones Together
Last December, Lauren took to Instagram to celebrate Mike being sober for two years. "So much to be grateful for this holiday season but most of all I’m so proud of this man @mikethesituation. I love you forever!!! #2yearssober."
We love her endless support!
Proposing on 'Jersey Shore' ... on Valentine's Day!
Mike proposed to Lauren on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation -- with the help of the cast! -- on Valentine's Day that was truly a magical moment to witness.
Shore-Inspired Engagement Shoot
Mike and Lauren look absolutely breathtaking in their Jersey Shore engagement photos. (Seriously, how freaking fitting?!)
Shore-Inspired Engagement Shoot
Both the bride- and groom-to-be shared images of their professional photo shoot at Point Pleasant, New Jersey. These images are truly breathtaking!
'Big Italian' Wedding Shower
The Situation and Lauren's "Big Italian wedding shower" looked like a complete dream. From the lemony decor to the perfect hashtags -- #theHitchuation, and #GymTanLaurens -- this special day was one for the books and witnessed by a number of Jersey Shore cast members.
The Situation's Prison Sentence
Lauren continues to prove how much she's willing to stick by her man. "Lauren is the light at the end of my tunnel," The Situation told People, praising his fiancée for all of her support. Lauren is my everything, Lauren is my best friend, she is my soulmate, she is my better half. And knowing that I found that, I’m willing to face anything in life."
Mike's legal woes finally caught up with him after a judge sentenced him to eight months in prison for tax evasion.
$18,000 Wedding Registry
Lauren and Mike definitely turned heads after the interwebs caught wind of their expensive wedding registry. The grand total of what they asked for was $18,000, and the list even included items for their dog.
As pricey as that sounds, fans of the two have been purchasing things off their wedding registry left and right -- so people obviously love this duo together!
Wedding Date Revealed
Given Mike has to head to prison sooner than later, this happy couple is tying the knot on November 1. "#Thehitchuation is happening November 1st, 2018. I will be marrying @lauren_pesce My rock, my best friend, my better half & my soul mate," The Situation gushed in an Instagram post. "You are my everything & I am so excited to call you Mrs Situation #gymtanlaurens"
Operation Have Babies ASAP
Following their engagement, Lauren revealed she and Mike would like to have kids sooner rather than later. "We are hoping to probably get that going within the next year or so, hopefully," the future Mrs. Situation confessed.
(OK!)