Jake Stafford of LaPorte and Lauren Vandeveer of Carmel, IN, are planning a July 2, 2010, wedding in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

   Jake is the son of Jhan and Cathie Stafford of LaPorte. Lauren is the daughter of David Vandeveer and Lisa Garrison of Carmel, IN. 

   Jake is a 2000 graduate of LaPorte High School and a 2005 graduate of Ball State University. He currently resides in Crown Point, IN, and works as a history teacher at Merrillville High School. He also coaches football and softball.

   Lauren is a 2002 graduate of Carmel High School and a 2006 graduate of Ball State University. She currently resides in Chicago and works for the Alpha Phi Foundation.

   The two got engaged in December 2008. Jake and Lauren met at the LaPorte Fourth of July Parade in 2007, when they were introduced by mutual friend, Katy Yandt. The two are very excited to travel for the wedding and be wed on the beaches of North Carolina.