Nate Bargatze's Love Story: From Applebee's Colleagues to Comedy Power Couple
Comedian Nate Bargatze and his spouse, Laura Bargatze, first met as colleagues working at an Applebee’s restaurant in Tennessee, and their relationship has endured from that time forward.
Laura recounted a particular evening when she first felt a significant bond with Nate during a group outing with their fellow employees.
“He played the soundtrack from The Little Mermaid and instructed his companions to be quiet, saying, ‘Shush, shush, I’m listening to this track,’” Laura revealed on “The Nateland Podcast” in November 2020. “My thought was, if someone could play The Little Mermaid soundtrack and silence a group of twenty-somethings to let him sing along, that demonstrated complete self-assurance.”
The pair ultimately became engaged in 2005 and exchanged vows in October 2006, notably on a Friday the 13th.
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“Our wedding took place on Friday the 13th. We secured quite a favorable arrangement for that date,” he quipped during his The Tennessee Kid comedy special in 2019. “Their schedule was completely open. We inquired, ‘Which time slots are open?’ And they responded, ‘All of them. All 24 hours. You could even contact us on the day itself if you wished.’”
Nate and Laura later welcomed their daughter, Harper, into the world in July 2012.
Laura has consistently stood by Nate during his professional journey, taking on roles such as executive producer for his “The Nateland Podcast” and acting as a talent manager within Bargatze Enterprises.
Continue reading to delve deeper into the timeline of Nate and Laura’s relationship:
Early 2000s
Nate and Laura connected well during their time as colleagues at an Applebee’s restaurant in Tennessee.
2005
Nate proposed marriage to Laura while they were on a carriage ride traversing Central Park.
“I was utterly taken by surprise,” Laura disclosed on “The Nateland Podcast” in November 2020.
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October 2006
The pair exchanged wedding vows on Friday the 13th.
July 2012
Laura welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Harper.
“My gorgeous new daughter Harper Blair. What a wonderful day,” Nate posted on X, accompanying it with a picture of the infant.
2019
Following her career path in marketing and subsequently as a corporate event planner, Laura transitioned to working for Nate, taking on roles as an executive producer for his “The Nateland Podcast” and a talent manager at Bargatze Enterprises, according to her LinkedIn details.
December 2020
Nate used Instagram to post an affectionate birthday message dedicated to his spouse.
“Wishing a happy birthday to the finest mom, wife, and podcast producer!” he captioned an Instagram photo featuring himself, Laura, and Harper. “And the most beautiful. We love you, Laura.”
April 2022
The couple was present at the 2022 Grammy Awards following Nate’s nomination for Best Comedy Album for his Netflix special, The Greatest Average American.
“A few more snapshots from the Grammys. My wife appeared stunning,” Nate conveyed on Instagram. “We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Many thanks once more to everyone who tuned in. @amberlehman was our stylist. I’m unsure how to pronounce that.”
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October 2023
To commemorate their 17th wedding anniversary, Nate shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to Laura.
“Seventeen years of marriage for us today, incredible,” he wrote beneath a picture of himself, Laura, and Harper. “Friday the 13th proved to be just fine. I wouldn't have achieved any of this without you. I love you, Laura. Happy Anniversary!”
February 2025
The pair made an infrequent red carpet appearance when they attended SNL50 side-by-side.
May 2025
Nate discussed Laura’s comfort with him featuring her in his stand-up routines.
“She has been perfectly okay with it,” he informed People. “She possesses an excellent sense of humor, and she appreciates it when we tease each other. However, it's essential to demonstrate affection.”
The comic mentioned that he endeavors to make his comedic material “predominantly” about himself.
“If I intend to jest about her, I must joke about myself twice as much,” he clarified to the publication. “Yet, I am extremely lucky that she has been so understanding. And she continues to supply me with fresh material.”
