Nick's fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, invited Gabby's sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, to UCF Homecoming in 2017. Their first social function was a group trip to Cocoa Beach, where both groups shared a bus. On the way to the beach, Gabby and a brother planned an ice breaker for everyone to loosen up. Nick sat next to Gabby for the very first time on that bus. They both spoke about their majors, their passions, and where they wanted to go in life. They spent the whole day at the beach getting to know one another. On the bus ride home Nick invited Gabby to another date function, and the rest is history....

Nick wanted to celebrate Gabby for surviving another successful year of teaching, especially during a pandemic. He told Gabby they had reservations at the Davis Island Yacht Club, and beforehand there would be a Dolphin feeding at the bay. While walking through the park to get to the bay, they both stumbled upon an unoccupied picnic that was set up. Gabby said, "That's beautiful, I wonder who's it is?" Nick was already on one knee before she knew it. After taking in the special moment, just the two of them, Nick drove Gabby to the Columbia Restaurant (her favorite), where they were greeted by family and friends.