It started like many modern romances do: on a dating app. Kirsten's love of Game of Thrones caught Riley's eye, so he struck up a conversation. They bonded over their love of music, board games, and all things nerdy (seriously, their second date was at a Star Wars themed art show). A few dates later, they both knew they had found their person. In the four years they've been together, their family has grown to include a very rambunctious Irish Setter named Mac, a home in Philadelphia, and a pretty extensive board game collection.

In May of 2021, the whole McConnell family decided to take a vacation to Aruba. Midway through the trip, everyone decided to go to a beautiful beach front restaurant for dinner. After ordering their food, Riley asked Kirsten to take a walk. And so they walked along the beach. And walked. And walked. Kirsten finally asked if they should turn around, but Riley said they should go check out a cove just ahead. That's where he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, which of course was met with a resounding "yes." Kirsten turned around and saw that her future mother-in-law and sister-in-law had followed them like paparazzi and captured the whole thing!