Aldo and Mary Sellers had unknowingly crossed paths countless times before finally meeting in Fall 2023—thanks to the modern wonders of technology. Over coffee at Frothy Monkey, they quickly realized just how many near-misses they had. Both University of Alabama alums, they had worked for the same student newspaper, spent childhood summers at the same water park in Decatur, and shared a love for their home state. And that was just the beginning. Sensing their instant connection, Aldo decided to take a chance. Knowing how passionate Mary Sellers was about Alabama football, he asked her to watch the next week’s game at his favorite spot, Jonathan’s Bar & Grill. It became their second date—and the first of many gameday traditions. With each date and every Crimson Tide kickoff, they grew closer. Ironically, both had been contemplating moves back to Alabama before they met. But as their relationship deepened, they realized they were exactly where they were meant to be—in Nashville and with each other.

After a spontaneous trip to look at rings on Aldo’s birthday in July 2024, the idea of getting engaged quickly became real. By the day, the excitement grew, and the couple set sights on a mid- to late-Fall 2024 engagement. But surprising Mary Sellers—arguably the hardest person in the world to surprise—was no small feat. Aldo saw it as a challenge. One October weekend, he told Mary Sellers he was heading to Huntsville to help his parents around the house. That was only half true. He did visit his parents—but more importantly, he visited Mary Sellers’ parents in Birmingham to ask for their blessing. On the drive home from Birmingham to Nashville that night, everything fell into place: December 22 was going to be the day.

Aldo had the perfect cover story. The couple had already planned a trip to The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, for New Year’s Eve, so no one would suspect a thing. Keeping the proposal top secret, Aldo didn’t tell a soul. The night before, Aldo crafted a last-minute excuse to borrow Mary Sellers’ car, claiming he needed it to pack for our holiday trip. In reality, he was picking up rose petals, champagne, and milk and juice—a nod to a special family tradition. Once Mary Sellers agreed, Aldo drove off, collected the engagement materials, and met his former intern, Tia, at Love Circle overlook. Tia had been hired to capture the moment. With everything set, Aldo went to pick up Mary Sellers before heading to Spring Hill for Christmas with his family. Mary Sellers, focused on packing the car, had no idea what was coming. Aldo mentioned that his parents wanted a “dressed-up” family photo for Christmas, so both were in their best outfits as they left Nashville. Just before hitting the interstate, Aldo casually said he had “forgotten something” at his apartment and turned onto West End Avenue. Frustrated, Mary Sellers pointed out he was in the “wrong lane.” Instead of turning around, Aldo drove straight up Love Circle. As they neared the top of the hill, Aldo sent Mary Sellers a video—one he had filmed earlier of her beloved cat, Finn, “giving his permission” for Aldo to marry his mom. That’s when it hit her. At the top of the hill, with the Nashville skyline as their backdrop, Aldo led Mary Sellers to a blanket of rose petals, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him. She said yes. After the proposal, the couple toasted with friends in Nashville—champagne, juice, and milk in hand, just like Mary Sellers’ parents had done after their own engagement. Later that afternoon, the couple surprised Aldo’s family in Spring Hill with the big news. The next day, Aldo and Mary Sellers drove to Birmingham to surprise Mary Sellers’ family—except, they were already onto them. Mary Sellers' sister had a camera set up, ready to capture the moment as they “arrived for lunch.” Another champagne toast followed before heading out to celebrate in downtown Birmingham. They spent the rest of the holidays surrounded by the love and warmth of family and friends, celebrating the start of this next chapter together. December 22 was truly magical.