It all started with an unexpected FaceTime call. Alisa was in her apartment in Indiana, just doing some homework, when her friend Micah called. Meanwhile, Nick had walked into a bar in Columbus to meet Micah, his roommate, for dinner. Micah then introduced the two over FaceTime. From the moment they started chatting, there was an easy, natural connection filled with laughter and jokes. Nick even joked about it being a “three-way date,” and Alisa took it all in stride, mentioning she was used to “third-wheeling.” By the end of the call, Nick had already asked Alisa out on a real date once she was back in Columbus. They started chatting more after that, and what began as a surprise call quickly turned into something really special.

In late December, while Alisa was visiting family in Minnesota, Nick secretly planned a special proposal. He rented a cozy cabin in Hocking Hills and invited her to join him for the weekend when she returned. Their very first date had been at a paint-and-sip, and they had enjoyed many at-home painting sessions throughout their relationship. Though neither of them are great artists, they always have the best time painting together! To honor that tradition, Nick set up a special painting activity on the cabin's deck, complete with easels, canvases, brushes, music, the works! Earlier, Nick had a close friend record a painting tutorial that they followed, capturing the beautiful scenery around them. At the end of the video, Nick appeared on the screen with a heartfelt message. When Alisa turned to look at him, he was down on one knee, ready to propose. The moment was intimate, meaningful, and uniquely theirs. A story they will cherish forever!