Bryan and Alyssa first met in the Fall of 2012 when the two started at Creighton University, where she was a freshman and he was a junior. With a combination of mutual classes, friends and athletics, it made for an easy connection and built an amazing friendship. It wasn't until Spring of 2014 when they started dating. The two have been together for almost five years when Bryan proposed in December 2018...and the rest is history.

In the weeks and hours leading up to the big day, Bryan had been planning two surprises that would make this a birthday Alyssa would never forget. The day was December 22, 2018…Alyssa’s 25th birthday! The plan, as Alyssa knew, was dinner together at six followed by drinks with family and friends to cap off the night. Early that morning, Bryan had suggested an additional stop at Creighton University (where the couple first met) for a holiday-themed flower and lights festival at St. John's Church, which they attended once before. With the lack of research Bryan knew Alyssa would do, the festival only takes place in the spring at an entirely different church in the area. Bryan knew when Alyssa agreed to the new agenda, he was in the clear. As they made their way toward Creighton, Alyssa was unaware of what was to come, while the unsettling feeling of having the ring in hand and secretly texting the photographer, had Bryan’s nerves going. The two arrived at Creighton and parked across 24th street as they did so many times while attending the university. Holding hands, Bryan and Alyssa made their way through a deserted campus (since there was no flower festival taking place) and arrived at the church. Out in front, Bryan led Alyssa to a bouquet of red roses and a basket filled with champagne and two glasses. Before Alyssa could put the pieces together, Bryan got down on one knee and asked Alyssa to marry him. Filled with emotions, Alyssa was quick to fall to her knees and into Bryan's arms saying "YES!" With the champagne flowing and the photographer capturing the moment, Alyssa didn’t know how the day could get any better. After dinner as planned and already a perfect day, Bryan arranged a surprise birthday/engagement party filled with some of their closest friends and family. It really was the best birthday they both will never forget.