Nicole and Ben first met at an Italian restaurant in San Francisco called Florio. They both brought their pups, Indy and Eleanor, where the girls instantly connected and began playing right out front of the restaurant. While the dogs ran, jumped, and played around the dinner table, they enjoyed the evening drinking wine, eating delicious food together, and learning all about one another. The date felt effortless, as if they had known each other for years. At the end of the night, Ben hugged Nicole goodbye and after a week of impatient waiting for Nicole, they planned a second date, and then a third, and eventually the rest of their lives.

As July of 2023 came to a close, Ben finished designing Nicole's ring and put his proposal plan into motion. At the same time, Nicole was going to spend the weekend with her best friend, Andy, and her loving sister, Kyra, going to the Taylor Swift concert. Ben knew this would be the most spectacular weekend to propose. On Friday July 28th, the ring was delivered to Ben while Nicole and the girls got ready for the concert. After they left for the concert, Ben secretly met with Nicole's parents to ask for their blessing. As you might have guessed, they happily gave their support. On Saturday July 29th, Ben quickly pulled together his proposal plan. Weeks before, Nicole had suggested a sunrise hike after dropping off Andy at the airport. Ben planned on Indy carrying the ring for the hike, so he got her a dog backpack to be delivered on the same day. On Sunday July 30th, the day had arrived. Ben, Nicole, Indy, and Eleanor dropped Andy off at the airport early in the morning. They drove up to Mount Davidson, which was one of their earliest dates and a special place to them. However, this particular morning it was foggy, cold, and muddy on the mountain. Nicole quickly told Ben they needed to choose a different hike. Nicole exclaimed "this one is too muddy!", so Ben pivoted and they drove to a different spot, Bernal Heights, which was a new hike for the both of them! As they climbed the mountain, Ben reminisced with Nicole about their early dates. When they reached the top, Ben pulled Nicole in, dropped to one knee, and pulled a ring out of Indy's backpack. He finally asked her "Nicole, Will you marry me?". She jumped with joy and exclaimed "YES! Of course YES!". Even the dogs were excited, Indy proud with a job well done and Eleanor happy to be surprised like her mother. After the hike, the four of them celebrated the engagement by getting coffee at one of their favorite local coffee shops, Duboce Cafe, taking in the moment with their beloved pups. Now Bernal Heights holds a very special place in their hearts.