Rachael and Brian first met at an Eisenhower high school football game. Soon after, they went to homecoming together in 2013 and became inseparable. After graduating from high school in 2016, Brian attended Wayne State University and Rachael went to Grand Valley State University. After numerous Greyhound bus journeys over the years, they both graduated and moved in together in Royal Oak. One year later, they made the exciting move to Chicago.

On May 12, 2023, Rachael and Brian had plans to meet another couple in the Lincoln Park Zoo, followed up by dinner nearby. Little did Rachael know there was no actual double date. While walking through the zoo to meet the other couple (who were actually out of state at the time), Rachael saw a photographer crouched down near a bush. Feeling a little skeptical, she gave Brian a look that showed she knew something was up. Realizing this, Brian got down on one knee and started his proposal speech. After Rachael said "YES", the photographer started taking pictures of them staring off into the city skyline. While this was happening, and unknowingly to Rachael, both of their families were watching from across a bridge. When the photographer instructed Rachael and Brian to turn around, both of their families were right there to join them, and causing Rachael to fall into Brian's arms.