N & C

Christina and Nolan met at Country Club BBQ (aka “Cam’s”), thanks to tequila shots and a little liquid courage. Christina was out with friends she hadn’t seen since winter break. Nolan spotted her from across the bar and, after getting hyped up by his friends, came over to say hello. They made small talk, and Nolan offered to buy Christina a drink. Her response? “Tequila shots.” He ordered two… but once they arrived, Christina realized she probably shouldn’t take one unless she wanted the night to end early. So Nolan took both shots himself. Nolan asked Christina out, but between nerves and tequila, her answer wasn’t exactly clear. Luckily, her friend jumped in and said “yes” for her. They went their separate ways and didn’t talk for a while—until Christina reached out confused about what had happened. Nolan FaceTimed her to explain… and Christina realized she didn’t even remember the conversation and thought he ghosted her after the shots. Nolan asked her out again, and Christina decided she owed him a better first impression. Their first official date was sushi—Christina’s favorite and Nolan’s first time ever trying it. It worked. That first date quickly became a favorite tradition and the start of something special.

Christina Nguyen grew up between Skokie and Naperville, Illinois. She is the youngest of two sisters and graduated from Bradley University with her nursing degree. Christina is creative and artsy at heart—she loves trying new foods, traveling to new places, and capturing memories along the way. Her favorite things include spontaneous adventures, hiking, experimenting with new recipes, and doing all the girly things like nails, makeup, and hair. She enjoys finding new hobbies, fall weather, being outside in warm sunshine, staying active, and finding joy in the smallest meaningful moments. After Christina graduated from nursing school, she moved to Moline, and together they created a cozy apartment. Christina is currently continuing her education in nurse practitioner school. Nolan Rademaker grew up in Mapleton, Illinois, and is the youngest of four siblings. He explored many different paths—including nursing, soccer, piloting, and environmental studies—before finding his true calling in firefighting. Following in the footsteps of his dad and brother, Nolan became a firefighter and paramedic in Moline, Illinois. He enjoys pickleball, staying active, gaming, working out, being a tech nerd, and, of course, eating. When he’s not saving lives, Nolan also loves flying his drone, combining his passion for aviation and technology with his creative side. Together, Christina and Nolan love making the most of everyday life. Whether they’re trying a new restaurant, binge-watching their latest TV obsession, spending weekends with family, planning their next adventure, or staying active outdoors, they’re happiest simply being together. They believe the best memories are made through shared experiences, spontaneous moments, and a life filled with laughter, love, and good food.

Nolan had been planning to propose in 2024 during a trip to Orlando, but Mother Nature had other plans, and the trip was postponed because of a hurricane. Even though the timing wasn’t right then, Nolan knew Christina was the one and waited for the perfect moment. Their next big adventure was Cancun. With Christina by his side and a future he could already picture, Nolan knew it was finally time to ask the most important question of his life The proposal was romantic, unforgettable, and everything they hoped for. Now officially engaged, they’re excited to start planning their forever and share their love with family and friends.