Claudia had decided to leave her home of over 15 years (Florida) and make the adventure to move to Chicago to go to Midwestern University for PA school. Domenic had achieved his dream of going to medical school and was accepted into NOVA (South Florida)...he was ready to move in when he also got his acceptance into Midwestern University (Chicago). After much thought, he decided to go to Midwestern and move to Chicago to stay close to home. Little did they both know that the decision to go to Midwestern University would lead each of them to their soulmate. Claudia and Domenic met briefly at a Super Bowl party (February 2018). Later that summer, they met again at a mutual friend's birthday party (shout-out to George). They hit it off that night, bonding over their mutual love for dancing to Spanish music. That summer continued with many outings out and lake nights. They have been inseparable since.

Claudia and Domenic had planned many trips to Florida as both Claudia's family and Domenic's relatives are from there. Therefore, when they started planning a trip there in October 2021, Claudia did not think anything of it. They would be seeing family, going to Disney, and celebrating MaryKay's (Domenic's mom) birthday. Domenic had the whole week off, while Claudia still had to work in Chicago. Therefore, Domenic flew down early to secretly meet with Claudia's parents and ask for their blessing in marriage. Claudia remained oblivious and was simply excited to finally go to Disney. Flying down for Claudia was a mess. Her flight into Orlando was delayed several hours, so she switched her flight to land in Tampa. Domenic drove from Orlando and picked her up at 1am. Just a couple hours later, Claudia, Domenic, MaryKay, and Kayla were at Disney having the best time. It was a day filled of food, rides, and fun. The day after Disney, they all woke up to head to Madeira Beach where Domenic's Aunt Amy and Uncle Gordon live; they had planned a dinner with Claudia's Family which involved a chef to cook a 6 course meal at their home. Claudia was excited for some exquisite food and again thought nothing of it. On the drive from Orlando to Madeira Beach, Domenic was driving his Aunt Amy's jeep and thought it would be fun to open the sun roof even though it was way too sunny and windy on the highway for that. Everyone else in the car immediately gave their disapproval but when Domenic tried to close the sunroof, it would not close...Domenic and MaryKay started to freak out as they both knew Domenic was planning to propose in just a few hours and everyone was surely going to become a burnt lobster with frazzled hair by the end of the drive...if they even make it to the beach on time. Claudia was wondering why everyone was so concerned and continued to just enjoy the ride. Fortunately, they made it back safely and on time! Everyone got ready for dinner, and then it was decided to go for a walk on the beach "for some sunset photos". On the way back, Domenic pulled Claudia into a rose petal heart on the beach, got down on one knee, expressed how much she means to him, and asked, "Will you marry me?" Claudia started bawling. She never said yes...she just yelled, "Of Course!"