We technically went to the same high school, but our story actually started years before we ever met, back when Colin was playing middle school football and Rhianna’s dad was his coach! Little did he know that his football coach at the time would become his father-in-law. In 10th grade (2014), we had a few classes together (including one taught by Rhianna’s dad) but it wasn’t until junior year that we really became close friends. That summer, we started hanging out more often, and Rhianna visited the iconic Smith Point campground with Colin’s family for the first time. We quickly realized we had a lot in common, especially our shared love for Ed Sheeran. One night, we went to see his concert movie in theaters (Jumpers for Goalposts), and afterward went back to Rhianna’s house where Colin officially asked her to be his girlfriend. That was October 25th, 2015, and the rest is history.

We were on a weekend trip to Mohonk Mountain House with our close friends Chelsea and Phil to celebrate Chelsea’s birthday. During a hike with beautiful mountain views, we stopped to take some photos. Colin asked Rhianna to pose facing the mountains with her hands in the air for a fun picture (or so she thought). While she was turned around, Colin quickly grabbed the ring from Chelsea and got down on one knee. When Rhianna turned back around, Colin was there with a ring and a very big question. She was completely surprised and had absolutely no idea it was coming. It was a perfect, unforgettable moment shared with some of our closest friends.