It was fall of 2016 when Rick, with a spark of courage, approached Dani and invited her to Sigma Chi's Fall Formal in Aspen, Colorado. Little did they know, this would be the beginning of the love story of their lives. Thanks to their close mutual friend, Ashleigh Thomas, who played cupid (thank God!), Rick and Dani discovered an instant connection, a flicker of something special amidst the beautiful chaos of that wild weekend. The fall continued on and Rick and Dani’s romance blossomed. As the New Year approached, with anticipation in the air and stars in the night sky, Rick chose the perfect moment to make their love official. On the rooftop of their dear friend, Parker Tipton's college house (The Barn!), amidst laughter and jubilation of New Year's Eve 2016, Rick asked Dani to be his girlfriend. Their story is woven with the threads of companionship, shared dreams, and countless adventures that have shaped their bond. From spontaneous road trips and travels that have taken them to the other side of the world, to football games and concerts and to every small moment in between, Rick and Dani have built a love story that radiates warmth and joy. And now, as they stand on the cusp of forever, they invite you to join them in celebrating their love—a love nurtured by friendship and adventure. Together, they embark on the next chapter of their journey, hand in hand, ready to embrace the magic of a lifetime of love.

During an unforgettable trip to Playa del Carmen with their close friends, Hannah Christensen, Michael Ninivaggi, Drew Dischmann, Taylor Chapin, and Justin Johnson, little did Dani know that Rick had a sneaky plan up his sleeve—a proposal! It all started with an early morning flight to Mexico on October 27, 2022. Their close friend, Heather Illingworth, was supposed to pick up their beloved dog, Finn, for the weekend. But leave it to Rick to have a comedic twist—he accidentally left the wrong key under their doormat, and they thought Finn was trapped inside! Chaos ensued, and their friends came to the rescue and Finn was freed! But Rick had left something else important behind—the key to the lockbox where the precious ring was stashed away for the proposal! But fear not, the next day, the boys sought help from the hotel staff and finally managed to break into the lockbox—crisis averted, all was well! Fast forward to Friday, October 28, 2022. They were lounging at the beach cabanas, enjoying a pre-dinner drink when suddenly, their friends seemed to have various urgent tasks to attend to, leaving Rick and Dani to take a stroll down the beautiful sunsetting beach. And that's when the big moment happened! Dani turned to the side and there it was—Finn's blanket that Rick had brought with him from home, set up with roses and champagne. Rick dropped to one knee and popped the question that would change their lives forever. Of course, Dani said yes! Just when they thought it couldn't get any better, a photographer Rick had hired and their friends, who had stealthily returned, all jumped out to celebrate with them. It was like perfectly orchestrated and they couldn't have been happier! And so, their trip to Playa del Carmen became the setting for a proposal story filled with laughter, mishaps, and unforgettable memories. Rick and Dani can't wait to share this joyous chapter of their lives with all of you, surrounded by cherished friends and beloved family, as they embark on the next phase of their lives! Here's to love, laughter, and a future brimming with beautiful surprises!