Max and Darby first connected on Instagram, thanks to a little behind-the-scenes matchmaking from the Schepkers. Nathan knew Max was single, and Katie gave Darby the nudge to send that first message. After talking for a bit, they finally met in person for a double date at The Brick Saloon—what was supposed to be a casual night turned into the best last first date. They ended the night at Marco’s, where they shared their first kiss. Their second date was a night in with takeout from Tacos Chalitos, watching Yellowstone, and playing with Max’s puppy, Nova, who was only three months old at the time. After a handful of dates, they made things official when Max asked Darby to be his girlfriend.

On Christmas morning, Max told Darby there was one more gift under the tree. He crawled underneath it, then got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said “yes!!!” They can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you.