Liz met Connor on her first day in Charlotte. She had just moved for her first veterinary job and stopped by to pick up paperwork for work, which was conveniently located inside the store Connor happened to be shopping in with his dog, Venus. They talked, largely because Venus made it unavoidable. Connor offered to show Liz around Charlotte since she was new to town, and did so with an impressive level of confidence and ease. After spending some time together, Liz decided Connor was alright. They continued seeing each other, and what started as casual quickly became a relationship. Venus maintains she deserves full credit.

Connor proposed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before a football game between Liz’s team, the Virginia Tech Hokies, and Connor’s team, the South Carolina Gamecocks. Connor insisted they arrive early to see the stadium’s Skybridge, describing it as an architectural masterpiece. Liz agreed, unaware this was less about architecture and more about a well-executed plan that had been in motion for quite some time. Connor had coordinated the proposal with the mascots well before game day, so when he suggested taking a picture with them, everyone involved knew exactly what was about to happen—except Liz. As the photo was being set up, Connor dropped to one knee and asked Liz to marry him, with the mascots’ enthusiastic support. Liz said yes. The Hokies lost, but Liz still considers the day a win.