It was the beginning of a brand new school year at Illinois State University. Every Wednesday, almost ceremoniously, students flocked to the Pub II to drink away their sorrows. On one exceptionally stressful Wednesday, Viki and her roommates made their way across campus. After a few drinks, they found themselves dancing in a circle in the middle of the patio. A few minutes later, they had a new friend join the circle. Shelbi introduced herself and casually mentioned that her group of guy friends found our group of girl friends WILDLY attractive. Viki scoffed "HA - tell those boys we don't make the first move." All the while scoping out the hopeful gentlemen hoping the tallest one was into her. And Shelbi was gone just as fast as she showed up. Moments later, Viki felt a hand on her hip and (thankfully before she reacted by punching this guy in the nuts) she looked up to see that tallest one gazing back at her. Brian introduced himself and they danced together for a while. Viki decided it was time for a refill so she asked Brian if he wanted a drink. She went to the bar, came back with 2 drinks (and probably some Vegas Bombs, tbh) and found Brian gone. Shelbi came running as Viki looked around dumbfounded. It turns out...Brian had snuck into the Pub that night instead of waiting in line like the rest of us. Because of his giant figure, he was caught not having a stamp on his hand and kicked out. Shelbi shared Brian's phone number with Viki...and the rest is history.

Viki was taken to the Morton Arboretum by a friend, when she spotted Brian's car. Brian had a box filled with a brand new dress, a treasure map, and the essentials (because he's thoughtful like that). After a few wrong turns, Viki finally found her way to Brian, waiting for her on a bench. They walked down a garden path to a private picnic. Brian would say that walk was as long as it took him to propose (and it's true, it was a VERY long walk). At the picnic, Viki popped some champagne and they chatted about their journey to that moment, while drinking off some nerves. Once said nerves were a little settled, Brian popped the inevitable question. And Viki said yes, of course.