They first met in junior high school when Luke was in 8th grade and Tessa was in 7th grade. Though they lost touch at the start of high school, fate brought them back together during the summer before Luke's senior year and Tessa's junior year, thanks to Luke's best man, Chase.

After five and a half wonderful years together, Luke proposed to Tessa on Easter. Despite subtle hints—including Grandma's innocent inquiry about a ring the day before, which Tessa mistook for a reference to her volleyball achievements—the proposal came as a complete surprise. Tessa remained unaware of Luke's plans until the special moment he asked for her hand in marriage.