It all started when David boldly introduced himself to Illa after crossing paths in Raleigh. They realized they had so much in common, but were each starting their last semesters of school and set on moving to opposite sides of the country after graduation. Neither had plans to start a relationship that could hold each other back from their next great adventures. However, their connection was so strong that both wanted to take the time to get to know each other a little more to find out if this could really be "it." Bonding over dates at concerts, dinners, art events, home renovation, and a Mad Men binge, David and Illa suddenly became inseparable. Both made sacrifices to stay in Raleigh for each other by completing grad school and finding jobs close to each other. During their 3.5 years of dating, both have found adventure in each other by traveling the world, adopting 2 french bulldogs, and tackling some of adulthood's biggest challenges. David and Illa still dream about leaving Raleigh but are happy as long as they have each other by their sides.

While Illa was living in Charlotte with her family, David was planning on proposing on a weekend Illa was coming to Raleigh. Fearing rain in the forecast, David quickly decided to take advantage of a family trip to Charleston for July 4th. David called Illa's family to see if the new plan was feasible and coordinated with his own family in Wilmington to see if they could make the last-minute trip. David swung by the Mexican bakery to pick Illa's favorite tres leches cake, but had to stock his car with dry ice to keep the cake cold meaning he traveled in a winter coat, gloves, and hat in July in the Carolinas for the sake of the cake. David and his family worked together to inflate golden balloons that read "Marry Me?" (because "will you" wouldn't fit) and strung them along palm trees. David left a bouquet of flowers for Illa with a note that left directions for a special meeting spot upon her arrival to Charleston. Illa met David and said "Yes!"