At Washington State University, the mutual nickname Gator had come up during an afternoon at Nate’s house, 40 oz. Kendall, Katy’s friend and roommate at the time, and Lauren, her older sister and Nate's friend, were texting to meet up. Lauren was at 40 oz with her friend group and wanted Kendall to join. Kendall offered for Katy to join and luckily she did! After hanging for a bit, Nate walked in from the gym. His good friends, Justice and Darius, shouted out, “Gator!” Instantly, Kendall shot out, “that’s Katy’s email” the way only a friend who’s known you from grade school would. This prompted an uncomfortable explanation of her childhood email, KaterGator27. Admittedly, Nate doesn't really remember that moment. Fortunately, they're paths crossed a second time at the end of the school year where they got to talk more. After Katy graduated and moved back home in the spring of 2018, her and Nate's path crossed again. Nate did his best to be smooth and asked Katy, "Are you the other Gator?" From there, the conversation flowed easily and 6 years of adventures together have led them to the altar!