Jack was a junior and Melissa was a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati in 2019, and like many great UC love stories, they officially met at their favorite college bar, Woody’s. But their story actually started a few months before that. Earlier that year, Melissa attended her sorority’s spring formal, Kappa Crush. Jack was there too and spotted Melissa across the room in a black dress and pink velvet heels. He didn’t introduce himself that night, but afterward he sent a message to his entire fraternity asking if anyone knew who “Pink Shoes” was. After months of no luck, Jack eventually realized they had a mutual connection, Melissa’s best friend, and quickly made sure an introduction happened at the next possible opportunity: at Woody’s. A few weeks later, Melissa agreed to go on a date with Jack at her favorite sushi restaurant, despite the fact that he secretly hated sushi. Thankfully, it turned out to be worth it. Their date went on for hours as they told each other about their families, hobbies, dreams, and everything in between. From that point on, they were inseparable. Their friends, routines, and lives blended together almost immediately, and before long they were talking about a future together. After Melissa graduated in 2021, they moved into their first apartment together in Covington, Kentucky. A year later, they added their puppy Lucy to the family, who quickly became a very loved and spoiled part of their little family In the summer of 2023, they packed up and moved to Tampa, Florida, starting a new chapter together. Through every move, challenge, and milestone, they’ve always approached life the same way: side by side. On September 20, 2025 — their six-year anniversary — Jack proposed to Melissa. — We are so excited for this next chapter and feel incredibly lucky to celebrate it surrounded by the people who have supported us along the way. We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you as we begin this next season together as Mr. & Mrs. Kauffman.