We met at college, at University at Buffalo through running club in the fall of 2014, and quickly bonded over running, both being in the occupational therapy program, and shared interests and values. We became friends immediately, stayed friends for a year, and then started to mutually consider something more in October of 2015 after spending time together on running club road trips to Harvard, Massachusetts and Lexington, Kentucky. After several months of dating, Gillian asked Kevin, "What are we?" to which he responded "Two people." By February, he admitted we were indeed boyfriend and girlfriend, which we remained for just under 8 more years before The Proposal.

After dating for nearly 8 years and buying a house together, Kevin and Gillian discussed their plans for the future. About a month after buying the house, on a trip to Ocean City, Maryland, while walking along the boardwalk and discussing things to do, Kevin suddenly became very enthusiastic about riding the big Ferris Wheel together. As the late afternoon sun was just starting to set, and Kevin and Gillian were sequestered in the unescapable Ferris Wheel car overlooking the ocean on one side and boardwalk on the other, Kevin got down on one knee and popped the question. He received an enthusiastic "Yes!" and the enthusiasm continued when safely on the ground.