Richard and Kat first met at Allyson (Kat's older sister) and Scott (Richard's fraternity big brother) Varney's Wedding. They both didn't have dates and spent the night dancing after Richard offered Kat a drink. Later that summer Richard visited Kat in Fort Wayne before she moved down to Pikeville, Kentucky to start medical school. The two continued to stay in touch.

Following her first year of medical school, Richard surprised Kat with tickets to see the Chicago Cubs play at the Great American Ball park in Cincinnati. The two watched the double header and ran into several of Kat's friends at the game. After that weekend the two became inseparable and spent the summer in Lexington. A few months later Richard asked Kat to "officially" be his girlfriend while visiting Mammoth Cave.

Following Kat's first Medical Boards exam the couple were on their way to Chicago to celebrate! The pair stopped to have an early breakfast in Louisville at 8up with friends. Following the meal Richard surprised Kat with the most perfect ring and proposed on a roof top bar overlooking the city! Richard succeeded in surprising Kat because she never expected it to happen at breakfast! The couple was able to share the celebration with her grandparents Betty and Bevie in Crown Point, IN on the way into the city. It was one of the last moments Kat was able to share with her Grandfather before he passed later that summer. Richard and Kat continued on their journey and met Kat's parents at Wrigley field where the celebration continued with a Cubs win! The newly engaged couple explored the city of Chicago by seeing the play True West, eating deep dish pizza, and being upgraded at some amazing Kimpton Hotels! They cannot wait for their next chance to travel again!