It was spring semester of sophomore year. Madeleine Kim attended the Campus Impact Bible study at the University of Vermont for the first time. She walked in and sat directly next to Erik Nyhagen. Erik told her a joke that fell flat, and the rest was history.

After keeping in touch across state lines, Erik finally was able to take Madeleine out on a proper first date when she returned for school. They went to El Gato's, a popular Mexican restaurant in Essex Junction. They took a romantic drive in Erik's Jeep--with the top down, I might add!--and ended up in Stowe. There, they took a bike ride along the West Branch Little River.

As senior year approached, Erik and Madeleine knew they would be graduating with more than just a degree. On February 5, 2022, Madeleine was just getting over the Rona. She had been in quarantine for a full ten days and was much looking forward to her date with Erik on her first night free. They went to Koto's Japanese Steakhouse, their favorite date spot. They ate sushi, fried ice cream, and enjoyed each other's company after their ten days apart. Afterwards, Erik drove Madeleine home. She started saying goodbye, but Erik said that her roommate texted him about a computer issue that she was hoping he could fix, so he came up with her to the apartment. When they entered, there was a set up of balloons, roses, candles, and Erik on one knee with a ring. He asked her to be his wife, and she said yes!