Before 2020 took a turn that surprised us all... we both took a chance on the dating app Hinge. Nicole was attracted to (and supremely jealous of) Reggie's profile picture from his time in Ghana, and Reggie was captivated by Nicole's smile. We started chatting on the app, then moved to texting, and then had our first date in January 2020.

We were heading to Storm King Art Center to go "hiking" with some friends. Reggie had a grand plan to propose in front of a beautiful piece of art and get their friends to snap pictures.... But on the way to the sculpture park, we stopped at Bear Mountain Bakery & Cafe for a bite and some caffeine and.... the moment just.... felt right. So Reggie popped the question right then and there! (Who wants to worry about losing a ring on a hike anyway?!?) Fun Fact - Nicole has always wanted an opal (her birthstone!) for her engagement ring stone. After some back and forth (including from a jeweler who tried to dissuade us from the "softer" stone!), Reggie was able to design the perfect rose gold opal ring of Nicole's dreams!