Steve and Nicole had both worked together for Green Bay Parks and Recreation as Playground Leaders (Parkees) for about 5 years, but never really got to know each other. One night, the Parkees had a social at a Green Bay Bullfrogs game, and after a few beers, they could not stop talking. The group moved the party to Standard for Tini Tuesday, and the flirting and talking continued. At the end of the night, Steve graciously gave Nicole and her BFF Ashley a ride home. It was then that Steve asked Nicole if she would like to go out sometime, to which she appropriately replied, "Ask me when I'm sober." He did....and she initially said no. But after a couple more weeks of talking (literally exactly 14 days) he finally broke her down enough to get a "Yes" to have a tini date. A couple of days later they had a fun night of bowling, in which Nicole kicked Steve's butt! (Granted, he WAS bowling left-handed...but a win is still a win!). A good-night kiss after bowling sealed their fates, and they have been head-over-heels for each other ever since (or at least most days).

Steve popped the question after Nicole's 4th Grade winter concerts. This group of students was important to her, as it was her first group of Kindergarteners from her first year of teaching. Having been with them for 5 years, it was already an emotional night for her, with it being their last winter concert together and receiving a surprise gift from the students at the beginning of the concert. When the final notes were sung, Nicole was ready to strike the stage and head home for some much-deserved sleep, but Steve had other plans. He had secretly contacted the school principal to concoct a plan to have the 4th Grade students sing Nicole and Steve's song, ("Perfect" by Ed Sheeran) after the concert. Near the end of the first refrain, Steve snuck on stage, surprising Nicole with flowers. Then he dropped to one knee and left her speechless and ugly crying. Even better....the students did not know there would be a proposal. They were only told that they were singing Miss Duhaime's favorite song as a surprise for her. There were surprises for all that night, making it the most magical evening for Steve, Nicole, and Nicole's 102 4th graders. If you would like to watch it, here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/2pZAzRwXaNs