It all started with law school, chess, and an escape room... We met at a classmate's party during our second year of law school in January 2019, and ended up talking and dancing, (well Nicolena danced around Travis) the whole night. The following Monday, we discovered we had 3 classes together and quickly established a connection. After every class, Travis walked Nicolena to her car, and we would lose track of time and just chat for hours. On our first date, Travis wooed Nicolena— a hike in the Palisades, overlooking the ocean, followed by an escape room to put our competitive and teamwork skills to the test. Thankfully, we successfully solved the room together, and in record timing. We were having such a great time that we prolonged the date to go on a sunset walk on the beach and then dinner. Over the next few weeks and months, we studied, played chess, hiked, worked out, went to dinners and brunches, met each other's families, explored LA, and spent as much time as we could together. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 our law school graduation was canceled in May 2020 and presented new obstacles for the both of us in the face of much unknown. Despite Travis being in Seattle with his family and Nicolena being in LA with her family, we both studied for the California bar (virtually) together, supporting each other from afar. Finding out at the same time that we both passed the California bar to become lawyers was such a unique and unforgettable memory that we'll always cherish!

Travis told Nicolena that we had to go to Charleston for an event honoring his father at work. Much to Nicolena's surprise and excitement, it turns out there was no work event, and it was all a (proposal) ruse! On the day of the supposed "event," Travis suggested that to kill time before, we walk along the water in downtown Charleston (Nicolena protested because she didn't have the appropriate shoes; luckily Nicolena's love for water views and sunsets quickly got her mind off the shoe situation). While walking along the path overlooking the serene water at sunset, Travis knelt on one knee and popped the question. It was the easiest "yes" Nicolena has ever said and the best day! Immediately after, a photographer emerged from the trees to snap photos of us to commemorate the special moment. The surprises continued at dinner -- when we walked into the restaurant, both our parents were sitting at the table waiting to congratulate us. Nicolena's parents even flew from LA! We shared such a special dinner with our parents that night to celebrate. The next day, Nicolena's brother surprised her and flew down from New York to join the festivities, and Travis's parents organized a surprise brunch at their house to celebrate. When we returned to LA, the rest of Nicolena's family surprised us to congratulate us and continue the celebrations. Not only was the moment perfect, but the days and weeks to follow were so incredible. We are so grateful for our family and friends, who have made the engagement so special!