The couple met during their freshman year of high school. Before Rowan went on Spring Break, her history teacher mentioned a new student would be joining the class when they returned. There were only two open seats in the classroom: one in the back of the class and one to the left of Rowan at the front of the class. It just so happened that on the first day back from break, their history teacher would seat Allen in the empty seat next to Rowan. After class ended, Rowan introduced herself to Allen. They were instantly inseparable.

Allen surprised Rowan by taking her to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, VA. They had gone a year earlier and loved it. But what was the real surprise for Rowan was the butterfly exhibit. The Butterflies LIVE! exhibit had opened the week before and showcased tropical and native butterflies. Rowan made Allen laugh as they walked through the exhibit because every time a butterfly flew near her she flinched. Although Rowan loves butterflies she is terrified of insects. After visiting the exhibit, Allen took Rowan to the Rose Garden and asked her to marry him.