Rachel & Sydney met freshman year of college at UT Austin where they both lived in Littlefield (an all-freshman girls dorm) on campus. They became close friends fast and did all the things best friends do - frequent coffee dates and romantic strolls around campus "for Rachel's Architecture class" to name a few. After keeping almost constant communication through the first half of Summer break, it was clear to both of them that there was more to this friendship. After an almost-love-confession from Rachel over the phone, Sydney drove the 8hrs from Beaumont to Abilene to figure things out in person. And, in a scene that could give most awkward teen rom-coms a run for their money, Rachel and Sydney exchanged an "I like you", "I like you too", "So I guess we're dating now?" and the rest is history.

In their Sophomore year of college Rachel and Sydney were both in the Littlefield Residence Hall Council (RHC). Every year the RHC put on a "Fall Ball" for all of the residents and their dates complete with decorations, a DJ, and a mocktail bar. The RHC that year settled on a "Night in Paris" theme and set the date for 11/11/11. After a great night of dancing with their friends and serving mocktails, Rachel and Sydney headed to Rachel's dorm room where Rachel had put together a short playlist of slow songs to dance to. When the last song wrapped up they both whispered "I love you". They both cried. It was cheesy.

Six and a half years after dancing in front of a giant cardboard/aluminum foil Eiffel Tower in the Littlefield dorm, Sydney & Rachel found themselves on the lawn in front of the actual Eiffel Tower enjoying a picnic and sunset. It was Day 2 of a 12-day Paris/Italy trip in celebration of Rachel completing her Master's degree. Rachel and Sydney found a quiet bench on a more secluded part of the park where Sydney finally popped the question. Rachel, who wasn't surprised at all thanks to all the recent mail from Jared, of course said Yes! They both cried. It was cheesy.