In 2013, Raymond and Melissa's passion for engineering brought them together at Clemson University. On the first day of their statics class, Melissa sat in the seat directly behind a very tall mountain of a man. This man kindly offered to switch seats with Melissa so she could see the board- and as a way to break the ice. Raymond and Melissa continued to talk before and after class which led to study sessions. They supported each other through their studies with coffee, snacks, and endless encouragement, regardless of who was studying and who was just hanging out for moral support. One memorable night, Melissa was working through a difficult Solidworks project and Raymond spent the entire night in the library with her, cheering her up with a screaming goat video overlaid with a Taylor Swift song. Through many long days and nights in the library, what started as a thoughtful gesture on the first day of class turned into something more. The couple officially started dating later that semester after attending Raymond's fraternity formal together. Raymond and Melissa continued to date throughout college and their relationship became intertwined with all the wonderful college memories they build together, including watching the Notre Dame vs Clemson game in a monsoon, spending afternoons in the summer at the quarry, and getting Duke, their first fur-baby. After graduation, Melissa and Raymond faced the challenges of a long distance relationship when Raymond started his career in Atlanta, GA as a civil engineer and Melissa started hers as part of a management development program which sent her to two states in two years. Even the challenges of distance and starting their careers couldn't keep them apart and their love for each other grew through it. When Melissa graduated the program and accepted a position as a quality engineer, they opened a new chapter of their relationship with a move to Michigan.

After seven years, two dogs, and multiple states, Raymond planned the perfect proposal at Middleton Gardens in Charleston, SC. Raymond completely surprised Melissa not only with a ring but also with family and close friends all being present for the special moment. Of course she cried and said yes. After popping the question, Raymond took Melissa on a scavenger hunt based on all the most important moments of their relationship. Little did Melissa know, Raymond had planned not just a perfect proposal but also an entire day of festivities and a romantic stay in downtown Charleston to celebrate their engagement.