We're getting married!

If our love story were a movie, it would start during Rhyse’s well-earned victory lap at the University of Nebraska. With a lighter course load and a full social agenda, she was ready to make the most of her fifth year. Enter Tom—the guy who mistook her name as Rice (story of her life). A week before classes began, their friend Taylor invited Rhyse to dinner with a group of friends, Tom included. He played it cool, but when he realized their friend groups were overlapping, he saw his chance. His fraternity’s formal with Rhyse’s sorority was coming up, so he asked her to be his date. She was confused (“Aren’t we all going together anyway?”) but agreed. Tom was the perfect gentleman. He had planned to turn in early but stayed out until bar close instead. What Rhyse didn’t know was that Tom had to be at Memorial Stadium before sunrise to work a Husker game. He powered through, and instead of going home to sleep afterward, he met up with Rhyse. It felt like they had known each other their whole lives. “Since we posted on Instagram, does that make us official?” he asked. She shut that down immediately. “Absolutely not. Asking me does.” (Spoiler: He asked.) Rhyse met Tom's family for the first time immediately after a Vegas trip (arguably poor planning, but it went well!) and knew—this was the family she’d someday join. That winter, Rhyse spent a week at "The Searl's"—her favorite bed and breakfast—learning to make homemade caramels, making her rookie debut at cinnamon rolls, and hiding Hershey Kiss wrappers around Grandmary’s house. Tom then made his way to Texas, where Scot and Kelly gave him the full Smith family experience: a Mavs game, a trip to the Stockyards, and all their favorite staple restaurants. That spring, Tom and Rhyse were pinned—a tradition where a fraternity member gives his pledge pin to his girlfriend. What does it mean beyond that? They have no idea. But it did mean an incredible celebration with all their friends and family, including their parents meeting for the first time! After graduation, Rhyse moved back to Texas while Tom stayed in Nebraska. They FaceTimed daily, and Rhyse made frequent trips to Omaha—including her first Lake Okoboji trip, a tradition on Tom’s mom’s side. Then came Tom’s brief stint in Abilene, Texas (yes, you read that right), where he worked in sports production. He spent every weekend he could in Keller. He claims it was because he missed Rhyse, but let’s be honest—he had nothing better to do. By early 2023, Tom was back in Nebraska working at Nebraska Public Media, and long distance resumed. Meanwhile, Rhyse, job hunting and ready for a change, expanded her search. When she landed a new role, she made the move to Omaha that spring. People joke that she followed Tom—but let it be known, they’d follow each other anywhere. A year later, Tom Rhyse moved in together. They now have a two-bedroom apartment just outside of downtown Omaha. In April 2024, Tom secretly flew to Texas to ask Scot and Kelly for Rhyse’s hand. They said yes without hesitation, and somehow, Tom pulled off the ultimate surprise proposal on the girl who always sees everything coming. (Neither of them remembers exactly what was said—all that matters is she said yes.) Her childhood friends and family were even there to celebrate! As if wedding planning wasn’t keeping them busy, Tom got Rhyse a puppy for her 26th birthday. Now, they’re the proud parents of Boji Smith Searl, a tiny, perfect Mini Australian Shepherd. Tom and Rhyse have big dreams and the kind of love that makes every day an adventure. Because at the end of the day, you don’t marry someone you can live with—you marry the person you can’t live without. They can’t wait to celebrate with you as they officially become The Searls!