The first time Ali and Scott met was during Caltech's Biology recruitment weekend. Ali was a current grad student and on the recruitment team while Scott was a recruit. The final day of recruitment's activity was a trip to the beach. A game of beach football ensued - grad students vs. recruits. Ali and Scott were paired up to guard each other. They didn't know each other's names, but Scott was wearing a University of Georgia shirt and Ali was wearing a Baylor University shirt with a big state of Texas on the back of it. As they went head-to-head, they started to banter back-and-forth. She called him "Georgia" and he called her "Texas". Ali scored several touchdowns on Scott, but he doesn't like to tell that part of the story. Ali's team won the game and Scott headed for the airport. It would still be a couple of years before they started to date.

Scott wanted to surprise Ali, but knew it would be tricky since she's a good detective. He knew he wanted to propose at The Turtle Pond at Caltech, so he had to find an excuse to get Ali there. Thankfully he got a little acting help from Katie and Sofi. Katie suggested they take some photos on campus, and convinced Ali that they should all get their nails done and dress up. While the three ladies went to get their nails done Scott sprung into action! Scott had picked out some flowering plants, which were being babysat by Lucas and Fernanda for a few days. Scott and Lucas moved the car-load of flowers into position on a bench at The Turtle Pond, and then Scott brought over some picnic supplies. The ladies returned from their getting their nails done a full hour ahead of schedule, so Katie and Sofi stalled with some reality TV. Meanwhile, Scott was pacing in circles around the apartment, which was apparently not out of the ordinary, and chugging water. Sofi casually mentioned that if Scott changed clothes then they could take some pictures of him with Ali, so he got dressed up and everyone headed with the dogs (Uma and Gimbel) to campus. Everyone walked over to the top of the winding path leading to the Turtle Pond. *Note that you cannot see the bench from the top* Sofi and Katie started walking quickly ahead to give the couple some space. When Ali and Scott rounded the corner, Ali saw the flowers and was like "look - plants!?". Then she saw her name in chalk on a little box and she repeated "that's my name!?" three times with increasing realization. There were some tears, one fake rose (bachelor style), some words said, and then a ring. She said "yes" (twice), but Scott doesn't actually remember that part! Then, right on cue, some of their friends walked up the path with picnic supplies and everyone celebrated during the surprise engagement picnic! It was a success - Ali was surprised, twice!