Daniela and Thomas's story began at Valparaiso University, where they met through Daniela’s sister, Mariela. What started as a casual introduction soon blossomed into a friendship. They found themselves spending more time together—grabbing lunch or taking the Valpo bus to the store. A memorable turning point came when their friend group planned a getaway to Thomas's family cabin in Wisconsin. As the trip neared, most people canceled, leaving just Daniela and Thomas to embark on the adventure. Despite the change in plans, Daniela stayed true to her word, and the two set off for Armstrong Creek, surrounded by snowy pines and peaceful isolation. With little else to do but talk, they spent hours chatting, watching Netflix, and sharing meals. This time together deepened their connection as they learned more about one another and discovered how much they enjoyed each other’s company. After returning from the trip, their daily conversations continued, gradually turning into something more. Thomas, ever the smooth talker, managed to convince Daniela to go on a date. Their first outing together was to the Field Museum, where they shared shy but meaningful moments, like holding hands for the first time. Afterward, they grabbed a meal at Raising Cane’s, marking the beginning of their journey as a couple. Just days later, the world was hit by lockdown, but even the distance didn’t slow down their growing bond. Hours spent on FaceTime, deep conversations, and creative ways to stay connected during quarantine only made their relationship stronger. As the world slowly began to open back up, Thomas asked Daniela to be his girlfriend on May 23, 2020. Their college years were full of shared moments—spending time at each other’s apartments, going to the dunes, making memories with life long friends, and learning more about each other’s worlds. Then, in the summer of 2021, Thomas moved to Indianapolis for an internship. Despite the distance, they stayed close, taking weekend trips to see one another and explore the city together. After graduation, they both moved to Chicago, where they built their lives together. They found a cozy apartment and soon became pet parents—first to Lenny, an energetic cockapoo, and then to Sasha, their spirited Siberian cat. In an effort to save for a home, they moved in with Daniela’s mom, Rosario, where they could focus on their future. On January 13, 2024, Thomas planned a special date that would change everything. After a visit to the Garfield Conservatory, they stepped into the 'Sugar from the Sun' room, where Daniela found a heart-shaped arrangement of tea candles. It was in that moment that Thomas got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Overcome with joy, Daniela said yes, and they celebrated the engagement with their closest family members, marking the beginning of their next great adventure together.