The couple met while Aaliyah was studying engineering as an undergraduate at Rowan University and Nick was visiting home during the off season from Minor League Baseball. Fate would have it that they would both work at a local retail store. Nick caught Aaliyah's eye in passing; Nick was leaving the break room after his shift while Aaliyah entered the break room for her evening shift. Needless to mention, Nick doesn't remember that quick encounter; however, he formally introduced himself a week later when they both worked the same shift during a Sunday afternoon.

Nick and Aaliyah went to $1 Bowling Night on their first date. Nick being quite the athlete shined as he nearly doubled Aaliyah's bowling score in the first game. During the second game Nick thought he'd even the playing field and decided to bowl with his left hand. So much for letting the woman win; he won the second game as well. Afterwards, the couple found themselves laughing and getting to know each other at Denny's. Nick and Aaliyah joke 'til this day about how that was the cheapest date, but definitely one of the most memorable.

As life would have it, Aaliyah and Nick moved in different directions but remained friends. Years later they rekindled their love and ten years after their memorable first date, Nick got on one knee. It was a cold winter night, so cold that their scheduled horse and carriage ride was canceled due to the high wind chills. The couple had a bite to eat and found themselves at Love Park. Love Park was a magical place that day with all the lights, shops, and people during the holiday season. In a large crowd of strangers, family, and friends, Nick took out a small black box. Before he could utter a word Aaliyah said between her teeth, "Get down on one knee". Sometimes she could be quite assertive. Nick complied and Aaliyah quickly took off her glove for Nick to place the ring on her finger.