I think we can all agree that a first date that includes ice cream will always end well, right? Well, that’s how Nicole and Braden spent their first official date, anyway, and they are now engaged to be married this January in Nicole’s hometown of The Woodlands, Texas. These two had known each other since their freshman year through their respective sorority and fraternity at the University of Oklahoma. Braden even once paid for Nicole’s dinner while they were out with friends — she says that was her first clue that there might be something more to their relationship than just a friendship. So when Braden asked her out for ice cream during their sophomore year, it didn’t come as a big surprise.

The big surprise, however, came later, when these two returned to campus this past January and visited OU’s Memorial Union Courtyard. This is a significant location on campus for many students, as it’s home to engraved pavers that are personalized with alumni names. Nicole and Braden went to find their own pavers, when, to her surprise, directly above them, cemented into the ground, were two additional stones with the words “WILL YOU” and “MARRY ME ” etched inside of them. Now when they return to campus, they will have a permanent reminder of this special place and be able to share the location with friends and family for generations to come.

Braden currently resides in Virginia where Nicole will move after the big day as these two just closed on their first home. Washington, DC marks a new phase in their lives, which is why they wanted to incorporate into love story, just as they did with OU for the proposal. I feel so honored to have been able to document a small part of this special couple’s lives and cannot wait to watch the rest of their story unfold.