On October 19, 2024, Nicole was out at Recess Bar in Denver with her friend Blaine—slightly frazzled after her car had been hit earlier that evening and mid–test run of blue contacts for an upcoming Halloween costume. Meanwhile, Gabby was there with friends celebrating a bachelor party, a few drinks in and trying to work up the courage to say hello to the girl with the unforgettable eyes.

With a little help from his friend Alex, who boldly tapped Nicole on the shoulder and said, “Have you met Gabby?” before disappearing into the crowd, fate stepped in. Gabby followed up with a compliment about Nicole’s eyes—earning a laugh (and a knowing look between Nicole and her friend). What he thought might be the end of his shot turned into hours of easy conversation, laughter, and an unexpected connection.

Before the night ended, Nicole did something neither of them saw coming—she asked Gabby out. He happily said yes, and a few nights later they went on their first date, where the conversation flowed just as effortlessly as it had that first night at the bar.

What started with blue contacts, a bachelor party, and a little bit of nervous bravery turned into something real—and the rest, as they say, is history.