Though a bitterly cold January night in Richmond is hardly the typical setting for the start of a heartwarming love story, naturally, such was the scene for Zach and Nicole.

In the months leading into that fateful January night, Nicole was hard at work preparing for her second legislative session working for a member of the Virginia General Assembly, blissfully unaware of what was to come. Meanwhile, Zach, smitten by Nicole's strident social media profile and radiant beauty, was hard at work scheming up a plan to have at least a chance to shoot his shot with her.

Despite preferring to yank out his own teeth with a set of pliers than work in the halls of government, Zach agreed to work that January's legislative session in Richmond for a different member, all with the hopes of having a chance at winning Nicole's love.

Luckily for Zach, two of Nicole's close friends in Richmond connected them (shout-out to Jennie and Martha) and so within a few hours of the start of the legislative session, Zach and Nicole met in person for the first time.

For Zach, it was love at first sight.

For Nicole, it was a realization that Zach was, in fact, not as short as some of the pictures on his Facebook page might lead one to believe.

Within a week, the two became inseparable.

The following week, Zach had the chance for his first kiss. Nicole had offered to drive Zach back to his hotel in Richmond after spending an evening together with colleagues. After the two pulled up out front, Zach leaned in for what Nicole thought was going to be a kiss...

Instead, Zach awkwardly and clumsily turned it into a hug.

Disappointed, the two of them awkwardly said goodbye. But just as Zach had closed the car door and turned to walk into the hotel (grimacing as he bathed in the awkward stew of the failed first kiss), he heard a thump.... thump... thump thump thump as Nicole drove off.

Thanks to his good upbringing, Zach immediately knew Nicole had a flat tire, and texted her to alert her, to which Nicole replied, "...my tire pressure is reading normal but... thanks..."

The next morning, after receiving a picture from Nicole of the flat tire, Zach knew it was his time to shine. Dressed in a three-piece suit, with a nice camel overcoat and leather gloves, Zach sprung into action. Without removing any of his dress clothes and only removing one leather glove, Zach managed to save the day and change Nicole's flat tire... only to discover, in classic Nicole fashion, the spare tire was also flat.

Long story short, they figured out how to deal with the tires (another shout-out to Martha), Nicole took Zach to lunch, and later that evening, Zach took Nicole on arguably their first "real" date. (Yes, Zach got the kiss that night.)

A few days later, they went on what was unquestionably a "real date," which was, in classic Nicole and Zach fashion, an afternoon at the Edgar Allen Poe Museum.

And from there, Nicole and Zach have continued to fall deeply in love with each other—grounded by their shared political interests, love of literature, as well their mutual vision for an off-the-beaten-path life... together.

As it became clear to them that this was going to be forever, they started seriously talking about marriage.

First, talking in hypotheticals, then joking about dates, and eventually kicking around the idea of shopping for rings. The idea soon turned into a reality.

When Zach finally took Nicole to "just look" at rings, in classic Nicole fashion, she fell in love with literally the first ring she tried on.

Ever the showman, Zach hatched a plan for the engagement. The date: Friday, July 4... a perfectly unforgettable engagement anniversary. The location: Roslyn Farm, the bucolic "last farm in Charlottesville." The players: friends to film and photograph the event, horseback riding campers to hold signs. The cover story for visiting Roslyn: to discuss potential wedding plans with the proprietors.

Ever the showman, Zach had kept the secret for weeks (though his instructions to Nicole to bring a dress to wear that weekend had somewhat tipped his hand).

However, in classic Zach fashion, his penchant for mumbling nonsense while falling asleep betrayed the plan. While he was losing consciousness while they were speaking the night before, Nicole asked Zach something about his parents, to which he replied, "they want to know if it is still on for tomorrow."

"If WHAT is still on for tomorrow? The engagement??" Nicole excitedly inquired.

Sitting up as though struck by lightening, Zach was immediately aroused from his stupor. Realizing his horrific mistake, he sprung into action.

Employing another set of friends, Zach tricked Nicole into thinking that the engagement was actually going to be at the 4th of July party to be held at Jesse Rutherford's house later in the evening on the 4th.

The ploy worked, as you can see by clicking here.

And from there, its been full steam ahead.

These brief vignettes, though poignant and moving, significantly understate the depth of their love and devotion to each other.

Whether it is going on walks, playing Boggle for an hour longer than they intended (mainly because Zach just can't stand losing every single game to her), spending time together at the beach or in the mountains, or just cuddling up clutching a fresh cup of coffee, these two share a love that is the envy of many a couple.

And they look forward to giving you a glimpse of that love, and making you a part of their story on December 13th.