As all Miami alum know, Green Beer Day is one of the most renowned holidays on campus. As a Chi Omega and a Chi Psi, there was already a Chi connection between Dominique and Todd - they just didn't know it yet. During the afternoon GBD party, the two met and Todd helped Dominique study for her Marketing exam later that day (like actually helped her review flashcards - get your mind out of the gutter). After her exam, which she aced, the two found themselves at the same evening party. Todd was a gentleman and walked Dominique home to the High Street Casual apartment. Standing on the balcony, watching over the craziness of High Street, Todd leaned in and the two shared their first romantic kiss. To Think That in Such a Place, We Led Such a Life #LoveAndHonor #MiamiMergers
While visiting Todd on his birthday weekend, Dominique courageously brought up the idea of starting a long-distance relationship. Two weeks later on 6/16/16 (How could Todd really have taken that long!?), the glorious relationship of Dominique and Todd began! Two weeks after that during the July 4th holiday, Dominique visited Todd in Chicago for their first full weekend as a couple. Even more importantly, Dominique attended her first Chicago Cubs game, which you all know how important that is on the Kovin side of the relationship.
South of the Equator they go! Dominique is 100% Ecuadorian and her parents grew up in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Todd joined Dominique's family to visit the extended Suarez / Zumarraga family. Dominique's mom, Monica, was "La Priosta" for this trip and hosted a religious ceremony, parade, and party for the entire family! The trip was filled with traditional Ecuadorian attire, food, and fun. Todd got to hone his Spanish-speaking skills and he received one of the best compliments a man can get: he dances like a Latino.
After two+ years of back and forth trips to/from Chicago/Columbus, Dominique moved to Chicago and the couple moved in together to the Gold Coast neighborhood (shout out to our third roommate, Erica - but let's be honest, Todd was the third wheel). Dominique and Todd enjoyed exploring the city, running by the lake, and discovering the joys of cohabitation. Todd planned a romantic date night at his favorite Michelin Star restaurant, Boka, for a fancy duck dinner! (This was also Todd's first Instagram post OMG)
To travel is to live! Dominique and Todd cherish their travels together. Other than Ecuador, they have been to 7 countries together. Whether it was playing La Vie En Rose riding up the Eiffel Tower (thanks Camilla!), finding Nemo in Sydney, summiting Mt. Tongariro, swimming with dolphins, achieving "secret couple" status, or teaching Dominique how to ski, every trip that they have taken together has strengthened their relationship. They have cultivated a passion for travel and creating new memories with each other.
During Christmas of 2019, Todd snuck away to "grab a tissue box and some water" and asked Dominique's parents for their blessing to marry their beautiful daughter. In February 2020, Dominique's and Todd's parents were meeting for the first time. Todd thought this was the perfect time to ask for Dominique's hand in marriage. He even had Camilla and Hannah join for the occasion. Todd picked Dominique up from class and walked her along the lake in Evanston. After successfully getting Dominique to the proposal spot without her seeing her posse, he started his rambling monologue of how much he cared for and loved Dominique (which they both blacked out during). He eventually pulled out the ring, got down on a knee, and proposed to the backpack-and-puffy-jacket-wearing Dominique. Through her tears, she accepted the ring on her finger, but to this day, she technically has not said the magical word "yes".