Gabriella and Joshua crossed paths in 2021 while attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. At that time, Josh was a senior and held the role of student supervisor at the campus gym, while Gabby was a freshman. Their initial encounter took place during Gabby's regular visits to the gym for her runs. Their first date was a blend of studying, watching the Mavericks basketball games, and later eating Whataburger fries together.