The two connected first when their eyes met at an event to honor the life of Blaine's best friend, Ethan Williams at the Arsenal Skatepark in 2021.

In 2022, Blaine had to temporarily move in with his parents due to a house fire. Vivien moved back to Indiana that same year from Arizona. She thought of Blaine often, not only did she find him beautiful but in a way she understood the tragedy he experienced. Blaine admired her tenderness and zest for adventure.

The two began spending lots and lots of time together — watching Breaking Bad, drinking coffee, making art, talking and building their little family of cats.

By the end of 2023, they were working together at a catering company, then at a restaurant, where their bond strengthened. They decided they wanted to get married.

In January of 2025 they began restoring a 1916 home in Garfield Park with lots of help from family, they replaced plumbing, made repairs-- removing wallpaper, painting, gardening and much more.

They had Vivien's grandmother, Terri's wedding rings and Blaine's mother Lori's jewelry made into an engagement ring. They both proposed formally in April of 2025.

Blaine is progressing in a career in wood working — building furniture at a company on the south side of Indianapolis, just a few blocks from their home. Vivien is working at Indianapolis Animal Care Services while pursuing a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in environmental sustainability.

Photos: Esther Boston Photography