Hockey season may be over, but there’s still some time in peak wedding season! Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich announced their engagement on Tuesday, Aug. 18, a little more than a year and a half after they first started dating. In honor of their happy news, Us Weekly is taking a look back at their whirlwind romance, starting with their first meeting in 2013. Take a look below!
December 2013: Hough and Laich are introduced by a mutual pal, Teddy Sears, who worked with the Dancing With the Stars alum on the movie Curve.
Feb. 15, 2014: The Rock of Ages actress and the Washington Capitals player unofficially debut their budding romance with a PDA-filled date at the Happiest Place on Earth, aka Disneyland, where they’re spotted kissing and holding hands.
“They’re having fun,” a source tells Us Weekly two days later. Adds another insider, “She’s happier than ever.”
Feb. 18, 2014: After a few blissful days together in L.A., Laich leaves to rejoin his teammates. Undeterred by the presence of photographers at the airport, the two share a romantic kiss before saying goodbye.
Feb. 19, 2014: Laich confirms their relationship in an interview with Washington, D.C., radio station 106.7 The Fan.
“I don’t want to get into a whole lot of it. I’m kind of shy on my personal life. But she’s a cool, cool gal,” he says. “She’s just a sweetheart, very loving, very giving. She puts so much great out into the world. I’m a pretty lucky guy.”
May 3, 2014: The lovebirds double date with Hough’s brother, Derek, and his then-hookup Nikki Reed (who has since married Ian Somerhalder). After hitting up O.A.R.’s record release party at the Troubadour in L.A., they make their way to the Sayers Club to celebrate DWTS alum Cheryl Burke‘s 30th birthday.
“[Laich] was the life of the party,” an onlooker tells Us, noting that the athlete was “constantly dancing and making jokes.”
May 10, 2014: Hough and her beau put on their designer best and head to the Open Hearts Foundation Gala in Malibu, Calif. Laich cuts a trim figure in a sharp blue suit, while the Safe Haven actress rocks an asymmetrical, form-fitting white frock.
“I had one foot out because I didn’t want to get hurt. And I didn’t say what was on my mind because I didn’t want to ruffle any feathers…Now I’m not holding anything back, because I’d rather get my heart broken than never know what it is to be completely, madly in love,” she says. “If I had been this open in my last relationship, who knows?”
Of Laich, she adds, “We’ve been open and honest from day one.”
Dec. 3, 2014: Hough posts a photo of Laich and her dogs on Instagram, referring to them as the “loves of [her] life.” She also congratulates the NHL star — whom she calls “sweetheart” — on scoring a goal for the Capitals.
Dec. 31, 2014: The dancing pro accompanies Laich to the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Practice Day, where they take a few spins around the ice rink and even try their hand at a figure skating lift or two.
June 2015: The two celebrate Laich’s 32nd birthday with a “fun family day at the lake in Atlanta.” Hough later posts a collage of photos showing them soaking up the sun and paddleboarding with her dogs.
Aug. 18, 2015: Hough and Laich announce via Instagram that they’re engaged. “We are overwhelmed with joy and excitement to share with you our recent engagement!” she captions a photo of herself gazing at he ring and embracing her hubby-to-be.
