For the Love of Basketball!


Ransom applied to several different sports teams across the country -- but the Chicago Bulls were calling his name. Ransom said goodbye to his friends and family in Seattle and drove himself across the country! Meanwhile, Julia was starting her 2nd season as a Chicago Luvabull.


Ransom and Julia first locked eyes at the Bulls Entertainment Season Kick Off Party. The two continued to see each other at rehearsals and games, however, out of nervousness never talked to each other. Julia traveled in a pack of intimidating dancers everywhere she went, which made talking to Julia extremely tough for Ransom. He didn't to want to misread Julia's eye contact and then jeopardize his new position by flirting with a Luvabull. Julia had to give him a signal, but being shy by nature, her teammates came up with a plan! They were all so sick of Julia fawning over someone she had never spoken to! They needed to act fast. Michelle (current bridemaid & former teammate) stalked him on LinkedIn and reassured Julia that Ransom had his masters degree so he must be pretty smart!
Julia felt better about maybe adding Ransom on social media, but she was still a little nervous. What if he had a girlfriend? What if he never accepts? What if he thinks Julia is weird -- please, no one comment on that last part. Emily (current bridesmaid & former teammate) had a bright idea for ALL of the Luvabulls to add Ransom on instagram at the same time so Julia wouldn't have to do it alone! Teammates really do everything together!
Ransom received 20 notifications from the Luvabulls at the same time, which made him think, maybe they're talking about me. HA - only for a few WEEKS.


Let's jump to Halloween -- Julia and Ransom now follow each other on social media and could now see what the other did on the weekends. Julia had a superstition about eating a Banana before every Bulls game, therefore she WAS a banana for Halloween! It was all over her social media. --- Ransom was ALSO a banana for Halloween! Julia KNEW this was her chance. If Ransom wasn't going to make the first move, then she needed to! Julia's phone was blowing up from all of her teammates to check Ransom's Halloween Instagram story, Julia decided to slide in the DMs. With the help from her two best friends, Rachel (MOH/best best childhood friend) and Anamaria (bridesmaid/college bestie). The group spent a lot of time rehearsing what to say in the DM. Julia finally sent it. Ransom received a DM from Julia and threw his phone across the room. He couldn't believe it. He wasn't imagining all of those looks during rehearsals and games after all!


Julia played it cool, but now the ball was on Ransom's side of the court!


Ransom worked closely with Benny the Bull. During every timeout Ransom would watch one specific Luvabull, and Benny grew tired of Ransom being mesmerized. Ransom brought up Julia every single game, and Benny already told Ransom countless times that Julia was nice! She laughed at Benny's jokes -- and that's what really mattered. Benny knew he had to step up and become a match maker and wingman.


During every game - Benny throws popcorn on fans. Julia was waiting to take the court to dance - but Benny had other plans. Benny brought a Benny the Bull Mask and sought out Julia in the tunnel. Benny put the mask over Julia's head and essentially kidnapped her from the Luvabulls. Julia looked back nervously at her teammates as Benny whisked her away from her pack. The Luvs were smiling ear to ear giving her the thumbs up and saying, GO! GO! Julia didn't want to miss her timeout, but also wanted to see things through with whatever outrageous plan this was. Benny's furry hand took Julia up the stairs into the stands. Julia repeatedly asked, What am I doing? What is going on? I don't want to get in trouble. Benny, unable to talk, turned Julia 180 degrees and there stood Ransom. Ransom (Benny's assistant/Voice for Benny) looked at Julia bright eyed and said, Hi Julia, so Benny wants you to throw the popcorn with him. Julia was amongst screaming fans and could barely hear, but when Ransom opened his mouth; she might as well have heard angels from up above. Julia nodded as she felt incredibly silly talking to her crush in a Benny the Bull Mask. Ransom had no idea Benny spontaneously planned this, but knew he had to run with it! Who knew talking to Julia was somewhat easier when she was in a Benny the Bull mask! He couldn't see her face, but he could see her rock solid 6 pack of abdominal muscle. If this skit didn't go well, she could probably beat him up with her stomach alone. The pressure was on. He repeated, You'll be great! Wait for my signal to throw the popcorn! Julia nodded and kept looking to her giggling teammates.
The beat dropped, Ransom gave the signal, the popcorn flew, and the sparks ignited.
Julia's parents were at the game, and they watched the Jumbotron with shock.
John : Is that Julia in a Benny mask up there?
Laura : I don't know, I don't have my glasses
John : I mean, it kind of looks like her!
Laura : Oh my! THAT IS HER!
Both gasp!


Julia returns to the Luvabull tunnel with shaky hands and an excited smile! The Luvabulls hugged Julia because they KNEW something had to come of this. Maybe a date or at least a normal conversation for goodness sake.


Ransom & Benny wait for Julia near the locker room. Ransom said, Great job! Let me get your number so I can send you the footage I took.
Julia waltzed back into her locker room. Her squad clapped for her as she entered. Julia wasn't expecting a huge gesture from Ransom, but what a way to get a girl's number!


As we all know Ransom's gestures started off strong and just kept getting better and better. If anyone needs reminding, The Viral Proposal made ESPN & Good Morning America.