Colin and Julia grew up one street apart! They always rode the same bus and even shared a bus stop in middle school! Despite always knowing of each other, it wasn't until October 3rd, 2020 that they began chatting (even though many neighbors tried to unite them long before then) and the rest is history! Still in the peak of the pandemic, hanging out with the neighbors was quite common. Julia's brother, Josh, hosted an impromptu firepit party, and Colin showed up in the Bassetts' backyard. Julia (shy of course) stayed inside until a phone call from her brother inviting her to come out to the fire. Colin persuaded Josh to do this! After a little bit of conversation (mostly by Colin) and a failed attempt to get Julia to dance the pretzel with him, he had to get home before curfew (luckily just a 30 second jog!) Julia immediately went to her mom and said she could've talked to Colin all night. Not even 2 minutes later, she received an Instagram DM from him. Gretchen remembers the smile on her face and giddiness clear as day! Less than a week later, Colin picked Julia up in his F-150 for their first date at Gelati Celesti for ice cream! About a year into dating, Julia began school at Roanoke College, and a year after that, Colin started school at Virginia Military Institute (only less than an hour from RC). College was when they discovered their love for hiking, beginning with the famous McAfee Knob. Being rookies to hiking, the only food they brought was one granola bar and a ring pop (foreshadowing??) Fast forward to November 2nd, 2024, they went back to McAfee Knob for a third time where Colin surprised Julia by getting down on one knee at the most photogenic spot on the Appalachian Trail! "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8