We started high school together in 2008 and we actually "dated" in ninth grade (if that's what you want to call it.) We went through high school together as good friends but didn't talk much after graduation. We reconnected on April 1, 2019 (via a Happy Birthday snapchat) and that was pretty much it. A few weeks later, we made things "official." We both agreed that we had an instant connection from the start. We knew from the beginning that this would be something special.

On November 2, 2019 we went for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped on the way there and got food for a picnic (chicken fingers obviously) because we've learned from past mistakes to get food BEFORE you get on the Parkway. We stopped at the Visitor's Center and got a map (lesson learned from Kevin's birthday trip) and made our way through the parkway. It was beautiful. The leaves were the perfect color and it was so nice out. We found a spot to pull over away from all the chaos of the 5k or 10k or marathon that was going on that day. We grabbed our food and went back into a trail further off the road. We set out our blankets and enjoyed our picnic. Kevin left his phone (and the ring) in the car, so after we finished eating, he went back to get it (I was obviously a little suspicious.) When Kevin came back, he asked me to go for a walk...but there was really nowhere to go (if you ask him, this was all a ploy to get me to get off the blanket and stand up.) We walked around for a few minutes with really nowhere to go. Kevin let me lead, and a few minutes later got down on one knee and popped the question. I obviously said yes and i'm pretty sure he's upset that I didn't cry. We took some photos, called our family and friends and made our way back through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Now we get to spend forever together and we are both so grateful for each other and the relationship that we share!