It all started in sixth grade gym class, where fate—and a well-meaning teacher—had us standing next to each other during roll call. Alphabetical order brought us together, but it didn’t take long for us to make our own connection. Between dodgeball games and awkward middle school dance practices, we spent most of our time getting in trouble for being “too chatty.” (To be fair, we had a lot to say!) Our teachers called it “flirting,” but we just called it fun. Over the years, that friendship grew into something so much more. Who knew gym class could be the start of a lifetime partnership? Turns out, love really can happen anywhere—even in sneakers.

One of our favorite places in the world is a spot we call the “phone booth” at Reynolds—a beautiful overlook with just enough cell service to check in with the world, but far enough away to feel like it’s just ours. We’ve taken countless pictures there over the years, so when Ben suggested we head up to the view with Kyle during a deer hunting trip, I thought nothing of it. When we arrived, Kyle offered to snap another picture of us. But as I got ready to smile for the camera, Ben suddenly dropped to one knee. I was completely shocked! In that perfect moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and a place so special to us, he asked me to be his forever. Spoiler alert: I said yes! We couldn’t stop smiling, and now we’ll always have a picture—and a memory—that captures the start of our greatest adventure yet.