Sometimes, love takes a scenic route. For Kenny and Caitlin, it started in 2020 at Copper Creek Golf Club - where Caitlin started working as a server and the Hodges had just recently taken ownership of the business. What began as a friendship - one that Caitlin admittedly kept firmly in the "friend zone" for years - slowly became something much more. Through it all, Kenny took it like a champ, never pushing, never rushing - just being there as a friend. Life has a funny way of showing us what truly matters. When Caitlin moved to California in September of 2022, she found herself missing Kenny in ways she never expected. Every moment, every experience, every thought - she wanted to share it with Kenny. By May of 2023, Caitlin finally told Kenny the truth - she had been blind to something special all along. After some convincing on Caitlin's part, Kenny was cautious yet excited to finally be hearing what he had spent the past 3 years hoping for. With Caitlin in California and Kenny in Iowa, they gradually started texting more, and then texts turned into phone calls, and phone calls turned in to hours of facetiming one another. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Their first official date was nothing short of magic - Caitlin made the last minute decision to fly home for just 24 hours to see Kenny, and together, they spent an unforgettable day surprising friends and family and attending the Iowa State Fair. It was effortless, fun, and full of laughter. Distance couldn't keep them apart. For seven months, they made the most of long weekends together, exploring southern California and trips back home in Iowa spent together for holidays. Every trip, every call, every moment strengthened their love. In February of 2024, they closed the distance for good, moving in together with their beloved dogs, Milo and Frank. Life together was perfect - cooking dinners, watching movies, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family became their favorite traditions. They both knew they wanted to spend forever together, and Kenny knew exactly how he wanted to propose. Without Caitlin suspecting a thing, he designed the ring himself and planned an intimate, meaningful surprise. With the help of family, Caitlin was convinced Kenny's dad Ken Sr, was hosting a semi-formal dinner at Fresko for his business. Thinking nothing of it, Caitlin went along with the plan, believing she and Kenny were just arriving early to help select appetizers and wine for the party. Meanwhile, Kenny slipped away, preparing a breathtaking display of red roses and candles. When Caitlin walked into the room, she found him waiting there, ready to ask her the most important question of his life. It was just the two of them - private, heartfelt, and perfect in every way. Shortly after, their families arrived to celebrate Caitlin and Kenny's engagement. Together, they envision a future built on love, friendship, and unwavering support. They can't wait for the next chapter - starting a family, growing together, and building a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Because in the end, their love story isn't just about romance - it's about a lifelong friendship that became the greatest love of all. Some love stories start fast, and some take their time. But the best ones? They always find their way.